bbc.com
Jenners' £1 Billion Revamp: Hotel, Rooftop Bar, and Restored Facade
Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen's £1 billion renovation of Edinburgh's Jenners department store, which began in 2021 and will complete in 2024, will include a hotel, cafe and rooftop bar, restoring the Victorian facade and creating 10,000 sq m of extra space.
- What is the scope and impact of the Jenners department store renovation project on Edinburgh?
- Jenners, Edinburgh's iconic department store, is undergoing a three-year, £1 billion revamp led by owner Anders Holch Povlsen. The project includes converting 10,000 sq m of unused upper levels into a hotel and cafe, and restoring the Victorian facade and 1966 extension. A rooftop bar and private terrace will be added.
- How is the renovation addressing both the preservation of Jenners' historical features and its modernization?
- The renovation aims to restore Jenners to its former glory, addressing disrepair and incorporating unused space. This revitalization project will likely boost tourism and create jobs while preserving a historic landmark. The use of a crane for removing fixtures and fittings highlights the scale of the operation.
- What are the long-term economic and cultural implications of this extensive renovation project for Edinburgh?
- The project's scale and attention to detail suggest a significant investment in Edinburgh's tourism infrastructure, potentially attracting high-spending visitors. The incorporation of a hotel and rooftop bar modernizes the store while respecting its historical significance, potentially shaping future department store renovations.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a largely positive framing of the renovation project, highlighting the ambition and scale of the undertaking and emphasizing the return to "former glory." The inclusion of the "Harrods of the north" description contributes to this positive framing. While the fire and death are mentioned, the overall tone remains focused on the positive aspects of the redevelopment.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and factual, reporting on the renovation process without strong emotional connotations. The use of phrases like "return to its former glory" leans toward a positive assessment, but it's not overtly biased.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the renovation process and the building's history, but omits discussion of the impact of the 2023 fire on the renovation plans or any potential challenges it presented. It also doesn't address the potential economic implications of the renovation project for the local community or the broader city of Edinburgh. The article also doesn't mention any potential concerns from preservationists regarding the renovation.
Gender Bias
The article features mostly male voices, namely the managing director and a firefighter who died in the fire. While Angie Brown, the reporter, is female, her role is not explicitly highlighted. The article does not exhibit overt gender bias in its language, but a more balanced representation of voices would be beneficial.
Sustainable Development Goals
The renovation of Jenners department store in Edinburgh involves restoring a historical landmark, creating a hotel and cafe, and improving the building's infrastructure. This contributes to sustainable urban development by preserving cultural heritage, boosting local tourism and employment, and enhancing the city's aesthetic appeal. The project also seems to prioritize sustainable practices by carefully removing and replacing fixtures and fittings, rather than causing unnecessary waste.