image for illustration: EugenStoica, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Historic architectural features inside the fire-hit former Debenhams building in Edinburgh city centre, including an ornate Victorian library, are feared to have been destroyed, reports The Edinburgh Evening News.
The Edinburgh Evening News writes:
Structural engineers assessing the burnt-out property have warned that at least the top two floors will likely have to be demolished… also … sparked calls for a full restoration of the historic building, with conservation body Edinburgh World Heritage stating it is ‘imperative’ that as much of the original structure as possible is retained.
The Scottish Liberal Club, which once owned the property, has urged Historic Environment Scotland, the Cockburn Society and the City of Edinburgh Council to ‘work together towards restoring these historic buildings’…
First opening its doors as the Palace Hotel in 1869, the building spent much of its pre-Debenhams days as the Scottish Liberal Club…
… the building retained much of its Victorian grandeur, including an ornate entrance hall, elaborate ceiling plasterwork, and the historic library…
