The Scotsman

Work is set to start next summer on a £20 million scheme to build nightclubs, bars, restaurants, offices and shops on the fire-hit Cowgate site. Developers have been invited to submit bids for the major project, which is also expected to include flats above South Bridge, before a planning application is submitted early next year. The joint-owners of the site said the project could be completed as early as the summer of 2007. It marks a major step forward for plans to breathe new life into the landmark site following the completion of an economic appraisal study to explore development options earlier this year. City leaders were adamant in the aftermath of the December 2002 blaze that the site was to be redeveloped sooner rather than later. Award-winning city architect Malcolm Fraser, who designed Dance Base in the Grassmarket, has already delivered early sketches of the proposed scheme to the joint-owners as work progresses on the final design.