Seven architects have been shortlisted to replace the historical Ross Bandstand in Edinburgh.

An international design competition was launched earlier this year to find architects and designers to help deliver the £25 million project.

Entries have been received from 125 teams across 22 countries, made up of 400 individual firms.

Seven finalists have now been revealed to progress to the final stage of the competition, which includes creating concept designs for a new landmark venue to replace the bandstand, a visitor centre and subtle updates to West Princes Street Gardens.

The successful architects are as follows;

• Adjaye Associates (UK)

• BIG Bjarke Ingels Group (Denmark)

• Flanagan Lawrence (UK)

• Page \ Park Architects (UK)

• Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter (Norway)

• wHY (USA)

• William Matthews Associates (UK) and Sou Fujimoto Architects (Japan)


In addition, the news follows the appointment of writer Alexander McCall Smith CBE FRSE and architect Ada Yvars to the Ross Development Trust's design competition jury.

The finalists will be invited to visit the site in April and will have until June to produce their concept designs.

Cllr Richard Lewis said: "The response to the competition's first stage affirms the worldwide interest in Edinburgh and its association with the arts. Scotland's capital is renowned as the World's Festival City and the home of culture - and designers clearly want to be part of its future.

"The brief at stage two asks for a serious piece of architecture but one that's also celebratory – it will be fascinating to see what concepts the teams produce."

Trust Chairman and Competition Jury Chair, Norman Springford, said: "We were absolutely delighted by the response of designers from around the world to the competition's first stage. The quality of the 125 teams on the long list sent a strong signal that the international design community regards this as an inspirational project for Edinburgh that has huge potential to reinvigorate this prestigious site.

"We're thrilled that our final shortlist achieved a balance of both international and UK talent, emerging and established studios. Now the teams will have 11 weeks to do their concept designs – and we're looking forward to seeing these and sharing them with the public."

A public and digital exhibition will be held by the Ross Development Trust this summer to showcase their concept designs and to receive local feedback, with a winner expected to be confirmed in August 2017.

(LM/CD)