Crown Estate open to talks on upgrading stores

THE Crown Estate, the company that manages the Queen's land and property in the UK, has said it presently has no plans to refurbish the two properties it owns on Princes Street.

It owns the Game store at number 127 and the neighbouring Waterstone's at number 128.

But it said today that it had not had contact from the city council about plans to rejuvenate the street and develop selected blocks.

The Crown Estate did, however, say it was willing to have a conversation with council officials about whether it could contribute to the plans.

A spokeswoman for the Crown Estate said: "We haven't been approached by Edinburgh City Council with any plans for regeneration. The buildings we own have tenants in them and they do utilise the upper floors as well.

"We would be delighted to meet with them if that is something they would like to do."

A spokeswoman for the city council said: "We would be keen to enter into discussions with anyone who has an interest in Princes Street."