GIVB Ltd, a joint venture between Sundial Properties Ltd and aparthotel operator Destiny Scotland Ltd, has had its application to convert 17 George IV Bridge into a nine-unit aparthotel approved by councillors.

Built back in 1860 by Patrick Wilson, the building is three storeys above the bridge and five in total, with a further two fronting Merchant Street

The application only relates to the upper floors, with the ground floor shops and businesses not impacted.

Under the plans, the attic level will also have alterations made to the roof to allow for the creation of a viewing point and sliding glass doors opening up onto a specially-made terrace.

“The proposal is to convert the first and second floors of the building from office space to an aparthotel,” the developer said in a statement. “The current internal layout will be reconfigured to form nine self-contained units, all accessed from the original staircase.

“Designed by Patrick Wilson and completed in 1860, the building was constructed to house the Protestant Institute of Scotland.

“The building was intended to provide shops on the ground floor, warehouses below, and well-lit lecture hall, library, and offices above.

“Currently the upper storeys of the building is occupied by the Faculty of Advocates, who use the building as office accommodation.

“The lower stories are occupied by the Vittoria Group, with the restaurant Vittoria’s on the ground and lower basement level and the wine bar Divino Enoteca occupying the lower levels terminating at Merchant Street.

“The Faculty of Advocates will soon be departing the upper levels making way for the proposals.”

Recommended the application for approval ahead of the decision by councillors, planning officers said the proposals would be acceptable in that they would comply with the relevant policies contained within the National Planning Framework 4 and retain city centre diversity and vitality.