Plans to turn Edinburgh offices into 'nurturing' play centre for children
Edinburgh offices could be transformed into a children's play centre under new plans.
Developers have submitted an application to Edinburgh Council relating to the unit at 34-36 Argyle Place in Marchmont, which has lain empty for several years. It was previously operated by Combinico Limited.
Previously two seperate shops, the units were constructed in the Victorian period. Should plans go through, Play Works Edinburgh say the business would operate between 9 and 4pm - though have highlighted that it is 'not a soft play centre'.
They've said there will be no loud music, video screens or 'staff dressed up to provide comic entertainment'. The service will provide early learning for children under school age, who will be accompanied by and interacting with their parents.
Play Works Edinburgh have said it is 'highly unlikely' that daily operations will generate noise or anti-social behaviour. They've said customers are expected to arrive on foot from the neighbouring areas.
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Developers also believe the plans will 'not result in detriment to those already living nearby'. Describing the plans in the application, developers said: "Although the proposed use falls within Class 11 (Assembly & Leisure) it is not a 'soft play' centre.
"Those are indoor play areas (often crowded) with slides, pits, climbing structures etc, equipment padded with soft materials to prevent injury from physical exertion. There will not be any loud music, video screens or staff dressed up to provide comic entertainment.
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"The Applicant offers a 'early learning' service for children under school age, accompanied by, and interacting with their parent(s). The layout shows various, gated, specific activity areas/spaces that create a safe, calm, caring and nurturing environment for young children to interact and experience." Plans are yet to be approved.
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5 hours ago
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Plans to turn Edinburgh offices into 'nurturing' play centre for children
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Edinburgh offices could be transformed into a children's play centre under new plans. Developers have submitted an application to Edinburgh Council relating to the unit at 34-36 Argyle Place in Marchmont, which has lain empty for several years. It was previously operated by Combinico Limited. Previously two seperate shops, the units were constructed in the Victorian period. Should plans go through, Play Works Edinburgh say the business would operate between 9 and 4pm - though have highlighted that it is 'not a soft play centre'. They've said there will be no loud music, video screens or 'staff dressed up to provide comic entertainment'. The service will provide early learning for children under school age, who will be accompanied by and interacting with their parents. Play Works Edinburgh have said it is 'highly unlikely' that daily operations will generate noise or anti-social behaviour. They've said customers are expected to arrive on foot from the neighbouring areas. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Developers also believe the plans will 'not result in detriment to those already living nearby'. Describing the plans in the application, developers said: "Although the proposed use falls within Class 11 (Assembly & Leisure) it is not a 'soft play' centre. "Those are indoor play areas (often crowded) with slides, pits, climbing structures etc, equipment padded with soft materials to prevent injury from physical exertion. There will not be any loud music, video screens or staff dressed up to provide comic entertainment. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. "The Applicant offers a 'early learning' service for children under school age, accompanied by, and interacting with their parent(s). The layout shows various, gated, specific activity areas/spaces that create a safe, calm, caring and nurturing environment for young children to interact and experience." Plans are yet to be approved.
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When the two-bedroom, two-bathroom property in West Hampstead, London, was relisted in January, the estate agent swiftly organised 12 viewings and, merely 10 days later, three offers materialised resulting in a best and final offer matching the asking price. For Kathryn, it proved an enormous relief as she wished to finalise the sale before the Stamp Duty alterations in April and believes she might still be in limbo had it not been for ThePropertyStagers making the flat distinctive in the RightMove photographs. She said: "We wouldn't have had that much interest had the flat not been staged, because it made each of the rooms stand out in the photos we used on RightMove. "There were lots of similar flats on the market but mine really stood out, which I don't think it would have done without the staging. It just took it to another level. It was worth every penny. 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"I was nervous of Capital Gains Tax rising in October so I was desperately trying to sell it pre-budget and it just wouldn't, so I realised I was going to have to bite the bullet and renovate it myself." Following a £55,000 renovation, Kathryn believed the flat appeared fantastic but felt hollow and stark. She brought in ThePropertyStagers for assistance and the property was snapped up within 10 days for £625,000. The staging dramatically boosted its attractiveness, especially on RightMove, leading to its rapid sale. Kathryn explained: "I was aware of property staging, and the flat looked really sad and empty, so I contacted a couple of companies, one of which was ThePropertyStagers and I really liked their responsiveness and I warmed to what they said they were going to do for me. "The flat was also partially furnished because I kept some of the furniture in case it didn't sell again and I needed to re-rent it. They were very flexible, working around my furniture, which was very helpful. "When you've spent so much on renovating, an extra few thousand wasn't an issue. The difference when I walked in after they'd staged it, it was like a different flat. It was unbelievable what they did!". Liv, who secured The UK Young Entrepreneur of the Year title in 2019 after launching ThePropertyStagers at just 16, explains that preparing a property for sale differs vastly from how individuals actually live in their homes. The crew at ThePropertyStagers, which has secured 13 accolades both nationally and internationally, employs decorative items including wall art and ornaments to enhance a home's' desirability. Liv disclosed that, when it comes to flogging a property, it's all about keeping to neutral shades, decluttering and introducing splashes of colour, texture and pattern through soft furnishings. Liv said: "Property staging can make the difference between a home not selling, and being sold in just days - I've seen it happen so many times. Viewers want to imagine themselves living in the space, so if it's empty or decorated too personally, it becomes more difficult. "ThePropertyStagers staged the kitchen and dining area with bright accessories, bold artwork, a cosy rug, as well as oversized vases, and giant mirrors. "We also set up the dining table with crockery, and added colourful cushions on the sofas. In the two bedrooms, we dressed the double beds, adding blankets, lamps, vases and artwork. The overall effect hugely complements the flat, creating a warm, luxurious vibe, which obviously did the trick as it sold in just 10 days!". TEDx speaker Liv, who now resides in Marbella, also operates StagerBoss - mentoring other women on how to build successful home-staging enterprises to seven figures. She explained that in order to flog a house in today's market, the décor needs to be eye-catching and grab a prospective buyer's notice. Kathryn added: "The staging made it stand out. It did look good before, but it had my old furniture in there, and they dressed that furniture and made it look really good. I just don't think I would have had the same level of interest in the property without their services. "I'm buying another flat in the same area to renovate and stage for sale again. I will be using the same team - including The Property Stagers - as it's a winning team for me!".
