12th May 2025 By
Clark Contracts has been appointed to complete the refurbishment of 11-13 South St Andrews Street in Edinburgh City Centre to create a new capsule hotel for TARKA.
Situated just off St Andrew Square, TARKA said the facility draws inspiration from Japan’s popular capsule hotel concept but reimagines the model for a UK audience, prioritising “comfortable yet compact capsules with a contemporary feel”.
The project involves retrofitting a vacant mixed-use building that previously held various uses, including a job centre, office and retail space.
The new hotel will feature 242 beds over seven stories, including a rooftop Japanese restaurant and bar with views of Calton Hill, Edinburgh Castle, and the Firth of Forth.
The project is led by architect and principal designer Studio LBA, in collaboration with project management and quantity surveying from Axiom Project Services, interior designer studio S+CO, civil and structural engineer Narro, planning consultants Derek Scott Planning, M&E engineer Parrish Consultancy, fire engineer OFR Consultants, and acoustic engineer RMP.
James Scott, founder of TARKA Hotels, said: “TARKA was born from our experiences staying in capsule hotels during visits to Japan—trips that sparked a real passion to bring this modern, affordable accommodation concept to the UK.
“We aim to redefine the traditional hostel by offering quiet, private pods that strike the perfect balance between the cost-efficiency of hostels and the comfort and design of modern hotels. TARKA is built with urban travellers, tourists, and business guests in mind—prioritising affordability, central locations, and sleek, smart design.”
Gerry Cummins, Director of Clark Contracts added "We’re excited to be partnering with TARKA on this landmark hotel project in the heart of Edinburgh and are thrilled to be growing our hospitality portfolio with such a high-profile development. We look forward to collaborating closely with TARKA and the design team to deliver an outstanding facility."
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