AN Edinburgh hotel that ploughs profits into improving surgical standards around the world is to undergo a £8.5 million expansion.
Ten Hill Place – operated by the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) – is adding 52 rooms to its current total of 77, following record occupancy numbers.
It will see renovation of the neighbouring Hill Place buildings, also owned by the RCSEd, which are primarily used as offices and by academics.
The hotel posted record turnover of £2.69m in its last full financial year to the end of May, helped by its impressive 88 per cent occupancy rate, partly fuelled by positive online reviews.
Scott Mitchell, RCSEd commercial director, said: “The tireless and inspiring work of the team involved with Ten Hill Place has given us this great opportunity to grow.
“In turn, our expansion will give us a greater platform to generate the profits that go directly towards improving lives for surgical patients all around the world – including those in areas of conflict and extreme poverty. As the number of visitors to Edinburgh has soared, we have been able to tap into the market and develop our reputation – meaning that the hotel is now busy all year round.
“Having initially targeted visiting academics, medical professionals and delegates to conferences, our customer base is now especially varied – especially during festival season and Hogmanay.”
RCSEd Commercial Enterprises – which has grown to 140 people after starting with just three – will also rebrand as Surgeons Quarter to mark its expansion.
Full branding is expected to be complete by summer next year to coincide with the conclusion of the work at the hotel, which will also see its successful restaurant and wine bar expanded, along with the provision of space for a gym.
The RCSEd is one of the most august institutions in Scotland, providing education and assessment for medical students, surgical trainees and consultants.
It also supports research to advance care standards for the future. Surgeons trained and assessed through the college take their life-saving and life-changing skills all over the world.
Its Commercial Enterprises promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities within the college campus, which includes the arts and conferencing venue Surgeons’ Hall.
All profits support the college’s charitable aims of education, assessment and advancement in surgery.
As part of the rebrand of commercial activities, the collection of buildings situated around the historic Hill Square will also fall under the Surgeons Quarter banner.
Mitchell added: “We are hopeful that the expansion will enable the hotel to deliver its full potential, furthering what we already currently provide, our food and drinks offerings, assisting our charitable aims and boosting tourism and hospitality jobs in Edinburgh.”
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