St James Quarter


St James Quarter is a large galleria retail shopping centre and residential development in the centre of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is situated in the east end of the New Town.

History

The site is built on the site of the St. James Centre which closed in October 2016 and the adjoining New St Andrew House office, which was formerly occupied by the Scottish Office.
The retail centre opened on 24 June 2021.
On 29 September 2022, HRH Princess Royal officially opened the development.
In October 2025, it was announced that St James Quarter would be rebranded under the Westfield brand in 2026, after Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield purchased a 25% stake in the shopping centre, they would also take over management duties.

Constitute sections

Retail galleria

The new shopping centre makes space for of retail space, with the neighbouring John Lewis & Partners store being the shopping centre's anchor. The retail centre has a capacity of 80 units, alongside an Everyman Cinema and the food hall Bonnie & Wild. The W Hotel and Roomzzz Aparthotel opened in 2023.

W Hotel

opened the 12-storey hotel in Winter 2023.

Transportation

The development is situated close to Edinburgh Waverley railway station, Edinburgh Bus Station and the Edinburgh Trams stops at St Andrew Square & Picardy Place. There are also multiple bus stops close by.

Controversies

The "Ribbon Hotel" has proven controversial amongst residents of Edinburgh and the media, due to its perceived resemblance to both the poo emoji and a Walnut Whip. This led in 2015 to inspectors being sent from UNESCO, regarding its potential impact on Edinburgh's skyline and its World Heritage Site status.