An international collaboration led by US-based design practice wHY and including Edinburgh-based design studio GRAS, has won the competition to revitalise West Princes Street Gardens. <br />  <br /> The announcement was made today (1st August, 2017) by the Ross Development Trust.  The £25M project, in collaboration with the City of Edinburgh Council, will include a new Ross Pavilion, set to become one of the most exciting performance spaces in the World.<br />  <br /> The five-month search for an outstanding team for the £25m Ross Pavilion and West Princes Street Gardens project attracted first-stage submissions from 125 teams (made up of 400 firms) from 22 different countries. <br /> <br /> At the competition's second stage, seven shortlisted teams produced concept designs for a new landmark Pavilion; a visitor centre with café; and improvements to the surrounding Gardens. The new Pavilion will provide a flexible platform for the imaginative arts and cultural programming that Edinburgh excels in, and allow visitors and residents to engage with a variety of events all year round.<br /> <br /> Norman Springford, competition Jury Chair, was delighted with the whole process.  He said: 'As is always the case with initiatives of this size and stature, the jury had a hard job!  We are confident however that we have a winning concept that embodies an imaginative ensemble landscape approach, creating a wonderful stage for our iconic Edinburgh Castle.  In addition, the design concept offers a creative energy and a series of unique elements which will all combine to create a new and contemporary landscape.<br /> <br /> 'We thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the shortlisted teams and understanding each approach.  However with wHY, they demonstrated an impressive collaboration which respects and enhances the historical context and backdrop of the Castle and the City, whilst creating new heritage and increasing the green space within the Gardens.  All of which were key aspects for us all and respected the importance of the space wit
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