One of Edinburgh’s retail institutions is likely to relocate as plans are lodged to transform Wonderland Models into two restaurants.
The business has been in Lothian Road since 1972 and its owner is keen for it to remain a fixture in the retail landscape by moving elsewhere in the city.
It has gained a global following and become one of the biggest online model retailers in the UK.
Managing director Iain Reid said: “For over 50 years, our bespoke range of paints to modelling kits have captured the minds of families. Not a day goes by when we do not see parents bringing their children in for the first time, just as their mums and dads did with them.
“Wonderland Models has been established as one of Scotland’s leading model shops for over 50 years, and as part of our future planning, we are investigating the option of turning the properties in our current location into restaurants with the model shop business potentially relocating elsewhere. We are currently exploring several options as part of this process.
“Lothian Road has changed beyond recognition… with many retail shops closing to be replaced by food and beverage outlets and the number of office workers – many now working just 3 days per week in the office – similarly declining since the Covid pandemic. This has resulted in a substantial decline in foot traffic.
“It is critical to note to our loyal customers this is an exploratory move. It’s business as usual for us and will remain that way for the foreseeable future. If a change does come, you can rest assured we will still be a fixture in the capital.
“Wonderland Models remains utterly committed to our customers. We’re a unique shop in the Edinburgh retail landscape, and we are enormously grateful to our customers who have given us their business, love, and loyalty for over half a century.”
George Street revamp approved
The City of Edinburgh Council’s transport and environment committee has approved a plan to pedestrianise George Street.
Transport and environment convener councillor Stephen Jenkinson said he was “really pleased” the committee had taken the decision to move forward with the project.
“The project is rooted in making the area safer, more sustainable and accessible for all,” he said. “This is a unique opportunity to bring one of Edinburgh’s most important streets into the modern world whilst still maintaining its unique history and features.”
Construction is due to begin in autumn 2027 and is expected to last two years, followed by a further one-year “defect period”.
Currently, the plan is to fund the bulk of the project’s price tag through grants from various public bodies, and possibly use some money from the city’s upcoming visitor levy.
She said: “Here we are again, talking about George Street, we’ve been talking for nearly 11 years now, the elephant in the room is that we still don’t have any money, and are reliant on applying to third parties and having this money granted to us before we can put a shovel in the ground.
“I think the position we’ve got to, looking at the wider financial situation across the council, Scotland, and the UK, is we’ve no money, and we need to look at what money we have, and what we can do.”
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