New vision for Edinburgh’s George Street unveiled

Concept designs for the transformation of Edinburgh’s historic George Street have been unveiled.

The concept design for George Street has been progressed by a design team led by Tetra Tech with LDA Landscape Design.

It follows several years of development and engagement to refine design objectives with the public and stakeholders, including community councils and heritage, business, walking, cycling and accessibility groups.

In February and March further engagement will take place with key groups, while the public will be able to see the design for themselves and tell us how they might enjoy a revitalised George Street.

Feedback gathered during these months will inform a final iteration of the design proposal before being brought to Transport and Environment Committee in April. The required statutory processes under which the scheme will be constructed would begin this summer.

The improvements are being delivered as part of a coordinated package of projects under Edinburgh City Centre Transformation.

This includes the forthcoming Meadows to George Street and City Centre West to East Link schemes, which will transform walking, wheeling and cycling routes and connections across the city centre.

These schemes also support the City Mobility Plan, a ten-year strategy to overhaul transport and mobility in the Capital to deliver a sustainable, net zero carbon and inclusive future.

‘These animated concept designs offer an exciting glimpse into what George Street and the surrounding area could look like in 2025 – a welcoming, relaxing and unique space, where people will want to spend time, to visit local shops, cafes and restaurants and to travel to and through the city centre,’ said transport and environment convener, Cllr Lesley Macinnes.

‘This vision has been years in the making and follows significant engagement with the public and a range of groups representing different interests. It’s essential that its design works for everyone, which is why we’ve spent time ensuring it meets people’s access needs, that it allows residents to go about their daily lives and that it will encourage local businesses to flourish, particularly as we look to make a strong, green recovery from the Covid crisis.’

A video of the proposed changes can be viewed here.

Photo Credit – Supplied by Edinburgh City Council