IN the biggest changes since it was built two centuries and more ago, plans have been published for the transformation of Edinburgh's New Town, especially George Street which will be made traffic free.
Edinburgh’s George Street and First New Town (GNT) design concepts have been published by the City Council, along with an updated future operational plan.
A final concept design for the project, which aims to create a people friendly setting, better walking, cycling and wheeling links and a more attractive environment, was unveiled in February. A subsequent public engagement exercise in March revealed broad support for plans.
The final plans have been produced by the Council working with key stakeholder groups including Edinburgh Word Heritage, Essential Edinburgh, Living Streets, George Street Association and Spokes, and after consultation with the wider public.
These include wider pavements on both sides of George Street, "greening" and landscaping sensitive to the area’s heritage and the creation of a "cycling street".
Fundamental design elements also encompass the removal of buses and all other non-essential traffic from George Street, in line with the City Mobility Plan, as well as a reduction in parking bays to free up space for walking, cycling and wheeling.
The council stated: "A series of proposed operational changes would support the area’s transformation and will form the basis of the development of the statutory notice process which is required to enable construction of the scheme. There will be further development of the operational plan during the next design stage of the project, beginning in September. Proposed operational principles will be finalised in partnership with key stakeholders, local businesses and residents.
"Key principles of the operational plan cover the delivery of pedestrian and cycling priority, the prioritisation of blue badge parking and removing all but essential motor traffic from George Street, amongst other operational changes."
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, transport and environment convener, said: “We’ve reached a key stage as we move forward with this major project to transform George Street and the surrounding areas. These fundamental elements for the design and operation of the scheme will be central to its realisation over the coming years.
“This is exactly the kind of transformational change we want to effect in Edinburgh. Not only will wider pavements, significantly improved cycling infrastructure and relaxed, landscaped areas in-keeping with the historic surroundings create a safer, welcoming environment for people to spend time in, but it will support travel by foot, bike or wheel. Facilitating sustainable transport is crucial if we are to meet our zero carbon goals and improve air quality for future generations.”
Councillor Karen Doran, transport and environment vice convener, said: “We’ve worked hard to involve the community, businesses and active travel, accessibility and heritage groups in the development of these plans, and their feedback has been essential.
“Now, as we progress further, we want to continue to bring all those who have contributed with us, and we’ll continue to engage with them as we take the next, exciting steps towards the project’s delivery.”
The council stated: "The GNT project is a key component of the Edinburgh City Centre Transformation (ECCT) strategy and delivery plan and its formation follows years of engagement and development with the community, businesses and other stakeholders. This included a year-long trial in 2014 and 15.
"Its delivery will be closely linked with other major active travel schemes planned for the city centre, namely Meadows to George Street (MGS) and City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL). In addition, it aligns with the recently approved City Mobility Plan (CMP), which targets a redesign of the bus network by 2025, based on the ‘to not through’ principle, and a car-free city centre by 2030.
"During the next design stage for GNT it is expected that sufficient detail will emerge from the design process to enable the commencement of the necessary statutory consents by the end of 2021, under which the power to construct the scheme would be obtained. The project is being supported by funding of up to £20 million secured from the Sustrans Places for Everyone programme, with 100% of design costs and 70% of construction costs covered by the grant award."
The report will be discussed by the Transport and Environment Committee which can be viewed live on the council website from 10am today.
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