WATCH: European-style boulevard design turns George Street car-free
Proposals: widened pavements, landscaped spaces, a cycling thoroughfare.
Last updated 25th Feb 2021
Edinburgh Council has published its final design transforming George Street into a car-free boulevard by 2025.
A 3D-video showcases proposals which remove the car park but still allow restricted access to delivery vehicles and blue-badge drivers.
The local authority wants building work to significantly widen pavements, landscape spaces for play and relaxation, and create a cycling thoroughfare - with motor traffic ‘largely removed’ from the area.
PICTURE GALLERY - check out the design:
George Street in 2025
George Street in 2025
But cycle campaigner, Richard Grant said his group, SPOKES is unconvinced by measures to keep cars away.
He commented: “Our concern is that vehicles that should not be there are able to get in.
“The council are talking about using number plate recognition systems which need to be developed further.
“If that doesn’t work, then they might need to use something like bollards.”
And William Duncan from the George Street Association told Radio Forth News that some businesses feel uneasy about the redevelopment: “The big question is how it will work to deliver the type of facilities that businesses need, and also attract the customers that they want.
“The traders don’t want an overly protracted period of construction.
“It is important that once this work starts, that it reaches its conclusion promptly.
“One of the areas which gives concern is having no taxis in George Street.
“Much of the night-time trade – restaurants and bars – are heavily dependent on having access to taxis.”
Vice-convener for transport, Councillor Karen Doran added: “We have gorgeous shops in George Street.
“Why not have a gorgeous area for them to be in rather than a car park.
“I don’t think anyone is losing out just by not finding their parking space in George Street.
“I understand if people wanted to park there to shop, but that’s not the case.
“Disabled spaces are vital, and we’ve made they they’re there.
“So, it should be accessible to all – not just for people to come and use it to park their car.
“People might not like change. I don’t like change. People may have to park somewhere else, and I’m really sorry about that.”
WATCH - see the 3D fly-through: