Proposals for a £30 million transformation of Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird shopping park will go on display next week.

The exhibition on Tuesday, January 11 will take place from 10am to 7pm in a temporary building in the centre of the park. It will show how vacant land formerly occupied by the cinema and bowling alley is likely to be developed if planning permission is granted.

The local community and wider public will be able to discuss the plans with the project team. Feedback forms will be available and those completing one will be entered into a competition to win a £100 voucher for M&S.

An earlier bid to hold the display on St Andrew’s Day [November 30th] last year had to be cancelled due to heavy snowfall.

If approved, the proposals will increase the amount of retail space available at Fort Kinnaird, allowing existing retailers to expand, while also providing the opportunity to boost the park’s food and restaurant choice. Improvements will be made to pedestrian links and the amenity of certain public realm areas on the site.

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Up to 500 new jobs could be created if the development goes ahead.

Following consultation with the local community, The Gibraltar Partnership, a joint venture between Hercules Unit Trust and the Crown Estate, hopes to be able to finalise its proposals and to submit a formal planning application early next year.

Fort Kinnaird currently employs around 1,600 people, increasing to around 2,500 in the lead-up to Christmas.

Dan Clark from British Land, the asset managers of Fort Kinnaird on behalf of the Gibraltar Partnership, said: “These investment proposals represent a huge vote of confidence in Edinburgh. The £30 million potential development will allow a currently vacant area of Fort Kinnaird to be redeveloped, creating hundreds of new job opportunities for people in the south-east of the city.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to come along on January 11. We want these changes to improve the shopping experience for everyone and the feedback we receive can help shape how we achieve that.”

James Cooksey from the Crown Estate said: “The Crown Estate is delighted to see the Gibraltar Partnership bringing forward these proposals. They will reinforce the attractiveness of Edinburgh’s premier shopping park, making it an even better place to shop and relax.”

(GK)