New plans have been unveiled to create a new landscaped public space in Edinburgh's east end.

A number of revisions have been made to proposals for the Picardy Place junction following feedback gathered during an extended period of consultation.

The latest changes, which are in addition to revisions already made to the original design following previous stakeholder engagement, include;

• Transformation of the island site into public realm

• Further increasing the quality of public space, particularly in front of St Mary’s RC Cathedral

• Provision for funerals and weddings and the increase in disabled parking for St Mary’s RC Cathedral

• Fully segregated cycling lanes, including through crossing areas, between York Place, Leith Walk, Leith Street and Little King Street


• Improved cycle connections to and from Broughton Street

• Pedestrian crossing outside the Playhouse

• The introduction of a taxi rank outside the Omni Centre

• All changes reflect the agreed principles of improving the city’s public realm and ensuring public transport works effectively while allowing sufficient flexibility to examine further improvements in future

The council's Transport and Environment Committee will now meet later this week to discuss the revised plans. If approved, the plans will be referred to Full Council on 01 February.

Cllr Lesley Macinnes said: "I believe this design addresses many of the concerns that have been raised and gives a balanced solution to competing demands from residents, businesses and stakeholders.

"What we're seeking to achieve – and which I believe we've managed to do successfully here – is to make the area much more pedestrian and cycling friendly while also ensuring this key junction operates efficiently for our public transport network.

"We need it to be an attractive and well-functioning gateway to Edinburgh's Old and New Towns World Heritage Site and one which gets the balance right for all road users, whether they're on foot, cycling or using public transport.

"Creating a new public space in the island site and reimagining the space outside the Cathedral will breathe new life into the whole area, making it much more pleasant to spend time in or travel through."

(LM/MH)