The City of Edinburgh Council has updated businesses, heritage bodies, community groups and councillors on efforts to reopen Princes Street, five weeks after the fire at the former Debenhams building. The meeting also covered the wider response to disruption across the city centre.

Chaired by Council Leader Jane Meagher at the City Chambers on 12 August, the summit heard from officers about the complexity of making the site safe so the thoroughfare can reopen, while aiming to preserve the building's historic features. The works are being undertaken by highly skilled engineers using cranes due to the hazardous conditions.

Progress on site includes securing and making safe the eastern gable by reducing it in height by around two metres and supporting it with scaffolding. The Princes Street façade is being stabilised with steel beams, with more than 40% already installed internally and externally to support the western end and further work continuing on the upper floors. Several tonnes of bricks and unsafe stonework—some pieces weighing up to 850kg—have been carefully removed from upper levels and stored on site for reuse, while debris and dangerous materials are being cleared from inside the building.

Subject to favourable weather, which determines when work can be carried out safely, the council hopes the street can reopen by the end of August.

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Initial proposals were also presented for a communications campaign to promote the businesses and communities most affected, including resident and visitor spend incentives, events and other promotions. Funded by Scottish Government support announced last week, the campaign would continue beyond the reopening and into next year, with a particular focus on Leith, the Shore and Newhaven.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: "We've been working tirelessly to make sure Princes Street can fully reopen and I'm reassured by the progress being made. It goes without saying that we want to do this as soon as possible – but only when it is safe to do so.

"I want to reiterate just how complicated, hazardous and challenging this work is – and it was helpful to be able to share more of this detail during, what was, a very positive and constructive meeting with local business and community representatives last night.

"I was extremely grateful to all those who attended and gave us their feedback – which I committed to taking on board, either immediately or as part of our lessons learned exercise that will follow. I also welcomed the views of Edinburgh World Heritage and the Scottish Architectural Society who spoke in praise of the steps we're taking to preserve an important part of our city's heritage.

"Clearly, the resulting disruption continues to have a significant effect on businesses, particularly on the north end of the tram route, and last night we outlined our plans for a communications campaign to promote Leith, the Shore and Newhaven – and everything all they have to offer for our residents and visitors.

"This is being developed very much in partnership with the businesses and communities themselves – and we hope it will encourage people to visit businesses in the area well into the future.

"What also came across strongly last night was the effect this is having on our residents who are struggling to get to work, meet commitments or make appointments. I want to put on record again my thanks for your patience and understanding and to reiterate my determination to bring this disruption to an end as soon as it is safe to do so.

"In the meantime, I want to give special thanks to Lothian Buses, particularly their drivers, for their support in keeping the city moving."

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