Edinburgh's Planning Committee has approved an 'ambitious pragmatic' design approach to reshape Princes Street and the Waverley Valley, prioritising accessibility, new amenities and more efficient transport.

The option endorsed by councillors outlines a suite of upgrades across Princes Street, its Gardens and the surrounding area. Accessibility measures include widening the southern pavement by 1.5m with high-quality stone to ease congestion for people walking and wheeling; improving access to Princes Street Gardens through new ramps or potentially lifts; and refurbishing the Ross Bandstand and amphitheatre to better meet the needs of audiences and performers.

Further improvements would introduce new features and facilities. Shelters in Princes Street Gardens are set to be repurposed as small cafés with potential community use, alongside new or improved public toilets and drinking fountains. The Gardens' opening hours would be extended, supported by lighting to highlight the cityscape, and fresh landscaping would add seating and rest points.

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Transport proposals include a cycle hub at Waverley Station with safe cycle access and expanded cycle parking along Princes Street. The south-side carriageway would be narrowed to create more space for people walking and wheeling, while maintaining two lanes in each direction for bus and tram services. The Council is also exploring a new bus gate at the east end of Princes Street to reduce congestion and delays.

The design approach follows feedback from a June workshop attended by councillors, officers and partner organisations, including Historic Environment Scotland, Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Essential Edinburgh, Network Rail and the Edinburgh Access Panel.

Individual project designs and costs will proceed to the Transport and Environment Committee and the Finance and Resources Committee. The option aligns with approved Council strategies, supports adjoining projects and the existing transport network, and a revised Princes Street and Waverley Strategy is scheduled to return to committee in early 2027.

Planning Convener, Cllr Joan Griffiths, said: "Princes Street is already going through considerable change and improvement, attracting millions pounds of new investment – but we know there's still more to be done.

"The way forward we've agreed today is a positive step forward – and my thanks to officers for their hard work in getting us to this point. This is a sensible and pragmatic approach that takes on board much of what we heard during the public consultation, particularly around improving accessibility.

"Crucially, this differs from previous plans in that it is affordable and deliverable, and we have the resources to take forward these improvements immediately.

"I have no doubt these changes will improve how residents and visitors experience Princes Street and the Gardens and look forward to seeing these plans develop further in the future."