It has been agreed with stakeholders and retailers that tram track laying work should continue on Princes Street during August. This will allow the famous street to reopen in time for the busy Christmas shopping period and the Hogmanay celebrations.
The proposals are contained within a report published by the City of Edinburgh Council today. A final decision will be made by Councillors at the Policy and Strategy Committee meeting on Tuesday, 12 May.
Following extensive consultation with business leaders and other stakeholders in the city centre it is clear that the majority are behind the proposed decision as they want to see the tram related roadworks completed as quickly as possible. They also appreciate that this decision will allow the Edinburgh Tram Project to ensure that Princes Street is reopened for the critical shopping period in the lead up to Christmas and the beginning of January.
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The package of measures includes minimising noise and disruption, improving pedestrian access, opening up sections of Princes Street to pedestrian access as they become available, identifying sections of Princes street that might become available for use by Festival performers and producing appropriate signage.
Discussions are continuing with Historic Scotland regarding the proposed use of Holyrood Park as an alternative venue for the Festival Cavalcade.
Council Leader Jenny Dawe said: "This year's exciting programme of events will again create the unique atmosphere that makes Edinburgh so special in August. We are proud to be building a modern, green tram system to promote Edinburgh's continued economic prosperity and the quality of life that Edinburgh offers."
Isabella Miller, General Manager, John Lewis in Edinburgh, said she was "delighted" that the City Council have found a way forward to minimise disruption for the Festival.
Tom Campbell, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh, the company running the city centre Business Improvement District, added: "We are pleased that following consultation the key focus of the ongoing tram work is to see the Princes Street work completed in time for the essential Christmas trading.
"While that will mean work continuing throughout the Festival and peak summer tourist season, it is encouraging that the City Council is working to mitigate any inconvenience through a raft of practical initiatives, working in partnership with key stakeholders such as Essential Edinburgh."
(GK/JM)
