June 19 2023

Edinburgh's transport and environment committee has recommended approval for public realm works to George Street to improve the setting of the New Town.

Indicative illustrations by Atkins, LDA and Faithful + Gould show how granite setts and Scoutmoor Yorkstone slabs will line the public space, including the introduction of trees at either end.

In a project update, the committee wrote: "George Street represents one of finest examples of “Rus in Urbe” in Europe – the countryside in the city - whereby streets and squares are predominately hard in character with important vistas to planned parks and gardens. To protect and sustain the street’s contribution to the site’s Outstanding Universal Value, any positioning of trees must complement the area’s original design principles (including James Craig's masterplan and not “overly soften” George Street) while maintaining views of the street’s unique architecture, monuments and axial alignment with Charlotte and St Andrew Sq."

Construction is not expected until mid-2025 following further design work, to conclude by summer 2024, with completion anticipated by 2028.

The inflationary impact of rising construction costs will see the total bill for the project rise to £36m, funded by Sustrans and the council.

4 Comments

#1 Posted by Randy Hall on 19 Jun 2023 at 13:46 PM

Why do they only appear on the very eastern end? A token gesture to the demands for trees.

#2 Posted by Jonjo on 19 Jun 2023 at 15:59 PM

Why do project like this take so long and cost so much in this country? I used to live in Spain where much more ambitious plans than this would be drawn up, approved and completed within a reasonable budget, and to a much shorter timtabale. The reordering of George Street has already been under discussion for at least a decide. Give me strength!

#3 Posted by town planner on 19 Jun 2023 at 16:20 PM

#1 token gesture is right. The heritage lobby in Edinburgh whilst well-intentioned, has too much sway at times. James Craig left us a fantastic legacy no doubt, but he did so at a time when people weren't dealing with climate and nature emergencies. Add in the many health benefits from trees in urban settings that we now far better understand, - air pollution, urban cooling etc and the logic to stick so rigidly to every aspect of his masterplan seems tenuous. Lastly lets' not forget that much of the green space in the New Town is private, and cannot be accessed by ordinary citizens, not least Charlotte Square at one end of George Street.

#4 Posted by Another Way on 20 Jun 2023 at 16:44 PM

I understand it's too late now with the tram route in place but it really should have been Princes Street that was pedestrianised. George Street does not offer anything like the unique views to the old town and castle and half the street sits in the shade. What an opportunity missed to revitalise Princes Street and create a space of real use and interest.

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