It has been agreed with stakeholders and retailers that Edinburgh's tram project will continue track laying work on Princes Street during the Festival in August. The move will allow the 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.
Business leaders and other stakeholders in the city centre have been telling council staff that they are behind the proposed decision as they want to see the tram related roadworks completed as quickly as possible. Many would like to see Princes Street reopened for the critical shopping period in the lead up to Christmas and the beginning of January.
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; producing appropriate signage and developing a communications plan around the construction works to help meet the needs of the Festival and other events in the city centre.
Discussions are continuing with Historic Scotland regarding the proposed use of Holyrood Park as an alternative venue for the Festival Cavalcade. The Festival Fireworks on Sunday, 6 September will continue as planned.
"Edinburgh is the world's festival city," said Council Leader Jenny Dawe. "We will do our absolute best to ensure that the city is looking good and that Edinburgh continues to be regarded as the premier festival destination in the world."
Faith Liddell, Director of Festivals Edinburgh said: "Festivals Edinburgh is supportive of a strategy which ensures that the interests of the entire business community, including the Festivals, are best protected. We welcome the City of Edinburgh Council's commitment to ensuring that both local residents and visitors to the City in August have a fantastic experience."
Isabella Miller, General Manager, John Lewis in Edinburgh welcomed the initiative. "I am delighted that the City Council have found a way forward to
minimise disruption for the Festival, and allow the tram work to
progress, so that we can get Princes Street fully open as soon as
possible."
Graham Birse, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: "The business community has been very clear from the start that we want the Edinburgh Tram Project completed as quickly as possible. By working through the Festival period we understand that the project will move ahead on schedule and that the all important Christmas and New Year Embargo will apply."