Consultants WYG and LDA Design have been appointed by The City of Edinburgh Council to draw up a long-term vision for George Street, one of the Scottish capital’s principal shopping streets.
The plans will aim to improve accessibility, ensuring George Street meets the needs of residents now and in the future. This will be achieved by establishing a better balance between people and cars, creating designated space for cyclists, clearing street clutter to improve the pedestrian experience and enhance the city’s growing café culture.
Associate Director for WYG, Mark Rinkus said: “The WYG and LDA team have a history of successfully working together with the City of Edinburgh Council and we are both very much looking forward to working together with our design partners and stakeholders to realise the opportunities that change can bring within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
LDA Design Director, Kirstin Taylor added, “George Street is such an important part of Edinburgh’s history – it is vital that it continues to be at the heart of the city’s growth. We want to create a place where people choose to spend more time, an all-year-round destination. More usable street space will add value and boost footfall, benefitting local businesses. It will also mean we can better connect the street to the city’s vibrant and successful events calendar.”
Part of a city-wide vision for long-term growth, the scheme feeds into the wider rejuvenation of Edinburgh’s New Town, touching on Charlotte and St Andrew Squares, as well as intersecting streets such as Castle Street, Frederick Street and Hanover Street.
Transport Convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes, said: “As one of Edinburgh’s key thoroughfares, George Street, as part of the First New Town, is central to the way our city centre operates.
“By working with WYG and LDA Design we want to create an overarching plan for a more welcoming, accessible city centre as part of the Central Edinburgh Transformation.”
WYG and LDA Design, designers of The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, will work closely with local heritage groups, as well as with active travel not-for-profit, Sustrans, to deliver a successful scheme.
Please contact Kirstin for more information.
