The City of Edinburgh Council is set to keep the city moving throughout wintry conditions forecast this week.
With freezing temperatures, snow and ice expected, plans are underway to minimise any resulting disruption.
Temporary traffic management measures, such as traffic signals, in place for inactive road and pavement works will be removed by the Council and public utility companies where possible, allowing the smoother flow of traffic.
Gritting teams are also out night and day treating and monitoring priority routes, while the Council’s severe winter weather tactical response team are on standby should a weather emergency strike.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes, said: “Our priority is to keep the city moving whatever the weather, and our team has already been out around the clock ensuring roads, pavements and cycle paths are gritted and safe to travel on.
“In light of the latest forecasts we’re making arrangements to clear routes of obstructions where possible, opening up the network and making it easier for the public to get about during the cold spell.”
The 939 miles of roads plus additional pavements and cycle routes in Edinburgh are treated on a priority basis, with important principal roads, bus routes and roads and pavements leading to hospitals, care homes, schools and fire stations amongst those gritted first.
The public can find out about priority road, cycle path and pavement gritting routes by visiting the Council website’s live winter weather pages which include an interactive map so that residents can locate their nearest salt bin.
If and when severe weather strikes, the Council will use its social media channels, website and local radio stations to keep residents updated on any impact on services.
Residents, businesses and other interested parties are being given the opportunity to influence a future design for George Street and the surrounding area.
Design consultants WYG Environment Planning Transport Ltd, in collaboration with LDA Design, are set to hold the first in a series of public drop-in events today (Monday, 15 January) and Tuesday (16 January) to learn more about the needs and views of individuals, community groups and stakeholders.
Participants will help shape clear design objectives for the ‘First New Town’, which encompasses George Street, Castle Street, Frederick Street and Hanover Street. Objectives will build on stakeholder engagement and a set of design principles adopted by the Council last year following a year-long trial to increase pedestrian and cyclist provision on George Street.
The output from these events, against which future designs for the First New Town will be developed, will also feed into the Council’s wider context of the Central Edinburgh Transformation project.
Transport Convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes, said: “George Street, as part of the First New Town, is one of Edinburgh’s key thoroughfares and is central to the way our city centre operates. That’s why it’s essential that we involve as many people, organisations and businesses as possible in the discussion about its future.
“Throughout the initial George Street trial we worked with the public to explore needs and desires for the street. We want to reflect this approach with the broader, longer term Central Edinburgh Transformation, creating an overarching plan for a more welcoming, accessible city centre.”
Held throughout 2014, a temporary scheme to transform George Street enabled the close study of its use alongside regular engagement with stakeholders. Outcomes helped to inform the creation of detailed design principles to guide its future development.
WYG Environment Planning Transport Ltd and LDA Design were appointed by the Council in October to draw up a long-term vision for the historic First New Town streets.
Once developed, the new, preliminary design will take into account George Street’s interdependence with intersecting ‘First New Town’ streets Castle Street, Frederick Street and Hanover Street, as well as Charlotte and St Andrew Squares.
January’s drop-in events are open to all members of the public and will be held on Monday 15 (1pm-6pm) and, Tuesday 16 (3pm-8pm) January at The City Art Centre, 2 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE.
An Economy Strategy to build on Edinburgh’s success to tackle inequality and poverty in the Capital, was published by the City of Edinburgh Council today (Friday, 12 January).
The draft strategy, which will be considered by councillors at the Housing and Economy Committee on Thursday, 18 January, recognises that although Edinburgh remains the second most prosperous UK city outside London, jobs growth alone has not been sufficient to tackle poverty and deliver sustained improvements in living standards for everyone.
Consultation carried out with all political parties and businesses, as well as local communities and the third sector, revealed a consensus of opinion that Edinburgh’s economy should aim to create jobs and inspire innovation but that it should also do much more to ensure that the benefits of that prosperity are accessible to all residents across the city.
It has been created around three themes – innovation, inclusion and collaboration and includes ten steps to achieve this goal. The council alone cannot achieve this and needs ownership and leadership from other city partners such as the Edinburgh Partnership and Edinburgh Business Forum.
Cllr Gavin Barrie, Housing and Economy Convener, said: “Our Economy Strategy sees an important shift in the focus of our work to help Edinburgh’s economy to grow. It is going from strength to strength and has shown great resilience during tough economic times. The time has come, however, to take a good look at why there are still people living in Edinburgh who are not sharing in this prosperity.
“We need to grow our economy so that it is fair in terms of wages, opportunity, access to housing, education and good careers. Much of that work has already started through our commitment to build 20,000 new affordable homes in the city and the £1.1b Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region deal, which will provide £300m for world leading data innovation centres, £25m for regional skills programme to support improved career opportunities for disadvantaged groups and £65m of new funding for housing to unlock strategic development sites.
“The strategy also fits in well with the most recent Scottish Government Economic Strategy and UK Industrial Strategy, both of which have placed increasing emphasis on the need for inclusive growth for our economy.
“Locally, the strategy also represents one of the first major practical steps towards achieving the City Vision for 2050 that we have been developing with contributions from people across the city since September 2016.”
Hugh Rutherford, Chair of the Edinburgh Business Forum, said: “To stay ahead of our global competitors, Edinburgh needs a laser focus on our world leading sectors – financial services, tech, life sciences, creative industries and tourism. But we need more than sectoral growth – we need responsible and sustainable ‘good growth’, making sure everyone benefits in a way that’s not happened before. Crucial to the success of this will be the private sector, all levels of education, and the third and public sectors working together to achieve this common goal.”
Ella Simpson, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council, said: “I am pleased the Strategy explicitly acknowledges poverty and inequality in the City and highlights actions which aim to reduce the impact on people’s lives. The strategy needs to recognise the existing communities and people as the bedrock for fair growth in the city and it is important that we provide support to business, from all sectors, to be the best employers they can be.”
The Strategy’s ten steps, which all have their own actions plans.
– Establish Edinburgh as the data capital of Europe.
– Develop Edinburgh as a city of resilient businesses with the space to grow.
– Create a step change in the growth of green and socially responsible business in Edinburgh.
– Deliver new approaches to tackling the barriers that reinforce worklessness, poverty and inequality.
– Reform Edinburgh’s education and skills landscape to meet the needs of our changing economy.
– Deepen our relationships with employers to unlock good career opportunities.
– Create a transformational city centre fit to power Scotland’s economy.
– Build a world class Waterfront, and deliver business and residential growth in West Edinburgh.
– Build affordable places for people to live and work.
– Deliver sustainable and inclusive growth in our world leading culture and tourism sectors.
Edinburgh’s 50th conservation area, Restalrig, was announced on Monday (11 December 2017) by the City of Edinburgh Council.
Approval was given after a report was considered by the Planning Committee, following a public consultation in the local area.
Restalrig lies to the north east of the city and the boundary of the conservation area includes St Margaret’s Parish Church, graveyard and surrounding buildings at the entrance to Restalrig Road South from Restalrig Avenue.
Restalrig conservation area is historically significant as a result of its development around St Margaret’s Parish Church.
Within the area there are other listed buildings at 62 Restalrig Road South and The Deanery Wall. There is also a scheduled monument, St Triduana’s Aisle, Chapel and Well house. These buildings reflect the historical and architectural significance of the area and its development as a centre of religious activities.
Cllr Neil Gardiner, Planning Convener, said: “I would like to thank all those who showed an interest in Restalrig and filled out our survey. The results helped us make today’s decision as the comments were almost unanimous in expressing support for the area being given conservation status.
“Conservation areas have special architectural or historic interest and we protect them by putting in place extra rules to control building work. The use of natural materials in several of the listed buildings in the area, such as rubble stone, creates a sense of place and are integral to its character.”
See our map of conservation areas.
Further information
The village of Restalrig developed around the ancient parish church of St Margaret (formerly Restalrig Parish Church). The name Restalrig is a 15th century variant on the name Lestalric, recorded from the late 12th century. The area was part of a medieval estate owned by the De Lestalrics.
St Margaret’s Church has its origins in the 12th century and formed the nucleus of the village. The original parish incorporated South Leith.
Around 275 permanent housing association and council homes are to be provided to homeless people living in Edinburgh. This is in addition to over a thousand social lets already provided to homeless people each year.
Reducing homelessness remains a key priority for social landlords across the city and these additional properties are clear evidence of this continued support.
The extra properties are being provided through the EdIndex Partnership, which is made up of representatives from the City of Edinburgh Council and 19 partner registered social landlords. The homes will be provided in the 18-month period from April 2018 to September 2019.
If required, a range of supports including the Housing First model will be piloted in partnership with third sector providers and Social Bite to assist tenants to remain in their homes.
Council Leader, Adam McVey, said: “Last month, we announced the creation of a cross party homelessness task force to address the unprecedented pressures facing our services, with demand for both permanent and temporary accommodation exceeding supply.
“Today’s announcement of an additional 275 permanent homes is a valuable addition to the work already being done with our partners across the city offering an extensive range of services to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, from support and advice on housing options, to assessment services and permanent and temporary accommodation.
“Homelessness prevention is obviously a key priority and along with the Council, housing association landlords already provide housing for a high proportion of homeless households in Edinburgh as well supporting households with other needs for housing due to mobility difficulties and overcrowding.
“In recognition of the shortage of affordable housing in Edinburgh we have also committed to building 20,000 new affordable homes in the city in the next 10 years.”
Josh Littlejohn MBE, co-founder of Social Bite, said: “I would like to thank EdIndex for their bold leadership in tackling this issue. I would also like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council leadership Adam McVey and Cammy Day for having such a strong vision for Edinburgh’s most vulnerable people.
“A significant amount of the money raised by Sleep in the Park will be invested to make sure that this commitment to housing is paired with fantastic support.
“We’ll work with a range of Scottish charities and leading minds in housing and homelessness to help map out the support people will require to get back on their feet. We will also work hand in hand with the Scottish Government action group to make sure our approach is joined up with the ongoing work to tackle homelessness.”
Further information
The EdIndex Partnership has operated a common housing register in Edinburgh since 2003. People looking for homes only have to complete a single application form to register for housing with the Council and 19 partner housing associations in the city.
The majority of homes available to rent are advertised through Key to Choice. Available homes are advertised weekly and people indicate homes that they wish to be considered for.
The Edindex Partnership operates through a management board made up of the Council and representatives from six housing association partner landlords. The Board manages the successful operation of the register and also the strategic approach to housing allocations and homelessness.
Strategic charging zones for electric vehicles could be rolled out across the Capital as part of Edinburgh’s first Electric Vehicle Action Plan published this month [December].
The innovative zonal approach to charging hubs – believed to be the first of their kind in Scotland – are one of five key strategic objectives in the Council’s Action Plan, which will be considered by members of the Transport and Environment Committee on 7 December 2017. Electric vehicles are a key priority in the Council’s Sustainable Energy Action Plan, which aims to reduce carbon emissions across the city.
Electric vehicle uptake is rising rapidly across the UK and Edinburgh has more than 23% of all licensed electric vehicles in Scotland.
In 2011, there were only nine electric vehicles in the Capital, compared with 489 by June 2017. Charging points also increased from eight in 2013 to 89 by October 2017, of which 58 are publicly available.
Compared to conventional cars, electric vehicles emit substantially fewer carbon emissions. The vehicles are also cleaner with far fewer exhaust emissions, meaning they deliver direct air quality improvements.
In September 2017, the Scottish Government announced a major expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure across Scotland by 2022, coupled with a phasing out of all new fossil fuel vehicles by 2032.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “It’s very encouraging how many Edinburgh residents and organisations are demonstrating their commitment to both reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in the city by opting for electric vehicles over fossil-fuelled ones. This new Action Plan will help the Council and our partners maximise the benefits and opportunities of this cleaner, greener option. It will provide many more opportunities for residents and visitors to charge their cars easily and we hope this will let even more people think of switching to an electric car.
“Electric vehicles are only part of the solution to worsening air quality, however, alongside the other key elements of our wider sustainable transport agenda for the Capital such as promoting use of public transport and active travel like walking and cycling.”
Edinburgh’s Electric Vehicle Action Plan refers to electric vehicles in a collective sense to include full battery electric, plug in hybrid and Ultra Low Emission Vehicles. This is the first such programme for the city for the next 12-18 months and has five strategic objectives:
– developing strategic electric vehicle charging hubs
– taking a co-ordinated approach across the Council;
– collaborating with partners;
– trialling integrated smart grid charging systems; and
– encouraging wider e-mobility opportunities
The Plan proposes three strategic charging zones: Zone 1 (City Centre), which would focus on rapid charging points both on and off-street and looking at reserving use of some for the sole use of taxis, car club vehicles and public sector fleets; Zone 2 (Residential area), prioritising charging infrastructure in high density areas (eg tenements) and encouraging electric car club vehicles; and Zone 3 (Peripheral area), targeting Park and Ride sites and creating a strategic charging infrastructure ring around the periphery of the city.
In developing infrastructure across these zones, there are some issues and complexities in installing the appropriate chargers. A key action therefore, is the development of a strategic Business Case for EVs that will look at the following issues across the three zones:
• the traffic movements;
• the number of potential charging points to meet future demand;
• the best location for these;
• the type of chargers required;
• any challenges in installing the infrastructure; and
• the level of investment needed and potential revenue streams.
Plans to tackle the expected increase in pupil numbers in the west and south west of Edinburgh have been drawn up by the City of Edinburgh Council.
A review of all schools across the city is taking place with the first phase focusing on the west and south west where the Council expects the largest increase in school pupils. In addition, several of the schools need major improvement works.
Projections show that by 2026 there could be an extra 1,300 primary and secondary pupils in west Edinburgh, where 4,000 new homes are proposed. The south west of the city could see over 200 new pupils with 700 homes set to be delivered.
A survey of Currie High School has shown that the building will need replaced in the coming years and both Balerno High School and Wester Hailes Education Centre need major improvement works.
The key proposals are:
• to build two new high schools – a South West Edinburgh High School on a new site which will replace Currie High School and Wester Hailes Education Centre and a new West Edinburgh High School
• to refurbish and expand Balerno High School
• to build a new primary school – Maybury Primary School
The proposals, and associated catchment changes, would affect 13 primary schools and seven high schools.
Cllr Ian Perry, Convener of Education, Children and Families at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “With Edinburgh being such a thriving and successful city, more and more people are coming to live here so we need to build the extra homes. This will obviously have a big impact on our schools with extra pupils which they will struggle to cope with.
“We need to ensure we can provide places for these additional children and that is why we are reviewing school provision across the whole city. This strategic approach means Edinburgh will be well-placed to meet the future challenges our schools face.
“So, we have to get this right to ensure what we do now will serve our school communities for the next 30 to 40 years as these additional children come through our education system. It’s not about looking at just the next few years but planning ahead for future generations.”
Cllr Alison Dickie, Vice Convener, of Education, Children and Families, at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The aim of publishing these proposals is to gauge the views of parents and their school communities. It’s so important we hear their voices – especially if they have any alternative proposals we could consider.
“The consultation over the coming months is an integral part of the review process however I must stress these proposals cannot be implemented without a statutory consultation process which would be the next step.
“It’s important to remember that no decisions have been made so I would urge anyone who has views on the plans to feed back their comments so it can help shape any future statutory consultation.”
The Council will be holding events between 9 January 2018 and 9 February 2018 at all the affected schools. These events will be organised through the Parent Councils and will allow invited focus groups to discuss the proposals with Council officers.
In March 2018, the Education, Children and Families Committee will be provided with an update on the discussions that have taken place and recommendations about what should happen next.
Full details of the proposals can be found on the Council website.
A memorial to pioneering doctor and founder of the Scottish Women’s Hospitals, Dr Elsie Inglis, was unveiled on Friday at Edinburgh Central Library, 100 years on from her death.
Members of Dr Inglis’ family were among the first to see the plaque on the library’s first floor landing commemorating her and the work of the Scottish Women’s Hospitals during World War One.
The memorial, organised by Scotland’s War Project in partnership with the libraries service, bears an inscribed quote from Winston Churchill on the renowned suffragist, reading: “She will shine forever in history” along with the names of the 15 women who died during their service in the Scottish Women’s Hospital.
It will complement an existing a roll of honour listing the nurses who fell in World War One on display in the library, which is also home to the original diary of Ethel Moir, who served with the Scottish Women’s Hospitals.
Councillor Ian Perry, Education, Children and Families Convener, said: “There is no doubt that Dr Elsie Inglis – war hero, pioneering medic, advocate of women’s rights – is a truly revered and treasured figure in Edinburgh’s history, so I am delighted that we have been able to honour her with this memorial.
“I’m sure we’ll see many people come through the doors of the Central Library to pay tribute to this inspirational former citizen and to remember the many sacrifices she made for the good of our nation.”
Dr Yvonne McEwen, Project Director at Scotland’s War Project, said: “Like many people, I assumed that there was some form of memorial to Elsie Inglis’ World War One contributions and was shocked to find out there wasn’t anything, so decided to work with like-minded people to raise funds for a physical memorial.
“Also, thanks to the terrific support of the Council and Black Box Productions, I’m delighted that we now have a memorial to such an incredible humanitarian and daughter of the city. I’m enormously proud of everybody’s achievement in making this a reality.”
Tony Waterston, Dr Inglis’ great, great nephew, added: “As a great, great nephew of Elsie Inglis I’m delighted to see the plaque installed in the public library. Just having returned from a family visit to Serbia, where most of Aunt Elsie’s war time work went on, I was hugely impressed and moved by the heartfelt expressions of respect and love for her and the Scottish Women’s Hospitals shown by Serbians of all ages and backgrounds. In today’s world we can learn so much from her example of international solidarity, advocacy for the vulnerable and feminism, and we certainly feel that in my family.”
The plaque’s unveiling is one of several commemorative events taking place across Edinburgh to mark the anniversary of the death of Dr Inglis, who was raised in the Capital where she would go on to establish a medical college for women and a maternity hospital for poor mothers on the High Street.
It was during World War One that Dr Inglis rose to fame, after spearheading the establishment of the Scottish Women’s Hospitals, providing all female-staffed relief hospitals across Europe and Russia to assist the Allied war effort.
View a collection of images and excerpts from the diary of Ethel Moir, who served with the Scottish Women’s Hospitals, on the Capital Collections website.
That’s the question posed in a new consultation being run by the City of Edinburgh Council as it carries forward Edinburgh’s Parking Action Plan.
As part of the Parking Action Plan, the Council is reviewing parking permits in the Capital in a bid to improve air quality and enhance quality of life.
The three-month consultation, which went live today and runs until 28 January 2018, seeks feedback on a proposal to add a surcharge on to residents’ parking permits for diesel vehicles.
Diesel vehicles work best for longer journeys on motorways, but are not well suited to shorter and slower trips in built-up areas like Edinburgh’s city centre. There is growing evidence to suggest that diesel engines:
– contribute to poor air quality
– increase the risk of lung cancer
– can cause heart attacks and
– reduce life expectancy
Major European cities such as Paris and Madrid have pledged to ban diesel vehicles entirely by 2025 and at least nine London Boroughs have already introduced a diesel surcharge on residents’ parking permits.
With an estimated 8,000 diesel permit holders’ vehicles in Edinburgh, the Council needs to consider how it can tackle pollution, enhance air quality and improve the health of people living and working in Edinburgh.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport Convener, said: “Evidence is mounting that diesel emissions are causing serious health problems and worsening air quality in cities across the globe and many cities are already taking steps to combat this. We’re keen to see what people in Edinburgh think of the idea of adding a surcharge to residents’ parking permits for diesel vehicles.
“I’d urge everyone to take a few minutes to complete the online consultation and to let others know about it as well. After it closes on 28 January, we’ll review the consultation feedback in a report to a future Transport and Environment Committee before deciding next steps.”
Find the consultation on our Consultation Hub. All current holders of residents’ parking permits will be contacted directly about the consultation and paper copies will be available in libraries and local offices.
The Outline Business Case (OBC) for taking trams to Newhaven was approved yesterday by the City of Edinburgh Council.
The OBC has been closely scrutinised by members of all political groups on the Council over recent weeks and gained approval from the Transport and Environment Committee earlier this month.
A comprehensive tendering process will now get under way to secure a potential contractor partner for the project.
However, councillors will not make a final decision on taking the tram to Newhaven until autumn 2018.
The intervening period – or Stage 2 in the process – will enable the project team to:
(a) Allow affordability to be tested based on tender prices
(b) Provide a further 12 months of evidence of tram patronage build up; and
(c) Allow the project to consider any lessons learned from the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry currently under way
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Given the rate of growth forecast for Edinburgh over the coming years, we simply cannot stand still. And yet we can’t proceed with work to take trams down to Newhaven unless we’re 100% certain we’ve rigorously scrutinised the business case and taken on board crucial lessons from the first phase.
“Having pored over the Outline Business Case in microscopic detail these past few weeks, including obtaining independent advice on it, I’m confident our project team – which retains key personnel from the team who got the first phase back on track – is now well placed to move on to the next stage and start the procurement process for a contractor.
“We will only make our final decision next autumn once the tendering process has completed and once we’ve consulted an independent assessor on the viability of the proposed construction contracts. We’ll also of course consider any lessons learned from Lord Hardie’s ongoing tram inquiry as we move forward.”
Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “For the people of Leith, having a direct tram link to the city centre and other key employment and travel hubs would be hugely beneficial. That said, we are acutely aware of how challenging the construction period would be, which is why we’re developing a compensation scheme to help those who would be most affected.
“We’ll take the time while the tender process is ongoing to build and maintain useful two-way relationships with local residents and businesses so we can understand and ideally pre-empt issues which might arise.
“Stage 2 will also enable us to work with all our partners and stakeholders, including bus companies, the emergency services, residents, businesses and elected members, to properly test and model traffic management plans for the works.
“Over the next 12 months we will be able to develop an even fuller picture of the project, building further detail into the business case and drawing on another year of patronage, which will allow us to make a fully informed final decision next autumn.”
Key points included in the OBC:
Rapid population and economic growth
• Over the next decade, Edinburgh and surrounding area expected to be home to faster growing population than anywhere else in Scotland. National Records of Scotland projections published in 2016 suggest city should be planning for an additional 47,000 people by 2024 and additional 102,000 by 2039 (20% increase)
• Number of households forecast to increase by over 38,000 (16%) by 2032. A quarter (25%) of this growth is forecast to occur in Leith Docks and Western Harbour area
• Employment levels in Edinburgh are projected to grow by 7.6% between 2013 and 2022
Costs & benefits
• Capital Cost estimated at £165.2m, including risk and inflation
• Patronage forecast to almost double in opening year to 14m, reflecting high population densities along the route
• For every £1 spent the economic return to the city is £1.64
• OBC includes wider economic benefits, including social inclusion, and completing the line will provide access to jobs and support business and opportunities in the area
Construction work to take three years
• Estimated three-year construction period, including 18 months on Leith Walk, followed by approx four months of testing and commissioning on new line.
• Significant proportion of major utility works have already been carried out – remainder carried out in conjunction with main infrastructure works, meaning no ‘double dig’
Carefully planned traffic management
• Diversions, road closures, access and crossing points thoroughly planned and modelled
• All key stakeholders, including residents, businesses, emergency services and Lothian Buses will be consulted on the traffic proposals set out in the OBC
Support for businesses
• Customer and service access to local businesses maintained at all times
• Compensation and support scheme for affected businesses along the route put in place
• Logistic centres and dedicated crossing points provided at 150-200m centres on Leith Walk
• Logistics officers deployed throughout the day to help businesses with deliveries
Lessons learned
• OBC recommends industry-standard contract with rigorous project governance
• Traffic management would give contractor expanded sites and provide flexibility if problems encountered
• Project would benefit from industry networking with other cities (Manchester, Birmingham, Dublin) to ensure best practice
• Consultation with the market and incorporating input from Tram Inquiry
