Category: Leith

Councillors to debate new parking controls proposed for Leith, Gorgie and Shandon

The next steps will be taken toward introducing new Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) to help alleviate parking pressures around Edinburgh, if approved by councillors this week.

On Thursday (28 January), Transport and Environment Committee will consider the results of an informal consultation on proposals for new controls in Leith, Gorgie and Shandon, as well as details on the operation of measures. Designs for parking controls have been amended following consultation and, if approved, we’ll commence the legal processes for introducing them.

This is the first of four phases of implementation of parking controls around the city, developed as part of the Strategic Parking Review, which was originally approved in 2018. The review has taken a holistic approach to parking pressures across Edinburgh, assessing the city on a street by street basis.

This has led to the identification of areas where parking controls may be required to resolve challenges facing residents, in particular from non-residential parking.

The report also updates on timescales for phase two (Roseburn, Corstorphine, Willowbrae and Saughton), phase three (Southside and Fettes) and phase four (Newhaven, Trinity, South Morningside, Portobello, Stenhouse and Saughton), which have been impacted by COVID-19.

Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “This review responds to the concerns of residents across the city, many of whom have told us that they want to see controls introduced to help limit the impact of non-residential parking.

Thanks to an in-depth, citywide analysis we have been able to identify the areas most in need of restrictions. Of course, the way we travel has changed immeasurably over the last year, but the introduction of new CPZs will be extremely beneficial to managing parking pressures when we eventually return to some sense of normality.

Not only do these controls help residents to park near their homes, but they can encourage those travelling into and around the city to consider alternative, sustainable modes of transport.”

The city council began the Strategic Parking Review in 2018 in response to comments from residents, community councils and ward councillors across the city, which demonstrated increasing support for new parking controls to limit non-residential parking.

An in-depth review split the city into five areas, further subdivided into 124 investigation areas, helping to generate heat maps for each location showing relative parking pressures by street. As a result, a series of new parking controls were approved in 2019, to be implemented in four phases.

On Thursday, committee members will also be asked to agree proposals to commence the legal process for introducing limited parking controls in Sighthill Industrial Estate to help manage parking demand there, as well as restrictions on the availability of permits for new or redeveloped properties.

The report details an approach to consultation for future phases in light of COVID restrictions, with virtual drop-in sessions, detailed plans online and opportunities to feed back on proposals via websites, interactive plans and questionnaires.

Consultation on phase two of the Strategic Parking Review is expected to begin in February.

Read the full report, Strategic Review of Parking – Results of Phase 1 Consultation and General Update, on the Council website.

You can watch Transport and Environment Committee live via webcast from 10am on Thursday (28 January 2021).

Seafield: This stinks, says Labour candidate

Katrina Faccenda, Scottish Labour prospective candidate for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, has called for Scottish Water reserves to be used for Leithers and those further afield who have put up with the Seafield Stench for decades.

“The scandal of not using the cash stash of £391m to fully resolve the problem of the Seafield Stench just stinks. Less than a third of this is what is needed to meet the demands of local residents and fully resolve the problem,” she said.

“Huge growth and development of housing in the area means an ever increasing number affected. In power since 2007 the SNP Scottish Government have still not solved this problem despite a promise made then to do so. Kicking it into the long grass until 2030 is not good enough when the money is there.

“I call on local MSP Scottish Government Minister Ben McPherson to use his position to make this happen. The money is there – all that’s needed is the will to make it happen.” 

Long-surrering Links residents are raising funds to take legal action against the SNP -Labour run City of Edinburgh Council.

Port of Leith supplies food and digital devices to ease pressure of pandemic over winter

Port of Leith Housing Association is among 17 north Edinburgh charities and groups collaborating as Leith Gives to support local communities this winter. The initiative has helped to alleviate hardship over December and January with organisations delivering thousands of gifts and hampers to households in Leith and the north of the city. 

Over the festive period, the collaboration distributed around 1,000 food hampers which provided ingredients to make 16,000 meals at home. More than 25 Port of Leith Housing Association households each received three hampers in December and January. These were delivered by staff from T.B. Mackay Energy Services, a subsidiary of Port of Leith Housing Association. The most recent food hamper included additional items to celebrate Burns Night. 

Four households also received carefully selected gifts to wrap as a surprise for their children over Christmas. A further 27 adults at risk of isolation were given gifts which were safely distributed by Port of Leith Housing Association staff. 

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive at Port of Leith Housing Association said: “The importance of collaboration in Leith has never been felt as strongly as during lockdown this winter.

“The work of specialist teams including Tenant Advice, Sheltered Housing, Community Works and T.B. Mackay, has allowed us to connect with and identify tenants and members of the community whose wellbeing was most at risk over December and January.

“It has been a joy to collaborate with other Leith Gives partners, and I am pleased that the hampers and gifts brought nourishment and comfort to so many people this winter.” 

Amid another strict lockdown, being connected online is also essential to the wellbeing of our communities. In addition to providing food for households, Leith Gives has distributed over 200 digital devices to help people stay connected during the pandemic.

Port of Leith Housing Association’s Jane Whiting has been co-ordinating the distribution of devices and Wi-Fi provision to households identified by the housing association’s Tenant Advice Team. This makes it possible for individuals living alone, and lacking digital confidence, to connect with family and friends during lockdown.

 Despite this effort by a wide range of partners we know that many of our tenants and customers continue to find it difficult to make ends meet. Port of Leith Housing Association is exploring what role it can play to collaboratively make Leith a better place to live and work for all its residents.

Anita Aggarwal, Community Support Co-ordinator at Port of Leith Housing Association said: “Leith Gives has been an amazing collaborative effort from local organisations and groups and made Christmas a wee bit better for a wide range of Leithers.” 

Greens leader Lorna Slater to contest Leith seat

Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater has been selected by local party members to stand in Edinburgh Northern and Leith in the Holyrood election.

Ms Slater is an electro-mechanical engineer working in marine renewable energy, most recently project-managing the construction of powertrains for the world’s most powerful tidal turbine, which is currently being assembled in Dundee.

A Leith resident, she stood in in the Leith Walk by-election in 2019 where she beat Labour to claim a strong second and was then elected co-leader of the party.

The Scottish Greens already have two councillors representing the area.

Commenting, Lorna Slater said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to run in the place I call home.

“Voters in Edinburgh North and Leith frequently see property developers put before people, our streets showing illegal levels of traffic pollution and our skies lit up by the Mossmorran gas plant in Fife. We have too many short-term lets and not enough affordable housing. That’s why we need a local Green MSP that pushes the SNP to take action on these issues and the climate emergency. 

“We do things differently in Leith. I’m excited that this is the first time in the constituency vote here that voters will have the option to back the bold proposals the Scottish Greens have, for our future, for rejoining the European family as an independent country and leading the charge on renewable energy.”

Green space a ‘soaring priority’ at Leith waterfront development

CALA Homes has released visuals showing plans for a series of raised gardens that will offer residents at a thriving Leith development a rare urban feature.

The new communal gardens at Waterfront Plaza by CALA Homes (East) will span approximately 2500 square metres and serve to deliver attractive and sought-after green spaces for residents, something not often offered by urban developments.

Carefully designed and created, these raised gardens total an area of 10 tennis courts, feature generous amounts of seating and a bright southerly aspect and will be finished with artificial grass, paving and attractive planters above, while shielding parking for up to 74 cars below.

Created for recreational use by all residents of the development, the innovative design is the work of Edinburgh-based landscape architecture firm OPEN.

Work is already well underway on the gardens, as well as on an open landscaped walkway connecting directly to key walking and cycling routes. The first section of the gardens is scheduled to open to residents from spring this year.

Alastair Haigh, Associate with OPEN, said: “These gardens are a special element within this site – located above street level they will provide unique spaces for those that are lucky enough to live here.

“Green space is really coveted at the moment, so to be able to provide landscaped gardens that provide this and enhance the views from apartments by covering parking is a fantastic use of the space.”

Designed with contemporary urban living in mind, the gardens will mirror the raised terraces of the development’s townhouses and provide ample green space – unusual for a city development of its kind. The expanse of breathable, outdoor space corresponds with apartment interiors which offer uncluttered, open plan living.

Further landscaped walkways and private gardens serve to create a green, accessible and attractive site, connecting key parts of Leith while transforming formerly disused industrial land.

Phillip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director for CALA Homes East said: “This new green space was designed with buyers at all stages of life in mind. Our Waterfront Plaza properties cater to a range of potential buyers, so we felt our outdoor space should too, while allowing them to connect easily with the wider area, whether walking or cycling.

“With the large increase in people working from home over the last year, we’re delighted to be able to offer apartments with views and an accessible green space, perfect for short lunch breaks. The secure keypad entry system also makes it an ideal area for relaxing or play.”

As well as cycle and walking routes, the development also benefits excellent transport connections to the surrounding area and city of Edinburgh itself – and is even directly adjacent to the route of the tram extension.

The 2.9-mile tram extension will be in place by 2023, offering effortless journeys across the city (if all goes to plan – Ed.). The extended line will travel from the airport, through Edinburgh down to Leith and Newhaven.

Launched in summer 2019, Waterfront Plaza is CALA’s latest brownfield regeneration project. After the sell-out success of the first release colony apartments, Waterfront Plaza currently features 2 & 3 bedroom apartments & 4 bedroom townhouses ranging from £295,000 to £520,000.

For more information please visit: https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/waterfront-plaza-leith or call 0131 516 6832.

Help is at Hand: Local Pantry opening hours update

Due to the pandemic restrictions the main North Edinburgh Arts venue will remain closed, but the NEA Pantry (in the old Co-op building on Pennywell Road) is open today from 10-2pm for new members, resuming usual hours from next Wednesday 13 January.

FRESH START PANTRY

New opening hours for Fresh Start Pantry on Ferry Road Drive

If you need help or advice, please call our North Edinburgh phoneline on 0131 356 0220 and we will help or signpost to who can!

GRANTON:HUB PANTRY

The first pantry of the New Year took place yesterday (Wednesday 6th January) from 11 – 12pm.

The pantry will continue to run on Wednesday’s on a fortnightly basis – next one will be Wednesday 20 January.

Thank you for the produce supplied by FareShareRoyal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Edinburgh Food for Good/Refugee Community Kitchen.

For more information contact community@grantonhub.org

There’s also daily food support from Leith-based Empty Kitchens Full Hearts:

Drum submits new Planning Application for Leith Walk site

Plans for 146 High-Quality Apartments submitted following ‘Well-Received and Positive’ local consultation campaign 

Drum Property Group has submitted a new planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council for the redevelopment of the 2.9-acre Stead’s Place site, near the foot of Leith Walk.

The site has been earmarked for development by the Council since 2008 and consists largely of an aged industrial estate and office space, together with a two-storey sandstone building facing directly on to Leith Walk. 

Drum’s revised proposals will replace the existing industrial units with 146 high-quality apartments as part of an attractive landscaped residential scheme linking to Pilrig Park and beyond.

The sandstone building on Leith Walk will be retained and refurbished and made available for commercial occupation. The new proposal follows a successful six-month consultation programme for the revised plans, including two major online events as well as direct feedback sessions with local groups and residents.

Almost three-quarters of those consulted either supported or were neutral about Drum’s revised plans, with more than 80% saying that the site should now be developed. 

Welcoming the new planning application, Graeme Bone, Group Managing Director of Drum, said: “This new planning application represents a culmination of more than three-and-a-half years of intense planning, consultation and hard work since Drum first purchased the site in 2017. 

“Our proposals will now bring an added dimension to Leith Walk and the wider area, transforming what is currently an inhospitable industrial site by creating an attractive, open and accessible homes-led community for residents and visitors alike. This provides a comfortable living environment, away from the busy Leith Walk and linked through accessible and landscaped walkways and cycle routes to Pilrig Park and the rest of the city. 

“By retaining and refurbishing the red sandstone buildings facing on to Leith Walk, we are also contributing to the wider regeneration of the local area, providing investment to create an attractive and distinctive destination and focal point which is needed now, more than ever. 

“We are pleased that our designs have been well-received by the local community throughout an extensive and positive consultation programme, and now look forward to progressing the application with the City of Edinburgh Council.” 

Drum’s planning application is for 146 high-quality apartments with the majority being build-for-rent and 36 being earmarked for affordable housing in line with Council policy. Building heights have been reduced to four and five storeys following feedback from the consultation process. Significant green space and access routes through the site open up a vibrant and attractive streetscape, linking the two residential buildings with the sandstone building overlooking Leith Walk. The red sandstone building will be refurbished and the individual commercial units and offices will reflect the distinctive and independent feel of the local area. 

Mr Bone added: “Our revised proposals will maintain the red sandstone building whilst incorporating sympathetic design for the residential quarter to the rear of the site, creating a much-improved access linking Leith Walk with Pilrig Park.

“This will continue the traditions of vibrancy and independence which makes Leith Walk such an exciting destination in which to live, work and visit.” 

The new planning submission follows a previous application submitted by Drum to the City of Edinburgh in 2018.  

For more information on the revised proposals, visit www.steads-place.com 

M & S food redistribution scheme supports Leith charity

As the countdown to Christmas continues, Edinburgh-based charity, Empty Kitchens Full Hearts has ramped up the number of meals it is providing to those in need thanks to M&S’s food redistribution programme.

An M & S colleague app, launched at the start of the pandemic, is now used to notify charities when surplus food is available, helping to increase donations and stop food going to waste. More than 413,000 meals have been provided to charity groups in Edinburgh using surplus food donated by M&S.

Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts – a volunteer-led scheme on Ferry Road that sees professional chefs turn surplus food into healthy meals – is providing over 2,700 meals a day to the most vulnerable families in the city.

This Christmas, the organisation will be making and delivering a venison dinner so that those in need don’t miss out on a special meal.

Cathy Miller, food donations collection manager at Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts, said: “The donations we receive from M&S help us to cook fresh meals for hundreds across Edinburgh every day who would otherwise go without. M&S’s fantastic food donations really are integral to our food delivery programme.”

Jenny McPartlin, Store Manager at M&S Edinburgh, said: “It’s going to be a Christmas like no other this year and we’re doing everything we can to ensure it’s as easy as possible for local charities and causes to collect meals to feed the people who need it most, particularly as we enter the festive season when money can be a concern for many.

“When we have surplus food, our absolute priority is for it to end up on someone’s plate, through our charity redistribution programme with Neighbourly. We’re thrilled that the app has already helped to make such a difference to charities like Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts, and hope to continue to help charities across Edinburgh this season to support our local community and help prevent food going to waste.”

Since 2015, M&S stores have supported over 2,100 local causes nationwide, from food banks to youth clubs and hospices, donating 19.6 million meals so far to those in need.

 In partnership with Neighbourly the new colleague app is now in all 585 M&S stores, enabling many of them to more than double their food redistribution rates. Across the UK, more than 7.8 million meals have been donated since 1st March alone.

M&S’ digital loyalty scheme, Sparks, has so far raised almost £7 million for charities, with customers able to select from 35 charities, including the Neighbourly Foundation.

  • M&S is always looking for new partners to work with. Local charity and community groups who would like to get involved in the food surplus programme or other charity initiatives are encouraged to email mandsfood@neighbourly.com to find out more.

Did you see accident on Leith Walk roundabout?

Police are appealing for witnesses after a car collided with a cyclist and subsequently failed to stop. The incident happened around 7.50pm last Saturday (12 December, 2020).

The cyclist was travelling northwards on London Road from Blenheim Place and entered the roundabout with Leith Walk.

A silver vehicle joined the roundabout eastwards from Antigua Street and a collision occurred, causing the 25-year-old male cyclist to fall to the ground. He did not required medical treatment.

The silver vehicle failed to stop at the scene and continued eastwards from the roundabout onto Elm Row.

Constable Andy Crothers, of the Road Policing Unit based at Fettes, said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or anyone who was in the area around that time and may have dash cam footage to come forward.

“We’re also looking to speak to the driver who left the scene, so we’re appealing for them to contact us.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3528 of 12 December 2020.

Ready to re-home a Christmas tree?

More than 50 Christmas trees have been donated and are now ready for collection, following a community-wide appeal by Ocean Terminal and The Leith Collective to ensure no one misses out on having a place to leave their yuletide presents this year.

The Gift a Tree initiative launched last month aims to find new homes for artificial trees no longer needed and following a period of quarantine – and a quick inspection by Santa – the trees are available to any family, for free, to bring a bit of extra festive cheer into their living rooms.

There are also a limited number of baubles and other decorations that have been kindly donated alongside the Christmas spruces.

The collection point is from The Leith Collective store on 1st floor of the shopping centre, open 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am-5pm Sunday.

Michelle MacLeod, General Manager at Ocean Terminal, said: “People in the community have been extremely generous and I’m delighted that we have so many trees that can now be re-homed with a new family.

“Every little helps and this form of recycling does everyone some good. The trees have been kept under COVID safe conditions and are ready to bring a bit of joy into a new home.”

Sara Thomson of The Leith Collective, added: “Giving a helping hand to another family and helping to recycle surplus trees and unneeded decorations is a great way to support the local community.

“I would like to thank everyone who has made a donation – we now have 50 trees ready to be re-homed and re-loved.”