Tag: city council

Edinburgh Local Heritage Network celebrates its first birthday

We’re celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Edinburgh Local Heritage Network (ELHN).

This network was launched on the May 10, 2023 and was attended by 17 representatives from a variety of local community groups, organisations, and societies.

The ELHN has gone from strength to strength over the past year and now has 30 members who represent local heritage groups and societies from across the city.

This network is specifically for local groups and societies with a focus on the heritage of Edinburgh, with the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge as Honorary President.

The purpose of this network is to develop and maintain partnerships between local heritage groups and with Council services, chiefly Archives, Libraries, and Museums and Galleries. This is to better safeguard, enrich, and promote the city’s heritage together.

Membership of the ELHN is available to heritage groups and organisations based within the city. If you belong to a group that you think might benefit from this network, please contact us at archives@edinburgh.gov.uk

The network meets quarterly and focuses on subjects of interest to local heritage groups. Groups can also raise any specific issues or questions facing them that network members might be able to help with.

Currently, the key focus of the ELHN is the development of a new online membership directory and collaboration on the Edinburgh 900 programme with a focus on supporting local communities to celebrate this anniversary.

The full ELHN online directory can be found on our website. 

Further details on the Edinburgh 900 programme are also available on our website.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh and ELHN Honorary President, Robert Aldridge said: “I’m delighted that the ELHN has reached this milestone and I’d like to sincerely thank all the members, supporters and colleagues who have worked hard to grow and enhance this network.

“Edinburgh is a city of rich history and stories. We’re committed to sharing these as part of our Edinburgh 900 programme and the ELHN has a key role to play in these celebrations.”

Right There charity to pull out of Edinburgh housing programme

Council refuses to pass on uplift in Housing Benefit to charity housing provider as Scottish Government declares a housing emergency

Right There, a charity which helps prevent homelessness, has been forced to end its contract with City of Edinburgh Council, to provide critical housing in three locations for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. 

The charity, which was formerly called Ypeople, says this is its ‘absolute worst case scenario’, and ‘a last resort’ but after months of trying to negotiate with the Council, housing bosses are refusing to pass on its uplift in housing benefit to increase the Housing Management Payment.

The Housing Management Payment has remained unchanged since 2019 despite the cost of living skyrocketing in that time. Over the last five years, the local authority has received increased housing benefit which it refuses to pass on to providers to help deal with increased costs of running an assisted housing programme.

The housing facilities facing closure are one in Broomhouse and two residential units in Pilton. Their closure comes after the local authority failed to engage with the charity on contractual terms over recent weeks.

It will build pressure on the Council’s administration after a housing emergency was declared in the capital in November of last year, now even more so with the Scottish Government expected to announce a national housing emergency later today.  

Janet Haugh, CEO of Right There said: “We are devastated that we are having to pull the plug on this service, this is our absolute worst case scenario, especially when Scotland is at the brink of a national housing crisis.

“We have done everything in our power to resolve this with the Council but sadly as a charity we simply cannot absorb a projected £2.5 million deficit over the next five years and continue running this service.”

Housing Benefit levels have increased across Scotland to reflect the increased cost of living, utilities and general inflationary increases. Despite that, the Council expects Right There to subsidise the cost of an essential service despite being in receipt of additional payments to which the residents are entitled.

The project run by Right There provides accommodation support for 44 of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable people, who live with the consequences of family breakdowns, homelessness, poverty, addiction, and many other challenges. In addition, the jobs of 19 support workers are now at risk. 

Janet Haugh added: “We have exhausted all avenues with the Council and bringing the contract to a conclusion by triggering the three months’ notice period is our last resort.

“Our priority now is to work with the Council to hand over the running of the programme to either the local authority or another provider to ensure as much continuity and as little distress as possible for the 44 residents affected, and the support workers whose jobs are at risk.”

Transformation of Leith continues with green light for Ocean Point

Proposals for a mixed-use development at Ocean Point in Leith have been granted planning consent, subject to conditions, by councillors on Edinburgh’s Development Management Sub-Committee yesterday (15th May).

The development at Ocean Point 2, being progressed by property developer S Harrison Developments, will comprise residential and purpose-built student accommodation, along with commercial uses/co-working and amenity space.

The over £80 million development will add to the ongoing transformation of Leth’s Waterfront through delivering a vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood.

Neighbouring Ocean Point 1, the development of the brownfield site will provide two buildings and comprise a mix of build-to-rent homes (BTR), including apartments specifically for families, alongside purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), delivering a truly mixed community.

In total, 112 BTR homes are proposed, providing a mix of studio, one-bed, two-bed and three-bed apartments to meet a range of housing needs. A quarter of these are three-bed apartments designed for families, and a quarter of the apartments will be affordable housing.

There are 404 PBSA beds on offer, split between cluster accommodation and studio bedrooms. The former accommodation is intended to be a mix of five and six bedrooms.

Commercial space/co-working and amenity space are also proposed as part of Ocean Point 2, offering fantastic active frontage to Ocean Drive, with greatly enhanced public realm encouraging active lifestyles.

In addition to delivering homes, the new development will deliver significant local spend, amounting to some £5.3 million by residents and visitors annually, supporting an estimated 60 retail and leisure jobs. It has been estimated that 325 jobs will be created directly in the construction of the overall scheme.

The development neighbours Ocean Terminal, which is undergoing a £100 million transformation, delivering a mixed-use development comprising residential, commercial, retail and hospitality.

The extension of the tram line between Edinburgh and Ocean Terminal also provides connectivity between the development and Edinburgh city centre within 20 minutes.

Harrison has a long pedigree of working in the city, ranging from delivering the Malmaison at St Andrew Square, to student developments at Westfield and Gorgie, and hotel development at Osborne House, Haymarket.

A spokesperson for Harrison Developments commented: “We are delighted that we have received a green light for our planning application. This will serve to deliver much-needed homes and student accommodation to an area which is undergoing a rapid transformation, delivering a truly mixed sustainable neighbourhood.

“Regenerating a current brownfield site, this development boasts excellent transport links, especially with the new tram line, and will deliver a significant investment into the local area.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with the local community and the Council as we seek to deliver this development.”

Planning and development consultancy Turley provided planning services for the project with CDA acting as architects.

Network of electric vehicle chargers extended for car club users

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop joined Edinburgh’s Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Scott Arthur yesterday to launch 72 new electric charging bays installed by the Council.

Transport Scotland has provided the Council with funding for the new bays to be used by the local authority’s current car club provider, Enterprise Car Club. The first phase of 20 chargers (40 charging bays) has been installed with the rest due to be rolled out by the end of this year allowing Enterprise Car Club to provide in Edinburgh, their biggest electric car club fleet for a single local borough or council in the UK.

As well as benefiting existing members, the new car club chargers and electric vehicles provide opportunities for new users to try out and use electric vehicles without needing to own their own vehicle. This offers significant cost savings to users, as well as helping to improve congestion and air quality within Edinburgh, with car club vehicles compliant within the Low Emission Zone which will be enforced from June 2024.

The Council has delivered over 100 electric vehicle chargers since 2022 with funding from Transport Scotland and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles. This roll-out is designed to encourage and support the take-up of cleaner, low emission electric vehicles.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “It’s great to see that we have extended the network of electric vehicle chargers across Edinburgh to include car club users in the city.

“Residents now have access to this modernised, cleaner and even more environmentally friendly form of cost-effective electric mobility. Motor transport contributes significantly to carbon emissions, and the switch to more sustainable transport is essential to achieving the city’s Net Zero target.

“The new chargers and vehicles also align with our City Mobility Plan to improve our transport system to make it cleaner and more sustainable, and create safe, attractive, and healthy streets and spaces for people to walk, wheel, cycle in and enjoy.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I’m pleased that Scottish Government funding continues to support real alternatives to car ownership for people and communities.

“By supporting EV car clubs, people can experience the benefits of modern zero emission vehicles at a fraction of the cost required to purchase or lease their own vehicle.

“This helps those who only need a car occasionally, which is valuable in terms of encouraging a more sustainable transport network and reducing overall car use – improving air quality and road safety, all while reducing emissions and congestion.”

Find out more about becoming a car club member. 

Where to find car club charging points across Edinburgh.

Where to find charging points across Edinburgh

Paul Lawrence set to become city council’s new Chief Executive

Paul Lawrence has been recommended for appointment as the new Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council.

Following a competitive selection process, overseen by a cross-party panel of senior councillors, a final decision will be taken on the appointment today’s meeting of Full Council (9 May).

If the panel’s recommendation is approved, Mr Lawrence is expected to start as Chief Executive on 17 June.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I’m delighted that following a rigorous recruitment process, Paul Lawrence has been recommended for appointment into the role of Chief Executive.

“We had an extremely high calibre of candidates from across the UK, which is testament to the Council’s – and the city’s – reputation. Subject to councillors’ approval on Thursday, I look forward to welcoming Paul into his new role.”

Current Chief Executive, Andrew Kerr, will retire on 14 June, following nine years with the Council, and 42 years of public service.

Paul has been the Council’s Executive Director of Place since 2015, with his responsibilities including planning, housing, transport, regulatory services and environment, as well as economic development and culture.

Thursday: Gasholder Public Art event

Granton Gasholder Public art event: 9th May 5:30 – 8:30pm at granton:hub

Contribute your ideas for the Granton Gasholder public artwork, commissioned by The City of Edinburgh Council.

No art experience required, suitable for all ages and abilities. This is your chance to get involved!

Featuturing an exhibition of artworks created as part of the Edinburgh Shoreline project.

For more information: www.svetlanakondakova.com/granton-gasholder

Applications for Firework Control Zones in Edinburgh now open

Community groups in Edinburgh can now apply to have a Firework Control Zone (FCZ) in their local area.

The Scottish Government has brought into place powers for local authorities to implement FCZs, under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022.

A FCZ is a specified area within a local authority. Under the legislation it is a criminal offence for a member of the public to use a firework within a FCZ. Organised public displays will still be permitted.

Communities can ask for a FCZ to be considered for the following reasons: misuse of fireworks, injuries from fireworks, impact on vulnerable groups, environmental protection, and animal welfare.

To apply please email fireworkscontrolzone@edinburgh.gov.uk for an application pack. Full guidance for applications is available on our website.

Community groups have until June 30, 2024, to submit their FCZ applications.

Applications will then be reviewed by the Council in conjunction with Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Following these reviews, there will then be a community consultation period within the proposed areas. The full decision list on FCZs in Edinburgh is due to be announced in October 2024.

For any questions on FCZs please contact: fireworkscontrolzone@edinburgh.gov.uk

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I’m really pleased that we’re reaching the next stage in implementing Fireworks Control Zones here in Edinburgh. We all remember vividly the shocking and unprecedented scenes we saw in Niddrie last year with emergency services being attacked and I’m determined to do everything within our power to prevent similar occurrences this November.

“Whilst these powers from the Scottish Government are welcome, I’ve been clear that we need to go further on the issue of fireworks and ban their public sale, such is the current risk to public safety and order.

“Alongside these measures, it’s more important than ever that we supplement these new powers with our ongoing community work. Over the coming months with our partners, we’ll be undertaking targeted engagement and intervention work in our schools, youth associations and wider communities.”

South Morningside Primary School in the running for top marks

Education Convener Councillor Joan Griffiths has welcomed the announcement that an Edinburgh primary school has been shortlisted in the annual Times Educational Supplement awards.

Cllr Griffiths said: “Congratulations to the dedicated staff, pupils and the whole school community at South Morningside Primary who should all take great credit for this recognition.  

“As a Gold Rights Respecting School they focus on the individual learners and in their recent inspection they were praised for being sector leading for their tailored support for each child and the tracking of pupils to ensure they are all successful. 

“It’s a great honour for them to be in the running for the best primary school in the UK and they are the only Scottish entry in that category. Their accolade follows on from Firrhill High School being nominated in last year’s awards and demonstrates the high quality of learning and teaching in our schools.”

Grant Gillies, Head Teacher at South Morningside Primary School, said: “We are so excited to be shortlisted for the TES Primary School of the Year.

“A good school is not one person, it is a community working together to support generations.

“South Morningside Primary is at the heart of a very vibrant community with a fantastic team and this represents their hard work and efforts. Like all schools in Edinburgh , we have high aspirations for our children and families. “

Temporary closure for section of West Approach Road from tomorrow

A temporary closure will be in place for a section of the West Approach Road in Edinburgh from Monday for the next five weeks as part of planned maintenance work.

This includes repainting, general repairs and resurfacing the bridge decks.

This will affect the two-lane section between Roseburn Street and the Dundee Street flyover only. The road from Dundee Street to Lothian Road will remain open.

The section will be closed from Monday 6 May until Friday 7 June due to upgrade works being carried out on four bridges along the route. Diversions will be in place.

Transport Convener Councillor Scott Arthur said: “We realise this road closure may cause some inconvenience but it’s needed so we can carry out maintenance work to four bridges along the route.

“We’ve taken steps to minimise disruption by putting in place diversion routes, carried out a letter drop to residents to tell them of the changes and are putting in place measures to control the noise.”

The work is being carried out from next week due to restrictions on gaining access to the railway, other roadworks in the area and our embargo on roadworks from late July through to early September.