Tag: consultation

Your Police 2020 – 2021: Police Scotland launches consultation

A Message from Chief Superintendent Sean Scott. Divisional Commander, Edinburgh City Division, Police Scotland:

I wish to convey my sincere thanks for your cooperation, support and fortitude during this period of unprecedented challenge.

Many of you will have been directly affected by the unfolding coronavirus pandemic and my thoughts are with you and your families during these uncertain times.

The sacrifices made by colleagues in health and social care are truly humbling and Police Scotland is committed to supporting NHS Lothian, the City of Edinburgh Council, statutory partners and the third sector to meet the welfare requirements of those in need.

I wish to reassure you that, as ever, we stand ready to serve Edinburgh’s communities and keep people safe.

You can contact us in the following ways should you require our assistance:

• In an emergency dial 999
• For non-emergencies call 101
• Contact online at: https://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/contact-us-form

The Police Scotland website provides helpful crime prevention guidance and practical advice to stay safe, it can be accessed at: https://www.scotland.police.uk/

I have been heartened to witness, first-hand, Edinburgh’s communities pulling together and supporting each other in this time of crisis. Please continue to play your part by following our Government’s instructions and adhering to social distancing requirements.

It’s important to me that we best meet your needs and those of your community. Therefore, I’d be grateful if you’d take a few moments to share your views and suggestions by completing the ‘Your Police 2020-2021’ survey which is available at the following link: https://consult.scotland.police.uk/surveys/your-police-2020-2021/

Edinburgh is a strong, resilient and adaptable city, as are its people and your help and continued forbearance will see us through this testing period.

Filmhouse revises pre-planning public consultation

Edinburgh’s Filmhouse is adapting its scheduled pre-planning public consultation in light of the social distancing and other advice issued by the UK and Scottish Governments in response to Coronavirus.

The ‘bold new vision’ to create an internationally significant, fully accessible and environmentally sustainable landmark home for film and screen culture in Edinburghhas already secured over 150 responses through the Filmhouse and EIFF websites and more through other avenues of feedback.

Although Filmhouse is currently closed and Edinburgh International Film Festival has been postponed, it is hoped that people may find time to engage with a more digital-based consultation process in the coming weeks.

Information on the proposed development including architect drawings and visualisations, the background to the development and FAQs are available on Filmhouse’s website. People can feedback through a simple online survey on Filmhouse and EIFF websites.

The project team is currently creating a series of further digital resources which can be shared through Filmhouse and Edinburgh International Film Festival websites, social media and email.

These resources will draw out different aspects of the building and its purpose, responding to some of the questions emerging from the consultation feedback so far. The presentation planned for the public and members’ events will also be recorded and shared through the same digital channels.

The public consultation events, which have been postponed, were due to take place at Filmhouse on Sunday 29 March, Wednesday 1 April and Tuesday 28 April. The two Filmhouse Members’ Events were scheduled for Sunday 29 March and Monday 6 April. These events will not happen.

Filmhouse will continue to look at options for how people can engage with the consultation process, working with the City of Edinburgh Council’s Planning Department, and any updates will be posted on the Filmhouse website at www.filmhousecinema.com/future.

The team is doing its best in this current context to reach out to as wide a range of audiences, customers, interest groups and stakeholders, for example sharing information specifically to its Young Programmers and Senior Selections volunteers, and will be inviting people from organisations or networks representing special interests to attend video meetings to have more focused discussions about the designs.

Information on the proposed building:

The planned new Filmhouse building has been designed by award-winning Edinburgh based Richard Murphy Architects and will significantly improve and increase the quality and quantity of spaces available to and needed by Filmhouse and EIFF for their audiences, customers, participants and industry partners.

It will create a hub for Edinburgh’s film and broader cultural community to base themselves in, and be a focal point for Edinburgh’s citizens to learn about film and filmmaking in all its diversity.

Filmhouse’s audiences have made it clear what they value and these have been built into the design: location, atmosphere, diversity of programme, education and learning activities, great locally sourced food and drink in the Café Bar, and a safe and comfortable space for people to gather. Most importantly, these will all be delivered to contemporary standards of access and comfort.

Filmhouse has been at the centre of Edinburgh’s cultural landscape for more than 40 years. As well as a year-round programme of inspiring films, creative learning, special events and partnership working, Filmhouse is home to the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), hosts more than 20 other film festivals, and plays a key role in promoting a vibrant and successful film and moving image industry and culture across Scotland.  The new building will secure Filmhouse’s future for generations to come.

The new Filmhouse will:

  • Provide six new cinema screens allowing Filmhouse and EIFF to programme even more great films, festivals and partnership events.
  • Improve the audience experience with a world-class venue that is fully accessible for all, with comfortable seating and state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Continue to screen film on all formats, including 4K digital, and 16mm, 35mm and 70mm film.
  • Ensure accessibility for all, with a commitment that all public and office spaces are fully accessible for audiences, staff and guests.
  • Increase Filmhouse’s education and outreach activity, with dedicated education spaces to host year-round activity for learners of all ages.
  • House Filmhouse’s award-winning Café Bar, which will be designed to retain the intimate and safe atmosphere of the existing space.
  • Create a brand-new Festival Centre to provide a venue to support EIFF and other festivals and special events year-round.
  • Introduce a new Cultural Industries hub, supporting the Scottish screen and broader cultural sector with much-needed flexible workspace in Edinburgh’s city centre.
  • Create a restaurant and rooftop event space.
  • Keep Filmhouse’s iconic character and atmosphere, in a new building that has been thoughtfully designed to represent its independent spirit and ethos.
  • Reduce impact on the environment by creating a building that will aim to produce net zero carbon emissions.
  • Increase financial sustainability, by creating greater capacity, diversifying sources of income generation, and becoming more self-sufficient over the longer term.

The oculus design reflects the eye on the world that Filmhouse, EIFF and the myriad of festivals, events and learning opportunities in the building will provide, whilst also providing a striking addition to Edinburgh’s architectural landscape.

Its location in Festival Square is designed to be the catalyst that brings to life a currently underused public space and as part of the development would place a responsibility on Filmhouse to manage the curation of activity within the surrounding square.

The architect drawings and visualisations for the new Filmhouse give people a good idea of the thinking on the position and shape of the building, and the spaces it would contain, however the design is still in development.

Filmhouse is looking to engage with customers, partners and stakeholders including programming partners, creative learning partners and the Scottish film sector, community councils and councillors, and residents of Edinburgh to gauge support for the plans and further develop the designs before submitting a formal Planning Application to the City of Edinburgh Council during the summer.

Full costing of the project will take place later in 2020 to coincide with the formal Planning Application, but the cost is currently estimated to be in the region of £50m.

An indicative timeline, contingent on the Planning Application decision and fundraising success, hopes to start work on the building in 2023 with it opening in 2025.

This project is led by CMI’s Board and Senior Management Team, with support from property consultancy Montagu Evans.

New approach to informing stroke research priorities

The Stroke Association is calling on people affected by stroke in Scotland to have their say on what stroke research should be taking place.   

There are over 14,000 strokes every year in Scotland and about 128,000 stroke survivors rebuilding their lives. For the first time, the Stroke Association is funding an ambitious new project to determine the future of stroke research.

The Stroke Association is working with stroke survivors and their carers, health and social care bodies, the James Lind Alliance, Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and other charities to deliver a set of priorities for stroke research that work best for the people that matter most. 

Andrea Cail, Director Scotland at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do.  It affects people differently, it could be anything ranging from affecting speech and physical ability, to affecting your emotions and personality.

“The good news is that stroke research continues to find new treatments, and also ways to improve how we can help more people live independently in their own home, return to work and rebuild lives.  

“However, we want future stroke research to address the things that matter most to everyone affected by stroke and make the biggest difference to the lives of stroke survivors. Through this initiative we will develop a defined set of research priorities for stroke. But, if we are to be successful, we need everyone in Scotland who has been affected by stroke to engage with this project. 

“If you’re a stroke survivor, or support a loved one who has had a stroke, this is your chance to make your views and voices heard. We invite you to get involved as stroke impacts on so many people in our communities.

“Our survey is open to those closely affected by stroke, from stroke survivors and the family members who support them, to people who work with stroke survivors.”

Ruth Lyle, from Hawick who had a stroke in 2017 and is involved in the project said: “I really welcome the move the charity is making in involving people affected by stroke to come up with a set of research priorities. 

“I took an interest in being a member of the Steering Group because there are certain areas of stroke that I think we need to know more about. All those affected by stroke – not just researchers – should get the opportunity to feed into this piece of work. 

“We need to know what is important to those individuals. I would encourage people affected by stroke to get involved with the JLA project and complete this short survey to tell us what stroke issues matter most to you.”

The Stroke Association has been at the forefront of stroke research for the past 30 years. In Scotland, the charity funded early research into thrombectomy, the game-changing treatment that can gives stroke patients a better chance of living the best life they can after stroke.

The Stroke Association also continues to fund cutting-edge research in Scotland. For example, they are currently funding research into how those affected by stroke can be supported to manage their recovery more independently, as well as research looking specifically at managing the devastating effects of stroke on mental well-being, like depression and anxiety. 

Have your say for stroke and find out more about the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership at: www.stroke.org.uk/jla.

Your questions can help the Stroke Association and our partners(ii) influence stroke research and answer the questions that matter most to the people affected.

For more information and to have your say visit: www.stroke.org.uk/jla  

Get talking about the JLA PSP on social media using the #MySayforStroke 

Have your say on Council’s plans

Edinburgh residents are being asked to share their views on the draft City Mobility Plan, a ten-year strategy for creating accessible, affordable and environmentally-friendly travel in and around Edinburgh, and the Choices for City Plan 2030, which sets out options for the sustainable management of future development during a time of major change.

The two draft plans are closely linked and are being consulted on at the same time to ensure any new development helps people to make healthier choices, improving quality of life through enhanced provision for walking and cycling and better links to public transport.

Over the next eight weeks, the public can share comments and opinions on both by taking part in the consultations online, while they can meet the teams involved and find out more about plans at several drop-in events being held across the city.

Capital Coalition leaders call on residents to take part

SNP Council Leader Councillor Adam McVey said: “These ambitious plans to transform our approach to both transport and development in the Capital are essential to our ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030, to vastly improve the city’s environment and to create a healthier, fairer and more inclusive place for everyone.

“We’re about to embark upon a period of significant change, where we simply must meet the challenges posed by population growth and a climate emergency head-on. We have it within our power to drive our city forward, to adapt and thrive despite the pressures we face. If we act now, with pace, we will realise the future Edinburgh and its residents deserve.

Depute Council Leader, Labour’s  Councillor Cammy Day, said: “These proposed changes will affect everyone who lives in, works in and visits Edinburgh, so it’s only right that we continue to have a conversation with our residents, businesses and other stakeholders about how our city grows and changes to meet future needs.

We want everyone to play their part in these momentous decisions and I look forward to engaging with the public on these two, inextricably linked strategies, which will have a game-changing impact on Edinburgh’s development.

How the two plans have progressed to this stage

The draft City Mobility Plan was approved for consultation by the Transport and Environment Committee on 16 January and will replace the Council’s Local Transport Strategy 2014 – 2019. The plan sets out new policy measures over the next ten years focusing on public transport provision, improved cycling, walking and electric vehicle infrastructure and reducing the volume of polluting traffic in the city. These draw on feedback gathered during public engagement carried out in 2018.

On 22 January members of the Planning Committee agreed to consult on the Choices for City Plan 2030. The document sets out options for how to make the best use of land for future development while also addressing how the Council could tackle short term lets, planning for and building more affordable housing and managing the growth of student housing, amongst other issues.

Both strategies envision the Capital in a decade’s time, when residents will live in homes they can afford and won’t necessarily need a car to move around, with policies addressing Edinburgh’s rising population and the wider climate emergency while managing the growth and success of the city.

Take part in drop-in events to find out more

To help the public have their say on both sets of plans and to speak to experts, several drop-in events will be held on:

  • Monday, 3 February; 4pm – 7pm in Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street, EH17 8RG
  • Saturday, 8 February; 11am – 4pm in The Wash House, 3 Adelphi Grove, Portobello, EH15 1AP
  • Monday, 10 February; 1pm – 7pm in the Urban Room, Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, EH8 8BG
  • Thursday, 13 February; 4pm – 7.30pm in Kirkliston Parish Hall, The Square, EH29 9AS
  • Wednesday, 26 February; 4pm – 7pm in YMCA, 1 Junction Place, EH6 5JA
  • Wednesday, 4 March; 4pm – 7pm in Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Rd, EH4 5EG
  • Thursday, 19 March; 1pm – 8.30pm in St Bride’s Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace, EH11 2DZ

There will also be a series of consultation hub surgeries where help will be on offer, with one-to-one support to complete the online consultation for Choices for City Plan 2030 specifically. These will be on:

  • Monday, 10 February; 1pm – 7pm in the Urban Room, Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, EH8 8BG
  • Monday, 24 February; 4pm – 7pm in Piershill Library, 30 Piersfield Terrace, EH8 7BQ
  • Monday, 2 March; 4pm – 7pm in Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street, EH11 1BG
  • Monday, 9 March; 4pm – 7pm in Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road, EH6 4AE
  • Wednesday, 11 March; 4pm – 7pm in Drumbrae Library Hub, 81 Drum Brae Drive, EH4 7FE.

Next steps for City Plan Mobility Plan and Choices for City Plan 2030

For the City Mobility Plan, the results of this public consultation, alongside a comprehensive travel behaviour survey to be completed by the end of February, will form the basis of a finalised plan to be brought to Transport and Environment Committee later this year supported by a delivery plan packaging and phasing the implementation of actions and policy measures.

Consultation responses to the Choices for City Plan 2030 will help inform the proposed City Plan 2030, which is due to be published by the Council in August. It will then be published to allow for representations to be made after which it will be formally examined by the Scottish Government before the Council can consider adopting it.

Have your say on Clermiston Park plans

On behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT) have put together an Improvement Plan for Clermiston Park, making suggestions for the next two years.

ELGT are asking stakeholders and the local community to provide any feedback they may have on the plans, which will be considered and incorporated where appropriate.

A summary of the feedback received and an explanation of any subsequent changes made will be provided along with the finalised plan.

Clermiston-Park-Improvement-Plan-2020

Community consultation tomorrow

The Local Conversation Community Forums in Bingham and Magdalene are inviting residents of Bingham and Magdalene to have their say on what the top priorities are in their area and what action should be taken on these in 2020 and beyond. 

Local Conversations is a People’s Health Trust’s initiative which involves supporting residents to develop a shared vision for their community and take local action on issues that matter to them. 

The project, supported by Community Renewal, has been ongoing since 2016/2017 and has already made significant contributions to the two neighbourhoods.

Funding will continue into 2020/2021 and Community Renewal and People’s Health Trust are inviting the residents to share their views on what has been achieved and set the priorities for the year ahead.

Community Renewal’s Project Lead Cris Thacker reflects: “The community has achieved so much since the Local Conversations began in 2016. Together we have refreshed the area, supporting the development of two community gardens, reviving a local newsletter, creating a mural in the bridge that connects Bingham with Niddrie and establishing a community cafe. 

“We have also established a community chest which has funded activities and events that have brought the community together. We are now ready to build on those successes and can’t wait to hear what the community want to do next.”

Alex Kearney, who supports the Local Conversations at People’s Health Trust’s added: “The Local Conversation in Bingham and the Local Conversation in Magdalene are at an exciting point; ready to build on the achievements residents in both communities have made so far.

“This event will be a great opportunity to check in with local people about what their top priorities are for their neighbourhood, and discuss how they can work together in 2020 to make Bingham and Magdalene an even better place to live.”

The event will take place on Saturday 1 February 10am – 1:30pm at the Jewel Miners Welfare Club. 

All are welcome and refreshments and a creche will be provided. Attendance is free but per-booking is required.

2500 have their say in Big Climate Conversation

A public engagement programme on how to end Scotland’s contribution to climate change has shown widespread support for home energy efficiency improvements, increased use of public transport and transitioning to a more circular economy.

More than 2,500 people from across Scotland engaged in the Big Climate Conversation, with different audience types reflecting differing views on food, land use and energy.

The Big Climate Conversation findings will directly inform the update to the Scottish Government’s current Climate Change Plan and the development of a new Public Engagement Strategy for climate change.

Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “The reduction in emissions we need to achieve to end Scotland’s contribution to climate change within a generation will require action by everybody and must be a truly national endeavour.

“We must also ensure our transformation to net-zero takes place in a just and fair way – no one should be left behind. That’s why the Scottish Government undertook The Big Climate Conversation last year.

“This report shows the breadth and value of the discussions that took place and I look forward to these continuing as Scotland progresses further to a net-zero society during the important years ahead.

“We will soon announce plans for Scotland’s Citizens Assembly on Climate Change which will build on the important insights gained through the Big Climate Conversation. In the meantime, I would like to thank everyone who took part.”

Executive Director of the Raploch Community Partnership Janette Mitchell said: “As a local community regeneration charity, we were delighted to launch the community-led Big Climate Conversation. It was a wonderful focus for our wider Empowering Communities work. 

“By holding our climate conversations, our service users and stakeholders helped us design our employability, training, volunteering and digital services with a new emphasis on tackling the global climate emergency.”

The Big Climate Conversation report is available on the Scottish Government website.

Leith Walk consultation sessions

The city council are holding a series of public consultation events on the future of a development site at Leith Walk / Halmyre Street. The site area is shown on the plan below although the surrounding area will be considered in the consultations. Continue reading Leith Walk consultation sessions