Leith Street – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Appeal for information after man and woman assaulted and robbed on Leith Street

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man and a woman were assaulted and robbed in the city centre.

A 50-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were at the pedestrian crossing at Leith Street and Princes Street junction around 10pm on Monday, 28 October, 2024 when they were assaulted and robbed by a group of people.

They were both taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment.

The suspects ran off towards St James Quarter and Multrees Walk.

Detective Sergeant Steven Gray of CID said: “This appears to have been a shockingly unprovoked and random attack, which left the victims requiring medical treatment. We are keen to trace three males and a female.

“The first male youth is described as aged between 14 and 16 years of age, tanned complexion, of medium build, with light curly hair which was short on top. He was wearing a black snood, a blue zipped jacket with white down the side.

“The second male is aged between 16 and 20 years of age, with dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing and white trainers.

“The third male is aged between 16-20 years of age, with dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing with white writing across the chest.

“The female is aged between 16 and 20 years of age, five-foot one inch tall, with blonde hair. She was wearing a white jacket.

“As part of our enquiries, we are reviewing CCTV to identify those responsible. We would ask if any has footage of the incident to please come forward.

“If you believe you could help our investigation, please call 101 quoting reference 4015 of 28 October, 2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Planning application submitted for refurbishment of Edinburgh’s Calton Square office building

A planning application for the proposed refurbishment of the Calton Square office building, currently home to Baillie Gifford, has been submitted to City of Edinburgh Council by Ardstone Capital on behalf of the building owners.

The vision for Calton Square is to create a best-in-class office building, comparable to the best in Europe, with the best possible Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) standards and lowest carbon footprint.

Located at the top of Leith Walk, the scheme provides almost 200,000 sq ft of office accommodation, with a number of roof terraces, co-working areas and a striking internal atrium that has the potential to act as an auditorium.

Fronting onto Leith Street the building, which dates from the 1990s, needs updating and to refurbish it will require significant remodelling and intervention. This includes replacing many elements of the existing asset including windows, façade, lifts and entrances.

However, much of the existing structure will be retained, with materials re-used on site or recycled.

Sustainability and net zero objectives have been established as a key consideration, delivering first class energy and environmental performance standards, with best-in-class ESG ratings. The current green roofscape and gardens will be enhanced, with a courtyard or atrium space provided in the centre of the building.

“The dialogue with the Council and other stakeholders has been very productive, and the application seeks to deliver an office building comparable to the best in Europe, which will serve Edinburgh well into the future.

“With the highest environmental performance standards, and the lowest possible carbon footprint, this refurbished building will seek to deliver improved ground floor activity and accessibility.

“Calton Square will address the recognised demand for top quality office space in the capital, while making an important contribution to the city, and we look to continue engaging with the Council and local community as the application progresses through the planning process.”

Council moves to address Picardy Place traffic shambles

Changes proposed to ease congestion around Picardy Place

Plans to re-introduce the left turn from Leith Walk onto London Road in Edinburgh will be considered by the Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday (23 May).

After the completion and opening of the new Trams to Newhaven line the project team has continued to monitor a number of issues raised along the route including the lack of left turns and accessibility from Leith Walk heading east which has resulted in increased congestion in and around the Picardy Place area causing delays to public transport.

Following the period of monitoring and public feedback the report to the Committee next week proposes re-introducing the left turn which will include these measures:

A minimum of 10 seconds for traffic to use it
When the left turn goes off the ahead signal will remain on allowing pedestrian and cyclists to come over from London Road and
The overall time for the two stages would be the same as currently operating for the ahead only and pedestrian stage

The proposed changes are not anticipated to have any impact on Elm Row bus stops and will benefit the overall traffic flow around Picardy Place, Leith Street and Broughton Street.

Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It was important for us to give the successful new tram line to Newhaven time to bed in, and, as with any major transport infrastructure project we continued to review the traffic management arrangements in the area.

“After this monitoring process, and in response to public feedback (i.e. complaints? – Ed.) and discussions with Lothian Buses, we’re proposing to re-introduce the left hand turn from Leith Walk onto London Road. Importantly thanks to the plans we’re also maintaining single phase crossing for both pedestrians and cyclists crossing over from London Road.

“The overall positive impact of these changes will support Lothian Buses and their operations while also easing congestion in and around Picardy Place and associated streets.

“The previous Transport and Environment Committee made the decision to close the turn in good faith some time ago, but it is now clear the prohibition has been detrimental to the flow of public transport through the area.”

If the plans are approved next week then the statutory process will begin under the Trams to Newhaven Temporary Traffic Regulation Order.

Proposals for refurbished Calton Square office building to go on display

The public is to be given the chance to share views on the proposed refurbishment of the Calton Square office building, located at the top of Leith Walk.

Being promoted by Ardstone Capital, appointed as development managers, the current occupier of the building is set to move out in April 2025. The vision for the refurbishment is to create a best-in-class office building, comparable to the best in Europe with the lowest possible carbon footprint.

Fronting onto Leith Street, Greenside Row (the pedestrian street along the Omni frontage) and Greenside Place, the building, which dates from the 1990s, needs updating and no longer meets technical standards and occupier requirements. The proposed refurbishment will also help address a chronic under-supply of top-quality Grade A office space in the capital.

To refurbish the building will require significant remodelling and intervention, replacing many elements of the existing asset including windows, façade, lifts and entrances. However, as much of the structure will be retained as possible, including the frame, with materials re-used where possible and natural stone used where appropriate.

Sustainability and net zero objectives have been established as a key consideration, delivering first class energy and environmental performance standards, with best in class Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) ratings. The current green roofscape and gardens will be enhanced, with a courtyard or atrium space provided in the centre of the building.

Car parking will be reduced and additional cycle storage and changing facilities will be provided. Accessible by foot, cycling, tram, buses and train, the refurbished building will bring significant benefits to the immediate locality, complementing the surrounding retail, commercial and residential properties.

The cost of such works will be significant and will need to be balanced by the creation of some additional usable space that provides the most efficient future use and a viable economic return. This includes providing additional accommodation without increasing the existing maximum height of the building.

Whilst not formally classed as a major development and therefore not requiring statutory consultation prior to the submission of a planning application, proper engagement with the public and other key groups is important for the asset owner and the public given the building’s prominent location in the city centre.

An informal public consultation event is therefore taking place on Tuesday 20th February, between 3pm and 7pm at St Paul’s & St George’s Church Hall, York Place Edinburgh EH1 3RH.

A website with details of the refurbishment is also available at:

www.caltonsquare.com

Commenting on this, Craig McDonald, Principal and Managing Director of Ardstone Capital UK, acting as development manager on behalf of the owner and its advisory team, said: ““While occupying a top-grade location, the existing building no longer provides office space that suits current occupier requirements and fails to meet current statutory requirements in several important areas. It also fails to engage with or contribute to the street life and immediate surroundings.

“Our proposals aim to address these issues and deliver an office building comparable to the best in Europe with the lowest possible carbon footprint. In addition, it will address the recognised demand for top quality office space in the capital while making an important contribution to the city.

“We urge the local community to come and share their views on our proposals.”

Omni Centre death: Murder inquiry launched

A murder inquiry has been launched following the death of a 30-year-old man in Edinburgh.

Around 7.45pm on Friday, 2 June, 2023, officers were called to a report of a disturbance on Leith Street near to the junction with Greenside Row.

Edinburgh man Peter Mullen, 30, suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where he died a short time later.

Following a post mortem examination, his death is being treated as murder. His relatives are aware and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Enquiries have so far revealed a number of people were involved in the disturbance and a 41-year-old man was also taken to hospital for treatment.

A 46-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a minor assault. She is expected to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Detective Chief Inspector John Morrison said: “Our thoughts are very much with Peter’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“We have a dedicated team of officers working on this investigation and I would like to reassure the local community that everything is being done to trace the person responsible.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing and officers are continuing to gather CCTV footage from the surrounding area.

“We are aware that the area was busy at the time of the incident and we are again encouraging anyone who may have seen or heard a disturbance, to please get in touch.

“We have set up a website that gives members of the public access to a form to send information directly to us.

“Anyone with any CCTV, dashcam or any other footage that they think would assist the enquiry can also send this via this link.

“You can select to remain anonymous when submitting information.

“I’d like to thank the public for their assistance so far and ask anyone with information who hasn’t already spoken with officers to please call 101 quoting incident number 4094 of 2 June, 2023.

“Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given completely anonymously.

“We have set up a link to our Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) that allows members of the public to send information directly to the public.”

The MIPP can be accessed here:

https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT23S24-PO1

Police appeal for information following death on Leith Street

POLICE LAUNCH MAJOR INCIDENT PUBLIC PORTAL

https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT23S24-PO1

Police are appealing for information following the death of a 30-year-old man in Edinburgh last night.

Around 7.45pm on Friday, 2 June, 2023, officers were called to a report of a disturbance on Leith Street near to the junction with Greenside Row.

Emergency services attended and the victim was taken by ambulance to Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he died a short time later.

His death is being treated as unexplained and a post mortem examination will take place in due course.

His relatives are aware and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Extensive enquiries carried out have revealed a number of people were involved in the disturbance and a 41-year-old man was also taken to hospital for treatment.

A 46-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with a minor assault.

Detective Chief Inspector John Morrison said: “Our thoughts are very much with the man’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and officers will be in the area working on this investigation.

“The area would have been busy at the time of the incident and we are encouraging anyone who may have seen or heard a disturbance to get in touch.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone with any CCTV, dashcam or any other footage that they think would assist the enquiry.

“We will have a continued police presence in the area and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 4094 of 2 June, 2023.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given completely anonymously.

UPDATE: POLICE SET UP ONLINE PORTAL

Officers investigating the death of a 30-year-old man in Edinburgh have set up an online portal for members of the public to submit information.

Extensive enquiries are continuing and we have set up a link to our Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) that allows members of the public to send information directly to officers.

The MIPP can be accessed here: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 4094 of 2 June, 2023.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given completely anonymously.

Racially aggravated assault: Fifteen year old girl charged

A 15-year-old girl has been charged in connection with a racially aggravated assault. The incident happened shortly after 9pm last Friday (8th October) on Leith Street.

A report will be submitted to the youth justice authorities.

Chief Inspector Clark Martin said: ““Racism and discrimination of any kind is unacceptable and has no place in our society and we thoroughly investigate all incidents which are reported to us.

“We also work closely with a range of partner agencies, including universities and students organisations, to ensure students and young people feel safe in our city.

“We will be carrying out additional patrols in Edinburgh city centre to reassure people and to address any concerns. These patrols will be carried out with a specific focus on youth disorder.”

Three men charged following homophobic attack on Leith Street

Three men, aged 23, 22 and 21-years-old, have been arrested and charged in connection with two alleged assaults and homophobic crime following an incident involving two men on Leith Street, which happened on Friday 30 July 2021.

The men have been released on an undertaking to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

.Detective Inspector Mark McGraw said: “Any form of hate crime has a huge impact on those targeted.

“An attack on people because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race or beliefs, is abhorrent and will not be tolerated.”

Witness appeal following Leith Street assault and robbery

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following an assault and robbery on Leith Street last Friday evening. The incident is being treated as a hate crime.

Detective Inspector Mark McGraw said: “The investigation into an assault and robbery against two men on Leith Street, Edinburgh on Friday 30 July is ongoing and being treated as a hate crime.

“We understand hate crimes can have a huge impact on those targeted, and an attack on people because of their sexual orientation, gender, race or beliefs, is not only abhorrent but will not be tolerated.

“Anyone who was in the Leith Street area of Edinburgh at around 9.20pm on Friday, 30 July, and may have information that could assist with our enquiry is urged to contact Police Scotland, quoting reference number 3663 of 30 July.”

St James Quarter announces official opening date

● St James Quarter will open its first phase on June 24^th

● The opening has been carefully planned to work within the city’s framework for a safe easing out of lockdown restrictions

● John Lewis & Partners will also reopen in May following complete refurbishment of the shop

Following five years of construction, St James Quarter will officially open its first phase on Thursday, 24^th June 2021 – bringing a new lifestyle district to the Scottish capital.

The long-anticipated opening has been carefully planned to fit in with the wider plans for a safe reopening of the city, with St James Quarter designed to provide a safe, convenient, and fun environment for shoppers to enjoy as the city begins to ease out of lockdown.

It includes natural ventilation throughout, easily accessible public routes and connectivity from key surrounding streets, covered car parking on site and an integrated plan with the city’s events programme for upcoming celebrations.

The phase one opening line-up of one of the most significant UK city centre transformations undertaken in the last few years will bring together brands from global to local, combining convenience and luxury with an offering that includes: Zara, Mango, Pull & Bear, Rituals, H&M, Kurt Geiger, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, as well as Dune, Bross Bagels and Salerno Pizza, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The centre will also see many exciting brands making their Scotland debuts with; Peloton, Bonnie & Wild, & Other Stories, Bershka and Stradivarius offering their exciting products in Edinburgh for the first time.

In advance of the retail launch, Edinburgh’s John Lewis & Partners shop will also reopen on 14 May, following a multi million-pound refurbishment.

It will be accessible on the corner of Leith Street and Little Kings Street, ahead of its entrance within St James Quarter becoming accessible in June.

Still to come in the latter phases of the development over the next 18 months will be an enticing mix of more shops, restaurants and bars, a W Edinburgh, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, 152 New Eidyn residential apartments, and an unrivalled guest experience providing customers with an enviable events programme in a range of new and attractive public spaces.

Martin Perry, Director of Development at Edinburgh St James, said: “We are extremely excited to be opening the first phase of the Quarter to the public. After a very long and challenging year, it’s a moment many of us have been waiting for.

“This is a significant moment in Edinburgh’s history, and we can’t wait to share what lies behind the quarter with the people of Edinburgh and beyond. A new normal demands a new kind of destination – a development that can respond to an ever-changing situation we are living with, one that serves the needs of its community as well as visitors to the city.

“We are working closely with the Scottish Government to ensure we create a safe space for shoppers to escape and enjoy. Our team is working tirelessly to ensure the appropriate safety measures will be in place and ensure we create a destination that can be truly enjoyed for generations to come.”