Tag: Leith Walk

Hallelujah! Key section of Leith Walk to reopen on Monday

BUT TRAFFIC CHAOS IS FAR FROM OVER

Leith Walk will reopen to two-way traffic between Pilrig Street and London Road from Monday (18 July), marking a key milestone for the Trams to Newhaven project.

The main construction works between Montgomery Street/Annandale Street and Pilrig Street are now complete and fencing will be removed from outside businesses and homes.

The project remains on schedule for completion by spring 2023 and within the £207.3m budget, with all major construction anticipated to be complete by the end of 2022 ahead of a testing and commissioning period.

Progress to date includes:

  • Almost 3,900 metres of track laid, 84% of the total
  • Main construction works completed on three out of the eight new tram stops with works progressing well at the Balfour Street, Foot of the Walk and Newhaven stops
  • Over 4,000 metres of communications ducting installed (87% of the total) serving the tram and future communication requirements in the area
  • More than 4,000 metres of drainage installed (89% of the total)
  • Over 60,000 deliveries from the logistic hubs to local businesses
  • Almost 24,500 itison vouchers sold, generating over £240,000 potential spend in participating businesses on the route.
  • Over £175,000 spend on open for business campaigns
  • Main construction works complete on several sections, including Ocean Terminal to Rennie’s Isle and between Tower Street and Constitution Place and Tower Street and Baltic Street

However, the programme for some specific sections of the route has changed due to industry wide challenges with the availability of materials and skilled labour, as well as other issues including complex utility conflicts.

As a result, some stretches are scheduled to take longer than originally planned, including Melrose Drive and outside Ocean Terminal. Full details of the updated programme are available on the Trams to Newhaven website.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “It’s great news that this key section of Leith Walk will soon reopen and will start its transition to becoming a vibrant multi-modal transport corridor.

“Not only does it mark a major milestone for the Trams to Newhaven project but I’m sure it will be most welcome to businesses and residents along this part of the route. I’d like to thank all those living and working nearby for their patience throughout the programme of work.

“As the project nears completion, the progress made so far is clear to see. Once finished, it will be transformative for the area and beyond. As well as delivering a low-carbon, high capacity and clean mode of transport to this densely populated part of Edinburgh, it will create improved public spaces, active travel links and support future growth and development.

“I do of course recognise that changes to the programme, which are down to issues outwith our control, are likely to affect people and we’ll be working hard to share the latest information and will continue to look at ways in which we can mitigate against some of these delays. To ensure residents are kept safe, I have also asked that parking restrictions are robustly enforced along the route.

“I’d like to thank the Trams to Newhaven project team for all their hard work. Despite the pandemic and global logistics problems, the project is on track to welcome its first passengers in spring 2023 and will be delivered within budget.”

Maria Ortega, SFN Project Director on Edinburgh Trams York Place to Newhaven, said: “We continue to make excellent progress on this project on behalf of our client The City of Edinburgh Council and we are delighted to be reopening this key section of Leith Walk to two-way traffic.

“As contractors we are working hard to ensure that continued progress is made throughout the remaining section of works. Despite the challenges of the pandemic and industry wide issues, we are proud of the progress we have made by working successfully alongside our partners, supply chain and client.

“We look forward to this line being operational in spring 2023.”

Steve Jackson, Project Director, Turner & Townsend said: “As a project we have experienced numerous challenges, as well as industry wide issues, however collaborative working has played a key role to ensure that we have remained on track throughout the life cycle of the project.

“As we enter the final phase of construction works to deliver the Edinburgh Trams to Newhaven line, achievements such as this begin to bring the project together in real life and allow people to see the positive transformational impact this system will have for them.

“I would like to thank all project partners for their efforts to date and we look forward to making continued progress across the route.”

As part of the changes, there is no waiting or stopping between Pilrig Street and Annandale Street, though there is designated loading and parking provision on both the east and west side of Leith Walk.

Logistics hubs to support businesses on Albert Street and Montgomery Street with deliveries and dispatches will also remain on this section of Leith Walk.

MEANWHILE, there’s still no sign of the report into the Edinburgh Trams fiasco. Lord Hardie’s inquiry was set up in 2014 to establish why the Edinburgh Tram project incurred massive delays, cost massively more than originally budgeted and through reductions in scope delivered not a network but a single line, significantly less than promised.

Find out more about Trams to Newhaven, including landscape plans and timelines, online. Further information on bus diversions and timetables is available on the Lothian Buses website.

Drum launches refurbished offices in ‘Red Sandstone’ building on LeithWalk

Drum Property Group is seeking occupants for high quality office space in the refurbished 1930s ‘Red Sandstone’ building which extends from 106 to 154 Leith Walk.

The distinctive two-storey building, completed in 1933 in the Scottish Art Deco style, will provide flexible and open-plan space for a range of contemporary business suites overlooking Leith Walk, housed above a row of shops, restaurants and a popular bar. 

Simply branded ‘The Red Sandstone’, the building now forms an iconic gateway to Drum’s current £50 million transformation of the 2.9-acre Stead’s Place site, which will bring 148 new homes to the rear of the development linking Leith Walk to Pilrig Park and beyond. 

Originally designed as an office complex supporting the London Midland Scottish Railway goods yard, the ornate building was completed with a red Dumfries sandstone fascia and black marble pediment and became a highly recognisable business and retail focal point towards to foot of Leith Walk.

As part of Drum’s regeneration of the Stead’s Place site, The Red Sandstone has now undergone a complete refurbishment creating a variety of flexible and light-filled office space connected by a common entrance hub to suit a range of business uses.  

Welcoming the launch of The Red Sandstone office suites, Graeme Bone, Drum’s Group Managing Director said: “Sitting above a vibrant retail parade containing shops, cafés, restaurants and a popular bar these sympathetically restored office suites provide an ideal small business location in the diverse and dynamic community of Leith. 

“Directly connected to the tram, cycle and bus networks and only 10-minutes from the city centre, The Red Sandstone is the gateway to the new Stead’s Place residential development to the rear, connecting Leith Walk to the green space and sanctuary of Pilrig Park, a five-minute walk away. 

“We hope the refurbished building will, once again provide a distinctive focal point and destination for Leith Walk, continuing the rich tradition of diversity and independence which makes the area such an exciting destination in which to live, work and visit.” 

The ground floor of the Red Sandstone building is currently being let to a variety of retail and food and beverage operators, with tenants expected to start taking occupancy later this summer. 

For more information on The Red Sandstone and its office suites, visit www.theredsandstone.com or contact office agents Culverwell on 0131 243 9617.  

Council operation stops sales of illegal tobacco in Leith

Almost £26,000 worth of illegal tobacco has been taken off the shelves by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Trading Standards team and Police Scotland.

Operation CeCe is a UK wide operation targeting illicit tobacco, which is either duty evaded, counterfeit or both and the recent operations in the capital resulted in the seizure of almost £26,000 worth of stock. It included 22,600 cigarettes and 10Kg of hand rolling tobacco which in turn represented evaded duty of over £10,600 defrauded from public funds.

Acting upon intelligence received, Officers from the City of Edinburgh Council’s Trading Standards team, in partnership with officers from Police Scotland, attended a number of premises in the Leith Walk area of the city, along with tobacco detection dog Boo.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Scott Arthur, said: “These recoveries are a fantastic result for our Trading Standards team who work hard to identify and tackle unsafe and illegal products. Stopping such products reaching consumers in Edinburgh and beyond is a testament to their proactive strategy and dedication.

“I am, of course, concerned that this market exists within Edinburgh. These products have not had the required duty paid on them, but also do not comply with the plain packaging, warning requirements, and where they are counterfeit, breach Trade Marks legislation. No tobacco product is safe, but the recovered goods may not comply with the requirements designed to ensure that cigarettes are self-extinguishing to prevent domestic fires.

“Illicit and Counterfeit Tobacco evades taxation and often ends up in the hands of young people, and for that reason tackling it is a key part of Edinburgh’s contribution to the Scottish Government aim to achieve a Smoke Free Generation by 2034.

“We are committed to tackling the supply of illicit tobacco, and will work with our partners in Police Scotland and HMRC wherever possible to disrupt its supply. Legitimate retail sale of tobacco is also disadvantaged where illicit supply routes exist, and we would encourage any legitimate business owners to come forward with any information.”

Police: Have you seen Aaron?

Police are asking for help to trace a 17-year-old teenager last seen in Leith. Aaron Strachan was last seen around 5pm in Leith Walk on Thursday (21 April). He is described as around 5ft 11, of average build, with short brown hair.

When last seen he was wearing a green/blue puffer style jacket, grey jogging bottoms and black Nike trainers.

Anyone who has seen Aaron or knows where he might be is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 0696 of Thursday, 21 April, 2022.

CCTV appeal following serious assault on Leith Walk

Police are continuing to investigate a serious assault in Leith. Officers have released images of a man that they wish to speak to as they believe he may have information that can assist their enquiries.

The incident happened around 11:30pm on Tuesday, 7 September, 2021 outside the Mousetrap pub on Leith Walk.

A 30-year-old man was attacked and sustained injuries to his face, which required treatment at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Officers believe that the man shown in the image may have information that could assist them and would appeal to him or anyone who recognises him to contact them.

The man shown in the image is described as 20 to 30 years old, between 5’10 and 6 foot, of thin build with a short, shaved haircut. He is shown in the images wearing a two-tone The North Face jacket with a black upper section and a light blue lower section.

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe, of Gayfield CID, said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim and our inquiries have been ongoing.

“If you have any information about this incident or can identify this man, please contact us on 101 quoting incident number 3440 of 8th September 2021 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.” 

Next stage for Trams to Newhaven

More traffic disruption inevitable

A new phase of work on the Trams to Newhaven project is set to begin, as the scheme continues to take shape along the route.

Significant progress has been made on several elements of the project, which remains on target for completion in spring 2023 and within the £207.3m budget. More than 60% of track has now been laid (2.8km), 85% of the necessary utility diversions have been carried out and construction work is complete on two new tram stops at McDonald Road and Ocean Terminal.

As part of the next stage of construction the temporary tram stop at York Place, built for the original tram line, will be demolished to allow for the installation of a crossover linking the existing line with the new route.

From 9 February until April the tram from Edinburgh Airport will stop at the West End stop on Shandwick Place. From April, the tram will terminate at St Andrew Square. Details of operational arrangements for this are available on the Edinburgh Trams website.

Construction work on a new, permanent stop at Picardy Place will begin in May. This will come into use when the line to Newhaven opens in 2023.

With construction works on the west side of Leith Walk nearing completion, February will also see changes to traffic management in the area. While traffic will continue to run citybound, from 2 February it will be moved from the east to the west side of the road so that changes to kerb lines, improvements to public realm and the creation of a new carriageway can be carried out on the east side.

This means Pilrig Street and Steads Place can reopen for southbound traffic. There will be some closures to side streets on the east of Leith Walk at certain times, with further details published on the Trams to Newhaven website when these closures are implemented.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We’re entering a significant phase of the Trams to Newhaven project, as we work to link the old line to the new. We are in the final year of construction for the project which will be followed by a period of testing and commissioning ahead of opening for service in Spring 2023.

“With 60% of track laid and main construction on two of the new tram stops completed, we’re making great progress and it’s exciting to be able to see elements of the new line in place, giving us an idea of how the route will look next year.

“Of course, as is expected of major infrastructure projects of this nature, there is bound to be some disruption, and I’d like to thank all those living and working nearby for their patience.

“We’re working hard to mitigate the impacts and will continue liaising with residents, businesses and public transport providers to keep them up to date.”

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said:  “Delivering the tram line to Newhaven will unlock a large area of the city for housing and economic development, while providing a sustainable, reliable mode of transport to densely populated communities.

“We’re clearly making great strides towards its completion, and we’re making every effort to minimise disruption as part of this process.”

Logistics hubs on Montgomery Street, Albert Street, Dalmeny Street and near the Foot of the Walk will remain open for local businesses as part of the Support for Business package, which also includes a local voucher scheme and a business continuity fund.

As work on a bidirectional cycle lane continues the existing cycle diversion remains in place on either side of Leith Walk. Pedestrian footways and access to shops, hospitality and leisure venues on the east side will be maintained at all times.

The London Road to Crown Street section of the project is estimated to be complete by July 2022, while it is expected that the London Road to York Place section will be finished in September.

EIGHT years on, there’s still no sign of any report from Lord Hardie’s Edinburgh Tram inquiry …

Find out more about Trams to Newhaven online.

Council green light for Drum’s Stead’s Place redevelopment

Drum Property Group’s vision for the long-awaited redevelopment of a key development site on Leith Walk is to become a reality following the granting of planning consent. 

Drum’s ambitious proposals for Stead’s Place, near the foot of Leith Walk, were approved by the City of Edinburgh Council today, heralding a major regeneration of the 2.9-acre site and bringing much-needed investment and interest to this important part of the city centre.   

The Stead’s Place 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 will now replace the existing industrial units with 148 high-quality apartments, including 38 affordable homes, as part of an attractive landscaped residential scheme linking to Pilrig Park and beyond.

The sandstone building will be retained and refurbished and made available for commercial occupation, providing a vibrant local retail and business frontage onto Leith Walk.

The planning consent is the culmination of four years of research, planning and local community engagement by Drum since the company first purchased the site in 2017.

The current proposal follows a comprehensive six-month consultation programme with the local residential and business community, with almost three-quarters of those consulted either supportive or neutral about the revised plans.  

Welcoming the planning approval, Graeme Bone, Group Managing Director of Drum said: “Drum has worked hard to ensure our current proposals are aligned with the objectives and plans of local community groups.  

“We listened carefully to their views, enabling us to draw on the positive characteristics of the surrounding area to create a real sense of place that features a mix of private and affordable housing with a refurbished, vibrant and dynamic retail frontage facing Leith Walk. 

“Our proposals will replace old and tired industrial, office and retail space with new, more flexible, higher quality accommodation for people to live, work, shop, eat, drink and to be entertained in – as well as opening up a safe and landscaped thoroughfare connecting Leith Walk to Pilrig Park. 

“We believe we have responded directly to the objectives and vision the community has for the site. Our proposals now offer the optimum solution for all parties, providing a refurbished retail and office parade combined with a new community of housing to the rear, set in landscaped grounds, enhancing the area’s distinctive cultural feel and identity.” 

Drum is now committed to ensuring the shop frontages on to Leith Walk retain the current individual style and size, reflecting and supporting the current local small trader units at the site whilst refurbishing the office suites for rent on the first floor in a revamped business centre offering.  

Mr Bone added: “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, as the local area recovers from lockdown and the new tram works are progressed. 

“Drum are now looking forward to building on the positive and productive relationships established over recent years to deliver a new development that continues the rich tradition of diversity, independence and interest which makes Leith Walk such an exciting destination in which to live, work and visit.” 

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

Stead’s Place Development Timeline: 

2008 The 2.9-acre Stead’s Place site is first earmarked for development by the City of Edinburgh Council and becomes one of the city’s most prominent gap sites. 
Spring 2017 Drum Property Group purchases the site. 
Spring 2018 Drum launches a comprehensive consultation programme – including five days of public exhibitions and setting up a community liaison group 
August 2018 Drum submits a planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council for a £50 million mixed-use development plan comprising homes, student accommodation and a hotel – plus a row of retail and restaurant/café outlets overlooking Leith Walk replacing the original sandstone building. 
Nov 2018 Revised proposals are submitted reducing the Leith Walk elevation by one storey to keep the building in line with surrounding tenements. The revised proposals also include a more defined and distinct row for the sandstone retail units as well as increased provision for cyclists and pedestrians. The proposals receive more than 700 letters of public support. 
Jan 23  2019 The City of Edinburgh Council planning officers recommend approval for Drum’s revised planning application. 
Jan 30  2019 Despite the council planning officers recommending approval, Drum’s planning application is refused by the City of Edinburgh Council’s planning committee. 
May 2019 Drum lodges an appeal with the Scottish Government challenging the council’s decision not to grant planning approval for the revised planning application. 
Dec 2019 The Scottish Government Reporter decides not to uphold Drum’s appeal challenging the City of Edinburgh Council’s decision to refuse planning approval for the Stead’s Place development. 
April 2020 Drum launches a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) which retains the original sandstone building overlooking Leith Walk, which will be refurbished and made available for a range of commercial uses. The existing industrial units located behind Leith Walk are to be demolished and replaced with a new residential-led landscaped development linking to Pilrig Park and beyond. 
July 2020 Drum launches an online consultation programme in line with Scottish Government advice following the restrictions in public movement imposed by the coronavirus pandemic. 
Nov 2020  Following extensive feedback from the first online event, Drum launches a second online consultation event in advance of a planning application being submitted. 
Dec 14 2020 Drum submits a revised planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council following consultation feedback showing more than 80% of consultees wanted to see the site developed 
June 2021 The City of Edinburgh Council grants planning consent for Drum’s revised proposals. 

Window clean fraudster faces court

Police have arrested a man in connection with a series of frauds in the north east of the city.

The incidents happened between 7pm and 9pm on Monday, 22 February, 2021, and involved the man attending at addresses in the Ferry Road and Leith Walk areas and requesting money for window cleaning services which were never carried out.

A 44-year-old man has now been arrested and charged in connection with three incidents and is due to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Chief Inspector Murray Tait from Leith Police Station said: “I’d like to thank the public for their assistance with these enquiries and would remind people to be vigilant in respect of anyone who attends at your address seeking payment or to carry out any work.

“Our enquiries are continuing and anyone who may not have reported a similar incident to officers already should come forward “

Anyone wishing to report a crime should contact police via 101, or in an emergency and when a crime is in progress, always call 999. Alternatively a report can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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.

More fireworks as Drum presents revised proposals for Leith Walk site?

On-line Consultation Launched: 5th to 19th November 

www.steads-place.com 

Drum Property Group is launching an online exhibition tomorrow (Thursday (November 5th) presenting updated plans for the redevelopment of the 2.9-acre Stead’s Place site, near the foot of Leith Walk. 

The exhibition is the second online public consultation event that Drum has hosted in support of a Proposal for Application Notice (PAN) submitted to the City of Edinburgh Council. An initial online consultation event was launched in July 2020.  

The interactive exhibition, which will be live on www.steads-place.com, will allow visitors to view updated proposals for the Stead’s Place site.

Any questions or comments can be emailed to the project’s design team from 12 noon to 8 pm on Thursday 5 November.

A feedback questionnaire can also be completed online and returned by 19 November. 

The Stead’s Place site has been earmarked for development by the City of Edinburgh 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. 

As part of the proposed redevelopment, the sandstone building will be retained and refurbished and made available for a range of commercial uses. The existing industrial units located directly behind Leith Walk are to be demolished and replaced with a new homes-led landscaped development linking to Pilrig Park and beyond. 

Welcoming this latest phase of the Stead’s Place redevelopment, Graeme Bone, Group Managing Director of Drum Property Group, said: “We remain 100% committed to investing in and improving the whole Stead’s Place site, and are looking forward to this next stage of planning consultation. 

“We received positive feedback from our last public consultation in July which has contributed to our revised proposals. This includes retaining and refurbishing the two-storey sandstone building to ensure that, once again, it plays an important role in the future of the Leith Walk community. 

“The rest of the site will be designated to provide much needed local housing. This will open up what is currently an inhospitable industrial site by creating an accessible living environment linked through landscaped walkways and cycle routes to Pilrig Park and the rest of the city.” 

The PAN is submitted in advance of any future planning application and gives an outline intention of the developers plan for the site, prior to a period of public consultation. 

For more information on the Drum PAN for Stead’s Place and the public consultation, visit: www.steads-place.com