Tag: Leith Walk

Work underway for new Controlled Parking Zones in Leith and Pilrig

Signs and road markings are set to be installed in some streets in Leith ahead of the introduction of parking controls to help alleviate parking pressures.

From tomorrow (Monday 6 March), work will begin on a street by street basis to implement the changes around Leith Walk, Pilrig and Leith/North Leith, where the first phase of new Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) is being established.

The city council has written to residents to let them know about the planned work and how it will affect them, and to advise that parking permits are not yet required. They will provide another update once installation is complete, expected in two-three months, about applying for a permit and when it will be needed.

Later this year, signs and road markings will be introduced in Abbeyhill, Shandon and Gorgie, which are also part of the first phase of new CPZs, and we’ll be writing to update residents in these areas nearer the time.

This is the first of up to four phases of implementation of parking controls around the city, developed as part of the Strategic Parking Review. This responded to concerns from communities across Edinburgh, who asked us to tackle parking problems. The review led to the identification of areas where parking controls may be required to resolve challenges facing residents, in particular from non-residential parking.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “These new parking controls are designed to help residents park more easily near their homes, and aim to address issues like commuter parking, which people across the city have told us is a problem in their neighbourhoods.

“In developing these plans officers have spent a great deal of time speaking to residents and gathering information on each area. Once in place, they’ll also be monitoring the impact of the changes to make sure they work for everyone.

“Of course, the restrictions haven’t come into force yet and we’ll be keeping communities up to date with progress and advice on applying for permits.”

The council began the Strategic Parking Review in 2018 in response to comments from residents, community councils and ward councillors. The in-depth review identified parking pressures by street and helped inform a series of new parking controls approved in 2019, to be implemented in four phases.

The process to introduce parking controls for phase three (including Fettes and Prestonfield) and phase four (including Newhaven, Trinity and Portobello) is expected to begin soon, while phase two (including Easter Road, West Leith, Bonnington, Willowbrae and the A8 Corridor) remains on hold pending further monitoring and engagement. 

Progress information is available on the Council website.

Monitoring is being carried out before, during and after the implementation of parking controls to help us to understand the impact on surrounding areas.

Find out more about the Strategic Parking Review on the Council website.

At Last: Two-way traffic to return to Leith Walk

Two-way traffic will return to Leith Walk this month, as preparations for tram testing begin.

North- and southbound traffic along the length of Leith Walk will be reintroduced during the week commencing 13 February, followed by the electrification of the full line.

Energisation of the line will allow for testing and commissioning to begin, with the first test trams expected on the route at the beginning of March. Final track preparations will also take place in the lead up to the first test tram running.

All tram track, overhead line poles and communications and power ducting has been installed, 93% of the overhead lines are in place and the final section at Picardy Place is being installed over the next two weeks. 

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “In just a matter of weeks we’ll see test trams running the length of the Trams to Newhaven route, which is really exciting. Energising the overhead lines and buffering of the tram tracks are the final steps before this happens.

“Reopening Leith Walk to two-way traffic is a key moment for the project too and, I’m sure, for all those who live and work in the area. I’d like to thank residents and businesses for their patience and support while we’ve carried out these works.

Once fully complete, this project will be transformative for Leith Walk and the rest of the route, while benefitting the wider city economy and helping to cut congestion. Not only will it provide reliable, high-capacity connections to the north of the city but has significantly improved and enhanced public spaces and active travel links along the line.”

The Trams to Newhaven project remains on schedule for completion by spring 2023 and within the £207.3m budget, with all major construction now complete ahead of the testing and commissioning period.

This TtN budget does not take into account the massive cost overrun during the original tram project, the failures of which are subject to an ongoing public inquiry under Lord Hardie.

Due to industry wide challenges with the availability of materials and skilled labour, impacted by Brexit and the war in Ukraine along with significant demand for labour in the UK and overseas, there are small pockets of public realm works that will now be completed over the coming months. 

Full details of the updated programme are available on the Trams to Newhaven website.

A communications campaign has been carried out to remind residents, businesses and stakeholders about the electrification of overhead lines, including safety requirements and permits needed to carry out any work. This work was originally scheduled to take place in October but was re-programmed to allow key infrastructure works to be completed.

To allow for work to connect the lines to take place, Edinburgh Trams services from the airport will terminate at the West End between 13 and 19 February. 

Further information is available on Edinburgh Trams website.

Find out more about Trams to Newhaven, including landscape plans and timelines, online.

Teenagers attacked in unprovoked assault in Leith

POLICE are appealing for information after an unprovoked assault on two teenagers in Leith.

The incident happened in the Albert Place and Leith Walk area shortly after 1am yesterday (Wednesday, 19 October).

A group of males on electric motorbikes approached the two male teenagers, aged 19 and 18.

The 19-year-old suffered a stab wound to his leg during the incident and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

The 18-year-old was treated at the scene for an injury to his leg sustained while attempting to get away from the group.

The group of males, all described as white, wearing balaclavas, gloves, rucksacks and dark clothing, then left the scene on their motorbikes in the direction of Albert Street.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “This was a completely unprovoked incident and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the group of three males on motorbikes involved.

“Our enquiries so far suggest they have been riding their motorbikes a short time earlier in the city centre so I would urge anyone who believes they may have seen them to get in touch.

“Anyone else with any information can get in touch with us by calling 101, quoting reference 174 of 19 October, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

New tenants unveiled for Drum’s refurbished ‘Red Sandstone’ Building on Leith Walk

One of Edinburgh’s most famous streets is set to be significantly revitalised by an exciting range of independent retail businesses which are due to be opening their doors during the next few months. 

Drum Property Group has unveiled a host of new tenants for its refurbished ‘Red Sandstone’ building which extends from 106 to 154 Leith Walk. Following a major redevelopment project the distinctive two-storey building, first completed in 1933 in the Scottish Art Deco style, now provides flexible space for up to 10 ground floor retail units, together with a range of open-plan first-floor business suites overlooking the foot of Leith Walk. 

New retail tenants include Hobz Bakery, Cornelius Wines, vintage clothing store Rhinestone Cowboys, Chorrito Sauce Company and Design Eat Repeat, a design store and gallery space. 

They join Leith Depot, an established bar, restaurant and music venue which has been based at the location since 2015 and has recently signed a new lease expanding the venue and extending its stay at the retail parade.  

Known simply as ‘The Red Sandstone’, the building forms an iconic gateway to Drum’s £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.  

Graeme Bone, Drum Group’s Managing Director, is excited by the widespread level of interest in the Red Sandstone – both in the retail units and in the office suites above. He said: “The Red Sandstone, as a distinctive entry point for our new development, will provide both a new focus and destination for the foot of Leith Walk.  

“And with more tenant and business announcements to be made shortly, the eclectic mix of occupiers attracted to the building will bring something a little different to the city centre, continuing the rich tradition of diversity and independence which makes this area such an exciting destination in which to live, work and visit.” 

Hobz, which means ‘bread’ in Maltese, was established in early 2021 by Matt Mallia, who began selling his bakery produce at the Leith Walk Police Box and at Leith Arches, and quickly established a devoted customer base.

Matt said: “I immediately felt welcomed to the Leith area, and quickly began looking for a ‘brick and mortar’ shop in Leith. The Red Sandstone soon emerged as the top contender in my search for a permanent home for Hobz and we’re so glad to be able to launch in an area with so many other artisan producers.” 

James Wrobel, owner of Cornelius Beer and Wine added: “For almost two decades, Cornelius gained a reputation as one of Edinburgh’s very best off-licenses, with a very wide range of drinks that manage to be both affordable and slightly outside the mainstream.

“We are very excited to now be opening on Leith Walk, one of Edinburgh’s most historic and important thoroughfares, with both a thriving local community and a lot of commuter traffic.” 

Leith Depot has been based in the Red Sandstone since 2015 and is now set to be expanded and improved as part of the building’s refurbishment.  Owner Julie Carty said: “Everyone at Leith Depot is looking forward to an exciting and prosperous future for all who will reside in the Red Sandstone Building at Steads Place.”  

The Chorrito Sauce company specialises in producing small-batch, handmade hot sauces in a range of exotic flavours – including Chipotle, pineapple and garlic and Carolina Reaper honey and Bourbon. Design Eat Repeat is an ever-changing space celebrating creativity with a shop that showcases leading independent British design brands, together with gallery space for emerging designers. 

For more information on The Red Sandstone and its mix of retail and office spaces, visit: www.theredsandstone.com or contact office agents Culverwell on 0131 243 9617. 

For more information on Drum Property Group’s Stead’s Place site, visit: www.steads-place.com 

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.