Tag: Picardy Place

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.

Who’s returned to Picardy Place? It’s elementary …

Sherlock Holmes has returned to keep a watchful eye over Picardy Place, as his newly refurbished statue is unveiled.

Marking the nearby birthplace of the super sleuth’s creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the life-sized bronze sculpture was removed in 2018 while Trams to Newhaven works were carried out. It has been renovated by Black Isle Bronze in Nairn.

On Wednesday, 13 September, Conan Doyle’s relative and creator of the Sherlock Homes Tartan, Tania Henzell, helped to unveil the statue in position on the newly redeveloped Picardy Place island, which will open to the public next week.

The island includes new pedestrian routes and cycleways, ‘rain gardens’ and trees and shrubs, which will be planted on the island in October, during planting season.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Sherlock’s return has been the finishing touch for Picardy Place island – I’m pleased to welcome him back to his creator’s birthplace, taking pride of place in this transformed public space.

“For so long this area has been disused and unloved, so it’s wonderful to see it brought back to life. Not only will it link walking and cycling routes to and from the city centre, but will provide a spot to relax, meet up and enjoy some of the fascinating cultural artefacts on display.”

Tania Henzell added: “I am pleased to see that Sherlock Holmes has returned to the new location, Picardy Place island, to keep a watchful eye in the heart of Edinburgh. Many of his followers have asked where he had gone; to the north of Scotland to solve a long running case, I replied!

The Holmes statue was sculpted by Gerald Ogilvie Laing and was originally installed near 11 Picardy Place, where Conan Doyle was born, which has since been demolished.

The reconstruction of Picardy Place has been delivered as part of the Growth Accelerator Model Agreement for the St James Quarter development.

Commenting on Sherlock’s return, Barry Young of The Sherlock Holmes Society of Scotland said: “It’s wonderful to see Conan Doyle’s most famous creation back in the heart of the capital.

“We understand that in his absence Holmes has met the head lama in Tibet, travelled through Persia and sorted out a spot of trouble with the Statue of Liberty, the results of which he has communicated to the foreign office.

“He now retakes his rightful place in Picardy Place, overseeing the teeming metropolis and ready to undertake the investigation of whatever mysterious domestic issues might be puzzling the authorities.”

City Archaeologist John Lawson said: “We are delighted to see this statue back in place, now due to the creation of this new island we were now able to place closer to the original birth place of Arthur Conan Doyle.“

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.

Fore Play Crazy Golf Launches New Edinburgh Pop-Up

Scotland’s most Instagrammable golf course, Fore Play Crazy Golf,  opened the doors to its new home in Edinburgh on Friday. 

Taking up a yearly residence in the former Steak Restaurant on Picardy Place, the new, exciting over 18s venue has been completely transformed and puts the fun back into going out.  Guests can enjoy two stunning bars, street food traders and tee off on a spectacular Auld-Reekie inspired crazy golf course aptly named – Wee Bobby.   

Spread spaciously over two floors and packed with fun and bold Instagrammable features, the cool new space offers a safe, comfortable and socially distanced experience for friends or couples to get competitive on their course.   

Seating up to 126 guests throughout the venue, guests will love the vivid and industrial interior of Fore Play Crazy Golf, teamed with the bright and colourful umbrella-covered ceiling installation in a nod to golf and Edinburgh’s dreich weather. 

There’s also an impressive neon graffiti mural by the infamous Scottish artist Barry the Cat whose work is infamous across the country. 

Nothing brings people together like competition, and Fore Play Crazy golf does not disappoint. Their Auld Reekie-inspired course has devious obstacles capturing the sights and sounds of some of Edinburgh’s most loved tourist attractions. 

Try your luck on the steep hills, navigate the tricky terrain of the loop de loop and don’t forget to give Greyfriars Bobby’s nose a rub for good luck before tackling the Scott Monument installation. 

Once you’ve completed the course, you can visit their photo booth to upload snaps to the gram for a memento of your un-fore-gettable night out. And of course, it wouldn’t be Fore Play Crazy Golf without a photo-friendly golf cart to end your game. 

The competitive socialising venue also has a heated outdoor beer garden that seats up to 40 guests. Allowing you to enjoy a bevy inside or outside at one of the venue’s bars, you can wet your whistle both on and off the green.  

With table service throughout the venue, you can sample local craft beers from the Edinburgh Beer Factory, a mouth-watering new cocktail menu and a curated selection of gin tipples from Edinburgh favourite – Pickering’s. If you’re hungry, street food superstar The Pitt is on hand to get those taste buds tingling. 

With everything you need for fun under one roof, the year-long pop up promises to be one of the best nights out you’ll ever have. 

Craig Neilson, Chief Greenkeeper at Fore Play Crazy Golf said: “Our team has worked hard to ensure we create a safe and comfortable environment to give our guests the best experience possible, and we’re so excited to swing open our doors at our new venue! 

“Edinburgh is known for its tourist attractions, Instagrammable spots and great foodie finds. At Fore Play Crazy golf we’ve brought together the best bits of Edinburgh all under one roof to make it an un-fore-gettable night.”

Fore Play Crazy Golf Edinburgh is now open every Thursday (5-10pm), Friday (4-10pm), Saturday (12-12) and Sunday (12:30 -10pm). 

Tickets are on sale now. Visit their website to book your experience: 

https://foreplaycrazygolf.co.uk/edinburgh

Fore Play Crazy Golf’s set to tee off in Edinburgh

Scotland’s top alternative night out, Fore Play Crazy Golf, has announced the launch of their new pop-up venue in Edinburgh city centre.

Set to open next month, Scotland’s favourite adult-only crazy golf haven’t let COVID deter their plans, and they’re bringing their love of crazy golf, great nights out and Edinburgh to the city in a complete transformation of the former Steak restaurant, located at Picardy Place.

The bold new move comes after the team had to close their first ever popup at the Biscuit Factory after only two weeks of trading earlier this year in March.

The new Fore Play Crazy Golf venue promises to be bigger and better than before, with thrill-seekers set to enjoy two floors jam-packed with fun, games and Instagrammable features. The new space boasts 9,000 sq ft and can seat up to 126 socially distanced guests throughout the venue.

Taking centre-stage the Edinburgh course features famous Auld Reekie landmarks paying tribute to some of the city centre’s most instagrammable spots including Greyfriars Bobby statue and the Scott Monument.

With a unique blend of crazy golf, mouth watering street food and cocktails made with local suppliers like Pickering’s Gin and Edinburgh Beer Factory, Fore Play Crazy Golf promises an experience which is un-fore-gettable in every way.

New venue features include a bar on each floor, as well as a heated outdoor beer garden which can seat up to 40 people, allowing players to enjoy table service throughout the venue.  

Meanwhile Edinburgh’s street food superstars, The Pitt are on hand to feed hungry putters with a new food menu that boasts plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.

Craig Neilson, Chief Greenkeeper at Fore Play Crazy Golf said: “COVID might have ruined our plans the first time round, but we’re excited to announce that Fore Play Crazy Golf is here to stay.

“Our new home in Edinburgh city centre is a fantastic location and we’re delighted to be able to provide people in Edinburgh with a different night out to enjoy with friends or on a date. We’ve teamed up with some of the city’s best food and drink suppliers to make sure it’ll be a night to remember.”

Quit wasting time puttering around and sign up for launch updates on Fore Play Crazy Golf! Visit their website https://foreplaycrazygolf.co.uk/edinburgh/comingSoon/

Fore Play Crazy Golf Edinburgh is set to open on Friday, 2nd October 2020 with bookings going live this week.

Councillors to discuss ‘pedestrian-friendly’ Picardy Place plans

A new landscaped public space would be created in Edinburgh’s east end under revised plans going before councillors next week. The latest plans for the Picardy Place junction, produced following an extended period of consultation, will be considered at a special meeting of the Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday.

Continue reading Councillors to discuss ‘pedestrian-friendly’ Picardy Place plans

Have your say on Picardy Place proposals

The public is being invited to view and comment on proposals for the future layout of Picardy Place and the surrounding area. Two events are set to take place on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 November, where people can submit opinions on designs and hear from the Council on how plans have evolved since their inception.

Continue reading Have your say on Picardy Place proposals