Tag: trams

Briggs backs Leith Walk businesses

Call for extra help and Leith Open For Business campaign

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs says that local businesses on Leith Walk will need extra support if they are to survive Covid-19 restrictions and work being carried out on the trams extension.  

Work on the controversial tram extension down to Newhaven has resumed, creating more disruptions for local businesses.

The tram extension has gone ahead, despite the ongoing inquiry being carried out into why the initial project was significantly over budget and over time – the inquiry has so far cost the tax payer over £10 million.

Mr Briggs has said that the combination of Covid-19 restriction and disruptions from the trams have put businesses on Leith Walk under severe pressure and extra support must be offered by Edinburgh Council.

Included in the support measures suggested by Mr Briggs to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture are an advertising campaign to promote businesses on Leith Walk during and after the tram works.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “The current uncertainty for businesses around Covid-19 restrictions and when they will be able to start fully operating again is very challenging.

“Businesses on Leith Walk have been dealt a double blow of Covid-19 restrictions and now disruptions from tram extensions as well, putting businesses at risk.

“I have written to Edinburgh Council to raise these concerns and ask what additional support will be made available for businesses on Leith Walk.

“I have also written to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture to ask what support will be provided by the Scottish Government and if there will be an advertising campaign to promote businesses on Leith Walk during and after the tram extension.”

Carry On Tramworks!

Construction site preparation works for Edinburgh’s Trams to Newhaven project will restart tomorrow (Monday, 1 June) in line with the Scottish Government’s Phase 1 pre-start site preparation.

Work on the project was stopped at the end of March to comply with Scottish Government guidance and to protect the safety of workers and residents during the coronavirus outbreak.

Following the First Minister’s announcement on 21 May of a phased return for construction sites, plans have been drawn up in line with Scottish Government safety guidelines and industry best practice to ensure the safety of workers and the public. At a briefing on Thursday the First Minister confirmed that site preparation could begin.

In advance of the main work beginning, works to prepare construction sites and project offices will include the introduction of infection control stations, additional water stations and toilet facilities for workers within the site and in the project office, and ensuring all office workspaces and facilities are set up appropriately.

Other works on site will include the removal of the protective in-fill material that was used to ensure the work site remained safe and protected during the shutdown.

Measures to protect workers’ health will include daily briefings, continuous on-site inspections and health and safety ‘ambassadors’. The numbers of workers on-site will be kept to a minimum and the majority of project office staff will continue to work from home.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Following updated advice from the Scottish Government, we will be carrying out site preparatory works on the Trams to Newhaven project from Monday, 1 June.

“The safety of workers and the public is of utmost importance during this time and all works will be undertaken in compliance with the Government’s guidance on construction working and to allow physical distancing.

“The tram team have put in an enormous amount of hard work with our contractors to take us through this challenging period and it will take some time to fully remobilise sites. The implications of COVID-19 are unlikely to be understood for some time but we continue to work to mitigate the impact as we progress with the project.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “The Trams to Newhaven project is being delivered for the future of our city and is one of a number of schemes that are crucial to the sustainable, long-term development of the city, helping decarbonise the way we travel.

It is exactly the kind of investment we need post-COVID-19 to ensure Edinburgh is a thriving, forward-looking place for people to live and work in and will help to encourage much needed affordable housing, jobs and investment into North Edinburgh.”

Alejandro Mendoza Monfort, Director of Sacyr Farrans Neopul, the main infrastructure contractor, said: “SFN are delighted that we can restart our works on the Trams to Newhaven project. We understand the importance that this project will have for Edinburgh’s future and are committed to ensuring that we continue to mitigate the impact of Coronavirus 19. During this pause period, concentrated efforts have continued behind the scenes to develop and test a series of robust systems and procedures, whilst ensuring the highest level of health, safety and wellbeing can be provided.

“We have used this time to adapt to our new working world and developed new operating procedures that provide information, guidance and site-specific measures that will be implemented when conducting works to mitigate the impact, so far as reasonably practicable, of the virus.”

Mike Thomson, Director of Morrison Utility Services, said: “We are very pleased to be able to begin to prepare to restart this important project for Edinburgh.

” The safety of colleagues and the public is paramount and MUS has been working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and SFN to ensure that our working practices are fully compliant with the guidance given by the Scottish Government, while also looking at ways in which we can mitigate the impact of the recent enforced shutdown.”

Once the construction industry is given the approval to move to Phase 2, works on the existing sites will recommence and the Leith Walk construction site will be established as planned prior to site shutdown.

Any commencement of main works will be subject to the Scottish Government giving approval to move to Phase 2 of their construction guidelines which states: ‘soft start to site works (only where physical distancing can be maintained)’.

The project team has been working on plans to mitigate the impact of the enforced shutdown as a result of COVID-19 on the programme and budget. Despite the current circumstances, the project continues to operate within its £207.3m budget. The project is paid for by borrowing monies that are repaid over a 30-year period through future revenues from customers.

While work on the latest phase of the Edinburgh tram project gets back underway, SIX YEARS ON there’s still no sign of a long-awaited report on the shambolic first phase.

The Edinburgh Tram Inquiry was commissioned by Scottish Ministers and in June 2014, the Inquiry was formally announced by then First Minister Alex Salmond. The Inquiry is chaired by Lord Hardie.

The Edinburgh Tram Inquiry aims to establish why the Edinburgh Tram project incurred delays, cost more than originally budgeted and through reductions in scope delivered significantly less than projected.

The official terms of reference for the Inquiry are to:

  • Inquire into the delivery of the Edinburgh Tram project (‘the project’), from proposals for the project emerging to its completion, including the procurement and contract preparation, its governance, project management and delivery structures, and oversight of the relevant contracts, in order to establish why the project incurred delays, cost considerably more than originally budgeted for and delivered significantly less than was projected through reductions in scope.
  • Examine the consequences of the failure to deliver the project in the time, within the budget and to the extent projected.
  • Review the circumstances surrounding the project as necessary, in order to report to the Scottish Ministers making recommendations as to how major tram and light rail infrastructure projects of a similar nature might avoid such failures in future.

 

 

Trams construction work to halt

Construction on Edinburgh’s Trams to Newhaven project will stop this week to protect the safety of workers and residents during the current coronavirus outbreak.

The Council’s decision to instruct contractors Morrison Utility Services (MUS) and Sacyr Farrans Neopul (SFN) to cease site works follows advice from Scotland’s First Minister that all construction sites should close, unless the project being delivered is essential.

SFN and MUS will make sites on Leith Walk, Constitution Street, Lindsay Road and Ocean Drive safe by the end of the week before shutting down. This time is required given the complex nature of the project. Following on from shutdown there will be contractors on site as necessary for safety and security checks, in line with current social distancing guidance.

Work will continue off-site, again operating to strict social distancing guidelines, including design, planning and scheduling, as well as drawing up a remobilisation strategy for returning to the site once restrictions are lifted. The project team will also be closely liaising with MUS and SFN to look at ways of mitigating the impact of work stopping on the wider project.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “The health and wellbeing of workers delivering key infrastructure schemes like Trams to Newhaven – and those who live nearby – is of utmost importance to us, which is why we’ve been working with contractors, to halt work since the Scottish Government guidance was issued.

“Of course, this will impact on the wider project, but nothing is more important than the public’s safety. We will, of course, be working with contractors to mitigate the impact of these necessary actions and carefully planning our strategy for returning to the site once restrictions are lifted.

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “We’ve listened to national advice and the message is clear – we must limit our interactions with others during this crucial period. This is a major decision, and we remain committed to delivering the tram to Newhaven, but right now it is absolutely necessary if we are to limit the impact of coronavirus on the city and country as a whole.

“We are making every effort to protect the public while delivering core services and I would encourage people to do their own bit by observing rules on social distancing and looking out for one another where possible.”

SFN Project Director Alejandro Mendoza said: “We fully back the decision and guidance from the Government this week to shut down construction sites during this period of great uncertainty.

“These are extremely challenging and concerning times for all and we will do what is necessary for our staff and the public to help stop the spread of this virus.

MUS Project Director Mike Thomson said: “The health of our staff, and the residents and businesses in the local community, is our number one priority so we understand and support the decision to temporarily stop work.

“We will be working hard over the next few days to make the site safe and secure for the shut down period.”

While traffic management due to be installed on Leith Walk on 28 March will be postponed, existing traffic management on Constitution Street, Lindsay Road and Ocean Drive will remain.

Safety and security checks following shutdown will include, but will not be limited to, fenced-off worksites, traffic management signage, diversion routes, logistics hubs and the main compound and satellite offices. This will be in line with current social distancing guidance.

Logistics hubs on Mitchell Street will also close. The project’s contact centre will remain operational for any queries.

Other major infrastructure schemes being carried out by the Council across Edinburgh are currently under urgent review in light of UK and Scottish Government guidance, with updates to follow.

Several service changes have been implemented by the Council this week to help limit the impact of the coronavirus outbreak in Edinburgh. These include the suspension of pay and display parking charges, closing play parks and games areas and establishing Local Critical Resilience Centres.

Further information on services, support and how to report any concerns can be found on the Council website. If you’re experiencing an emergency or critical situation, please call 0131 200 2000.

Find out more about Trams to Newhaven online.

Local MSP calls on shoppers to support businesses on Constitution Street affected by tram work disruption

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, 7 DECEMBER

Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson has called on Leithers and people across the city to support the excellent shops, bars, cafes and restaurants that are open throughout the tram works on Constitution Street.

The local MSP is encouraging people to visit Constitution Street and Bernard Street on ‘Small Business Saturday’ (7 December), and throughout the tram works, to enjoy all that the businesses have on offer. Continue reading Local MSP calls on shoppers to support businesses on Constitution Street affected by tram work disruption

Here we go again: Tram works to start on Constitution Street next month

Work to take trams to Newhaven is to begin on Constitution Street in mid-November, following six months of joint work by the Council and contractors to finalise the construction programme.

Continue reading Here we go again: Tram works to start on Constitution Street next month

Trams, hooligans with chainsaws and snaring Shipman: Kevin launches election campaign

Kevin Illingworth is standing as an Independent candidate in next week’s Leith Walk by-election. What does he stand for? Continue reading Trams, hooligans with chainsaws and snaring Shipman: Kevin launches election campaign

“Next stop, Newhaven”: green light for controversial tramlime extension

After a lengthy debate on the Final Business Case at a meeting of full Council in Edinburgh City Chambers on Thursday, the SNP-Labour administration voted to press ahead with taking trams to Newhaven. Continue reading “Next stop, Newhaven”: green light for controversial tramlime extension

Capital Coalition set to vote through £207 million tram extension

Edinburgh’s ruling SNP – Labour Capital Coalition is set to give the green light to a controversial £207 million tram line extension today – despite an ongoing  inquiry into the capital’s original trams debacle. Continue reading Capital Coalition set to vote through £207 million tram extension

City transport: Now is the time for change, says Convener

Tram to Newhaven “makes absolute sense”

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes, writes in The Scotsman on the need for radical thinking to create a city fit for the future:

There is little doubt that the time is now for widespread, ambitious change if we are to create a truly liveable city worthy of future generations.

Our population is projected to rocket over the next 20 years, while we face a significant challenge in terms of congestion and air quality – it’s abundantly clear that we must build resilience to these pressures, and to do so we need to think radically.

Last week we cemented our commitment to do so when members of the Transport and Environment Committee moved forward two game-changing reports focusing on the transformation of our city centre and proposals to bring the tram to Newhaven.

This is about much more than solutions for traffic management or congestion though. We see the development of modern, inclusive and efficient transport infrastructure as an enabler for improving communities. By putting people at the heart of placemaking, we want to drive sustainable, economic growth while creating a better environment to walk, play and live in.

It’s extremely important that we bring the people of Edinburgh with us as we progress this vision. That’s why I’m delighted by the immense response to our major Edinburgh: connecting our city, transforming our places consultation, which engaged more than 5000 people and gathered a huge amount of valuable feedback.

What was apparent from the thousands of comments was that people really want to see change happen – 88% to be precise. And not piecemeal, gradual change – more than half of participants told us that they wanted a radical approach to deliver a more liveable city, fit for the future.

Recent artist’s impressions of a pedestrianised Cowgate or scaled-back traffic on Lothian Road are not only eye-catching but they’re helping us to explore how a combination of different measures, based on feedback and research, could help us achieve this desired change. These aren’t proposals yet – they’re scenarios, visualisations of what our World Heritage Site could be, created as part of our ambitious Edinburgh City Centre Transformation (ECCT) project.

ECCT will take a strategic approach to how the city centre is managed, with the aim of creating a more vibrant, people-focussed Capital through a range of ‘interventions’. Our project team has undertaken an enormous amount of work to identify emerging principles and potential actions for achieving this, and last week committee heard about types of changes that could enable a smarter, fairer and transformed city.

In doing this we have looked to place-making best practise in forward-thinking cities around the world. We want to lead the way when it comes to sustainable transport and inclusive design but it’s worth noting that many of the kinds of innovations we’re looking at have already been seen internationally – with great success.

Just last month I accompanied Daisy Narayanan, ECCT Project Director, when she delivered a key speech on our plans to the Smart Sustainable Cities Workshop in Madrid, an extremely beneficial experience. Not only did we gain a great deal from engaging with an international contingent on the topic of delivering smart, low carbon and healthy travel, but we were heartened by the passionate response to our own aspirations. People from around the globe are really beginning to sit up and take notice.

One of the areas in which we are leading the way, in the UK at least, is in the introduction of Open Streets, which will see vehicle-free days in key parts of the city centre every month.

In line with our desires for ECCT, these events will return our streets to the people, encouraging community interaction, activity and an appreciation of our beautiful historic backdrop. It’s already attracting interest from authorities around the country, and will help us to better understand how new approaches to pedestrianisation and traffic can impact the city.

Physical transformation is just one piece of the jigsaw – our co-ordinated approach will only improve community, economic and cultural life if it is aligned with planning, housing, economy and the range of other services we manage.

Key to this is our commitment to introduce an LEZ in Edinburgh, something which three quarters of respondents to our consultation support, and we are making great strides to develop proposals. As part of our broader work to improve air quality, including an ambitious electric vehicle action plan, an LEZ will control the effects of the most polluting vehicles, which have been proven to have a detrimental impact on our health and the environment.

Many of the issues described – an increasing population, issues transporting people from A to B, the need to drive economic vibrancy – can be seen clearly in Leith. Therefore it makes absolute sense that we should bring the tram to Newhaven, and I’m pleased that, following the first public debate on the Final Business Case, committee voted to bring it to Council for the final decision. This will be pivotal to our overall ambition to create a greener, more liveable city, and I sincerely hope fellow elected members recognise this when we come to make the decision this summer.

Ultimately, no growing city can expect that the status quo should last forever. Over the years we’ve seen major evolution in the way city centres operate around the world, from Copenhagen to Barcelona or Amsterdam, and now it’s our turn. This is very much an ongoing discussion, but I have every confidence that we are moving in the right direction towards making Edinburgh the innovative, inclusive and economically viable city it deserves to be.