Leith Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI)

Following the public consultation in April, the design for the improvements at the Shore has now been finalised. The key elements of the final proposals include:

• Only buses, cycles and emergency vehicles will be able to travel north from Tolbooth Wynd to Bernard Street. General traffic can still travel south.
• All parking will be removed from Shore, apart from limited loading between Fleur's Deli and Martin Wishart's, and from Sandport Bridge.

Please note, the above two points are subject to the advertisement of a Traffic Regulation Order.

• The footpath on the businesses side will be considerably widened and paved in Caithness to improve the pedestrian environment and make it easier for people to move around.
• The guard rail on the water side will be removed and replaced with granite bollards to improve pedestrian movement and the overall outlook of this area.
• The bus stop on the water side will be relocated towards the Bernard Street junction to make it safer and easier to get on and off the bus.
• Street clutter such as redundant sign poles will be removed and trees will be planted at the south end of Shore to create a gateway feature and more pleasant environment.

Please download the finalised proposal for more information and artists' impressions of the final result.

Work schedule information 

The improvements are being jointly funded by the Leith Townscape Heritage Initiative, Historic Scotland, Roads Maintenance Capital and Neighbourhood Environment Projects.

The works are due to commence on site on the 17th October 2011 and will run until mid March/early April 2012. During this time Shore will be closed to all traffic between Sandport Place and Bernard Street, although local access will be maintained. A break will be taken over the Christmas period between 25th November and 8th January 2012 where all works will be removed from site.

The contractor undertaking the works on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council will be Premier 1 Solutions who are on of the Council's term contractors.

We will take appropriate steps during the works to minimise disruption and ensure that access to all properties and shops is maintained as far as possible.   

For further information please contact:

Helen Platts
B/C C.3 Waverley Court
4 East Market Street
Edinburgh
EH8 8BG
E-mail: helen.platts@edinburgh.gov.uk
Tel: (0131) 529 6703