Next steps for the project
A draft finalised strategy for Princes Street and Waverley Valley, including a report of consultation, was presented to the Council’s Planning Committee on 12 November 2025. Committee chose not approve the strategy at that time, and decided that a stakeholder workshop should be held to bring forward more ambitious proposals.
We convened a stakeholder workshop on 8 June 2026 with guest speakers and roundtable discussions.
Following the workshop, our report to Planning Committee on 9 September 2026, summarised the views expressed at the workshop and sought direction on the way forward to finalise the strategy for approval.
Committee agreed that a revised strategy for approval should be returned to committee in early 2027, based on a series of enhancements, including:
- Widening the south footway of Princes Street by up to 1.5 metres to reduce congestion for walking and wheeling;
- Improving access to West Princes Street Gardens by proposing public lifts from Princes Street, alongside or instead of new ramped paths;
- Reimagining and reusing the Category B Listed garden shelters as a café kiosk or community facility; and
- Considering increasing opening hours of Princes Street Gardens into the evening and adding sensitive lighting;
These proposals add to the measures originally reported to Committee in November 2025.
Once finalised and approved, the strategy will
- become non-statutory Planning Guidance, forming a material consideration for the Council, as Planning Authority, in the determination of planning applications.
- provide an approved Place Brief to make sure we provide clarity on the city's requirements for the renewal of Waverley Station.
- inform the future management of the Waverley Valley, including a new improvement plan for Princes Street Gardens and Ross Bandstand
- Support funding bids to deliver Council-led public realm and Waverley Valley improvements and, where appropriate, provide a basis for securing developer contributions.