April 2026 project update
Update following a decision on Visitor Levy funding for the George Street and First New Town project.
At the 26 June 2025 Transport and Environment Committee councillors agreed to continue developing the full George Street and First New Town project design with an estimated construction cost of £35 million.
At a special meeting of the Full Council on 12 February 2026 councillors considered proposals for allocating the Visitor Levy fund, including £31.75 million for the George Street and First New Town project. The George Street proposal was not approved and it was decided that a report to Transport and Environment Committee later in 2026 would set out options for how the now unallocated budget could be used to prioritise investment in public realm improvements in the city centre, including both Princes Street and George Street.
Given that this decision has implications on the programme for George Street, ongoing work on George Street will be paused for now. This means that there will be delays in the delivery of the construction that was programmed for late 2027 and some activities, such as promoting Statutory Orders, have been put on hold. Officers are continuing to work with Councillors to determine a path forward in 2026.
Substantial work has been completed on the George Street project to date, with the scheme reaching the end of the RIBA Stage 4 Technical Design. It expect to provide the next update later in 2026.