Edinburgh submits plan for £314m city transformation

The strategy for carrying out a £314m transformation of Edinburgh city centre has been submitted for approval.Full funding is already in place for the first five years of the 10-year plan, which has been developed by the City of Edinburgh Council.The Edinburgh City Centre Transformation Strategy (ECCT) involves investment in improved public spaces, inclusive access and the prioritisation of travel on foot, by bicycle and on public transport. A programme delivery plan sets out projects to be implemented during the first five years, including the creation of a pedestrian priority zone in the Old and New Towns.The ECCT was originally considered by the council’s transport and environment committee in May and has been updated following a consultation held between May and July. Responses to the consultation demonstrated strong support, with 80% agreeing with proposals for vehicle-free streets, a pedestrian priority zone, public realm enhancements, a fully-connected cycle network, a city centre hopper bus and public transport interchanges. Seventy-five per cent backed plans to reduce access for private cars and close Waverley Bridge to traffic to create a public plaza.