CARS could be largely banned from George Street in Edinburgh as part of plans to open up the historic thoroughfare for pedestrians and cyclists.
Pavements would be widened significantly and landscaped spaces and a cycling thoroughfare would be created to give a European boulevard feel to the street in the city’s New Town, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
There will be disabled parking bays in George Street and parking for delivery vehicles at restricted times, while shrubs and hedging will be added as part of “urban greening”.
If approved, the intention is for construction work on the scheme to start in 2023, with completion anticipated in 2025.
The improvements are being delivered as part of a co-ordinated package of projects under Edinburgh City Centre Transformation, which aims to transform walking and cycling routes and other connections across the city centre.
Lesley Macinnes, the council’s transport and environment convener, said: “These animated concept designs offer an exciting glimpse into what George Street and the surrounding area could look like in 2025 – a welcoming, relaxing and unique space, where people will want to spend time, to visit local shops, cafes and restaurants, and to travel to and through the city centre.”
The scheme is expected to cost £32 million, with £20m from Transport Scotland via Sustrans.
The concept design for George Street has been progressed by a design team led by Tetra Tech with LDA Landscape Design.
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