Updated designs have been unveiled for how George Street will look under new plans from the City of Edinburgh Council.
Members of its Transport and Environment Committee met on 15 June to discuss the final operational plan and updates to design proposals, as part of the First New Town project.
A key change is the introduction of trees on the main thoroughfare, which councillors hope will contribute to the city's net zero goals, combat rising urban temperatures and support the One Million Tree City Pledge.
The changes come after discussions with Edinburgh World Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland, the Cockburn Association and other stakeholders.
George Street is set to be turned into a pedestrian and cycling zone, where licensed taxis and vehicles loading goods for shops will only be allowed access during evening and morning hours.
Automated bollards are set to be installed for safety and to enforce the pedestrian and cycling restrictions. Those who have blue badges will still be able to park in disabled parking spaces on George Street and the surrounding areas.
The committee also revealed that the transformation is now set to commence in 2025 – a year later than previously anticipated.
Councillor Scott Arthur, convener of the transport and environment committee, said: "I know the potential inclusion of trees on George Street will be welcomed by many, now their inclusion has been approved more work will be done to ensure the position and type of trees is sympathetic to the street’s iconic character.
"We have also listened carefully to the Edinburgh Access Panel and have agreed blue badge holders should have full access to up to 27 blue badge spaces in the George Street and First New Town area.
"This latest update marks an exciting milestone in the project and it will allow us to move forward with the final stages of development before construction begins."
Kevin Woodburn, owner of private hire taxi firm Capital Cars, called for “fair and equal treatment” of both licensed and private hire taxis, hinting at a possible legal challenge during the committee meeting.
“We fail to understand the reasoning and the logic,” he stated, noting that around two thirds of the vehicles licensed by the council are for private hire. “My concern is that we once again are being put in a position where we have no choice but to go down a legal route.”
Arthur responded: “During peak times, we’ve got data that shows between 3,000 and 5,000 taxis come into George Street in a day.
“If we allowed that level of access, whilst it might be good for businesses, in the short-term we’d lose a lot of the value we’re trying to deliver on the street if 5,000 taxis come in in a single day.”
Minister for Active Travel Patrick Harvie said: "With over £13m being invested by the Scottish Government, the introduction of more trees alongside improved walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure will create a more pleasant environment for people to enjoy.
"This work, supported by Sustrans Scotland, is part of our record funding for active travel in 2023/24 and we remain committed to investing at least £320m or 10% of the transport budget for active travel by 2024/25."
The ‘European style cycling street’ planned for the central carriageway should connect the City Centre West East Link cycle path and the future Meadows to George Street route.
Pavements will be widened to four metres, with planters, shrubbery and ’relaxation spaces’ along the street.
Concerns were raised at the meeting about the £36m price tag and the possibility of it rising further.
The council has already committed £15m and a report said a further £10m will be taken from the active travel budget, while additional external funding may also be sought.
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