City business leaders demand action on George Street – Daily Business

The 2021 plan for George Street: a decision is awaited

Three business groups have expressed frustration at delays by Edinburgh councillors to make progress on the long-planned project to revamp historic George Street.

Essential Edinburgh, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and the George Street Association have called for action after a decade of “exhaustive” consultation, time and investment in the proposed pedestrianisation.

Earlier this year, the Labour-led minority administration was forced by the SNP and LibDem to pause the £31.75million funding due to come from the new visitor levy.

Instead they are seeking a wider approach, taking in Princes Street. The report is due to be considered by the transport and environment committee on 12 November.

Street fighters: William Duncan, Liz Dalton and Denzil Skinner

In a letter to councillors, the groups stress that funding for the project should come from the visitor levy.

Essential Edinburgh chair Denzel Skinner, one of the signatories to the letter, said: “The visitor levy enables the upgrading of the New Town public realm to come to fruition after years of consultation. This is an exciting moment, and I would encourage elected members to support the proposals.”

Another signatory, Liz Dalton (formerly McAreavey), of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said the council should follow the visionary leadership of those who built the New Town in the 18th century.

William Duncan, of the George Street Association who also signed the letter, said: ‘It’s now ‘make your mind up time’ for the City Council’s ambition to upgrade the City Centre.

“After decades of debate, there is a ready to go George Street plan with widespread business support and funding – there is no rational reason to delay a decision to proceed.”

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