Charlotte Square going back to 60s with 'levelling down' plan
Plus: Botanics loses tallest tree to Storm Eowyn; and Sheraton One Spa members protest price hike
Major work ahead to open up Charlotte Square amid ‘brutalist’ ramp row
Charlotte Square is set to undergo major work to drop the pavements surrounding its central gardens with the aim of opening the Georgian Square up to pedestrians.
The final phase of improvement work is due to begin towards the end of next year - although it is likely to take a further two years - and see the pavements lowered to the levels before the current stepped kerb was introduced in the 1960s.
In the meantime, a “temporary” new addition to one of Edinburgh’s greatest architectural gems has sparked a flurry of criticism including from within the city’s architectural community, with one critic saying it “beggared belief.”
A temporary concrete and steel ramp has been described as “brutalist” and resembling “WW2 fortifications.”
THE PLAN:
The work in the Square is part of the city’s Our Future Streets strategy with public consultation taking place last year.
Final concepts are being developed including bus stops and parking; pavement upgrades in high quality, natural materials; and options to make it easier for everyone to access the area by levelling the pavements around Charlotte Square. This could involve removing the current steps to return the levels to their previous state from pre-1960s.
The proposal information made available does have a caveat – the final designs will be subject to Statutory Orders and funding.
THE AIM:
The city council says Our Future Streets aims to make the streets safe and more welcoming for everyone who uses the city centre, while enhancing its heritage and “contributing to the city’s ambition to reduce car kms travelled by 30% by 2030”.
Charlotte Square is at the heart of the plans to transform the city centre, they say, “making it better for walking, wheeling and cycling as well as spending time in and connecting to other parts of the city” and especially as a strategic link connecting the west of the city centre to the East Cycle Link.
Reducing congestion, replacing car journeys and encouraging active travel are major aims.
WHATS BEEN DONE SO FAR:
Roads in and around the Square have been resurfaced, work has been done to install cycle tracks beside main roads, and road lanes for car traffic has been reduced. Traffic signals have been refurbished to improve pedestrian and cyclist crossings, and a new cycleway has been built on the west side of Charlotte Street at the George Street junction.
The new, temporary ramp has also been built. Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “The ramp in question is to make sure Charlotte Square is accessible for all, as part of the interim scheme.
“We’re committed to the permanent solution being in keeping with the wider World Heritage site and will continue to take on board the views of local residents and stakeholders.”
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY:
Ian McKee, who heads GLM which has a team of architects, surveyors and project managers, took the photographs used here and posted them to LinkedIn, saying: “Remind me…does Edinburgh still have UNESCO World Heritage status and is Charlotte Square in particular still part of the New Town World Heritage site? This ‘beautifully’ designed and specified ‘street installation’ really does beggar belief!”
Architect Kenny Fraser, a Director at Michael Laird Architects, posted: “I witnessed folks in the queuing traffic laughing at this today. This resembles a standard detail from some WW2 fortifications.
“I don’t care if this is a temporary measure…this is embarrassing. I really do appreciate the need for this, but we can do so much better...surely.”
Fellow architect Jessica Noel-Smith, an accessible-design specialist, reminded those taking part in the online debate that a constructive approach might be to offer solutions about how the aims of the ramp’s construction might be better met: “High quality accessibility doesn't have to look like this and it doesn't have to fly in the face of conservation and heritage. It does, however, need to exist.”
YOUR EDINBURGH BRIEFING
BOTANIC BLOW: The Royal Botanic Garden is counting the cost of Storm Eowyn with its glasshouses badly damaged and its tallest tree among those destroyed. The hurricane force winds snapped the 29-metre Cedrus deodara which had been planted in 1859. A further 14 trees were destroyed, 27 badly damaged, and more than 100 panes smashed in the glasshouses.
TAXING TIME: Edinburgh has given the final go-ahead to its Visitor Levy scheme, the first mandatory, city-wide ‘tourist tax’ in the UK. All visitors to overnight accommodation in the Capital will have to pay the 5% surcharge from 24 July next year. That is the earliest date allowed by legislation and two weeks before the start of the Fringe.
SHERATON SPA-RKS PROTESTS: The Sheraton One Spa has upset loyal members by abruptly hiking fees by more than 60%. Irate members have contacted the Inquirer to complain of the rises including a monthly ‘gym and swim’ membership going up from £99 to £160. “The facilities are tired, and there are problems like broken air conditioning, which clearly need investment, but no plans for that have been outlined to us,” one said. “These huge price increases were just dropped on us out of the blue with no other option than pay or leave. It’s an appalling way to treat loyal customers.”
The Sheraton says: Martijn Zengerink, General Manager at the Sheraton Grand Edinburgh, denied the price increases were part of a plan to cut membership numbers by several hundred. He said: “This change was designed to enhance the overall experience for all members, with added benefits such as monthly wellness events, expanded class offerings, and a renewed focus on maintaining the exclusive feel of Scotland’s Best Spa. The restructure is not about reducing membership numbers but about creating a sustainable, high-quality experience while investing in improving our facilities to meet the high standards our members expect."
DAD’S THE WORD: Scottish Secretary Ian Murray is to become the first Cabinet Minister to take full paternity leave. The Edinburgh South MP and his wife, Mariam, are expecting their second child in the coming weeks. Murray intends to take two weeks off work next month. His decision comes as Labour intend to introduce new workplace rights for parents.
ROLL UP, ROLL UP: A circus training centre and big top would be built on the edge of East Calder under plans to create a year-round venue and facilities. Edinburgh-based Big Kid Entertainment has told West Lothian Council it hopes to include “a multi-use double height circus training and community space”. The plans are expected to include changing rooms, showers, toilets and offices. Similar proposals were refused by the local authority four years ago for being unjustified development in the countryside.
MUM’S MURDER: A man who murdered a young mother by stabbing her 45 times is to be detained in psychiatric hospital indefinitely, Lord Mulholland has ruled at the High Court in Glasgow. Michael Porchetta, 28, killed Aimee Cannon, 26, at her home in West Calder in West Lothian on 7 May 2022.
COUNCIL BY-ELECTION: The local council by-election went to form in Colinton and Fairmilehead with Conor Savage, a sustainable banking specialist, winning a seat for Labour and public affairs advisor Neil Cuthbert picking up the other for the Conservatives. The Lib Dems saw their first preference votes collapse spectacularly, from 36% to 16%, after their former candidate Louise Spence quit, within days of being elected, to move to Dubai.
SPINNING SUCCESS: Thorne Records in Bruntsfield has been named one of the best places in the world to buy vinyl by The Financial Times. Mark Thorne’s independent shop was one of 18 in the UK to make the FT’s list. It was praised for its wide choice, from “the 1950s to Taylor Swift”, and the owner’s willingness to help, believing “every customer should leave happier than when they arrived”.
UNDERNEATH THE ARCHES: A disused railway arch will be converted into up to 15 holiday apartments and a cafe under the latest plans for Gordon Street in Leith. Genlo Design’s plans feature a glass front and upstairs extension. They follow proposals to turn a nearby bingo hall into student accommodation.
THE BUSINESS
Capital hotel group on growth path
The Edinburgh-based independent hotel chain founded almost 30 years ago by city entrepreneur and former Playhouse owner Norman Springford is set for further growth after a strong trading performance delivered a positive financial year.
Chief Executive Angela Vickers has raised potential further strategic acquisitions, as she spoke to the latest annual accounts – for the 12 months ending 30 April 2024 – which showed revenues up by more than 6% to almost £80 million, driven by increased occupancy rates in the four-star chain, with a pre-tax profit of £28.4 million being boosted by a gain on the £18.9 disposal of the Apex London Wall Hotel.
She said: “Following strong trading last year, we have set out a path for continued growth of the portfolio through strategic acquisitions and refurbishment of existing properties. The funds generated from the disposal, together with a Barclays Bank refinancing, have paved the way for the Group to commence its ambitious growth portfolio expansion.”
During the financial period, Apex Hotels acquired two rural properties – Pine Trees Hotel in Pitlochry, and Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course in Aberdeenshire.
Following the year end, Apex Hotels continued bought The Vineyard Hotel, an award winning 5-star country house hotel and spa operating in West Berkshire, followed by the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro, a 4-star hotel. The hotel will continue to trade as a Hilton Doubletree brand under a hotel management agreement.
In addition, the group completed the refurbishment of Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel in early 2024.
EAST LOTHIAN HOMES: Edinburgh-based Avant Homes Scotland has acquired an 11.1-acre site at Tranent to deliver a £47.8m, 174 new home development. It will deliver a range of family homes at the site, named Althamer View, which will be located off Greendykes Way.
JOB CUTS: Sainsbury’s is to cut more than 3,000 jobs in a plan to close down its in-store cafes and remove its pizza and hot food counters from stores in what it says is a “particularly challenging cost environment”.
THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
TURNER-TASTIC: The Irish exchange for this year’s Turner exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy has proved a smash hit. So much so, that there have been regular queues of at least an hour and a half to see his masterpieces which are usually on display in Dublin. This week is your last chance to see them, but you have until 8pm every day this week until Friday to do it with the gallery on the Mound opening late to accommodate demand.
BARREL OF LAUGHS: Catch one of the comedy hits of the Fringe when Dan Tiernan brings Stomp to the Monkey Barrel, Blair Street, on Saturday night. Expect a show featuring gout, stories of gay awakening and great punchlines.
LOCAL CINEMA: Whale Arts has announced a new programme of Local Cinema screenings at community venues across the Capital. From Pride to Restless Natives, Wonka to The 39 Steps, from Leith to the Southside, Broomhouse to Pilton, you can find full details here.
ANGEL SOUNDS: Magnetic North are back at the Fruitmarket Gallery with We Will Hear the Angels. The live performance, which takes its name from Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, uses music, words and movement to explore the strange power of sad music to uplift us. Performances nightly at 7pm, until 6 February (no performances on Sundays or Mondays).
QUICK BITES
TOP DONER: Edinburgh’s Memed Barbecue Grill & Meze Bar is hoping for two-in-a-row at the British Kebab Awards 2025. Last year, the Clerk Street restaurant was named Best Kebab House in Scotland and is shortlisted and back in the running to retain its title.
ARRIVAL ONE: A new Asian restaurant and bar, Nok’s, has opened near Haymarket Station at 192-194 Morrison Street. The venue offers “authentic Asian cuisine and drinks” in the heart of the city.
ARRIVAL TOO: There were lengthy queues when coffee chain Blank Street Coffee arrived in Edinburgh at the weekend to open their first café in the Capital in Victoria Street.