Sarah, an interesting piece thank you. St Andrew Square and public access to it took many years of negotiation between the owners and CEC, it is now managed by Essential Edinburgh. Without doubt giving access to these gardens has been transformational for the New Town. However, this access does not come for free as being privately owned but with public access, trees must be regularly checked and maintained, the flower beds tended, water feature serviced, people are lazy and cut corners wearing away the grass which has to be replaced and of course it has 3rd party insurance. The rent from the coffee pavilion largely covers the routine costs but not capital projects such as renewing the path lighting. Public access has been great but it comes at a cost.
Sarah, an interesting piece thank you. St Andrew Square and public access to it took many years of negotiation between the owners and CEC, it is now managed by Essential Edinburgh. Without doubt giving access to these gardens has been transformational for the New Town. However, this access does not come for free as being privately owned but with public access, trees must be regularly checked and maintained, the flower beds tended, water feature serviced, people are lazy and cut corners wearing away the grass which has to be replaced and of course it has 3rd party insurance. The rent from the coffee pavilion largely covers the routine costs but not capital projects such as renewing the path lighting. Public access has been great but it comes at a cost.
You ask three questions in the last paragraph. In my opinion the answers are no, no and yes. Private property rights should be respected.