Proposed concept designs for public realm improvements to George Street and nearby areas of the Scottish capital’s historic New Town have been unveiled and could be delivered within five years.

Edinburgh’s transport and environment convener Lesley Macinnes said the designs offer a glimpse of “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”.

Street clutter will be removed from George Street, ‘urban greening’ will be provided through planting shrubs and hedges and cycling will be prioritised, with direct connections to other planned active travel infrastructure in the city. Parking will be removed to reduce the dominance of motor traffic but loading will be retained for businesses under the City of Edinburgh Council’s plans.

To view a 3D fly through video showing the designs, click here.

Further public feedback will now be gathered before the designs go before the Council’s transport and environment committee in April. If approved, construction work could start in 2023, with an anticipated completion in 2025. The project is expected to cost £32M, with £20M coming from Transport Scotland via Sustrans.

Sustrans Scotland interim head of infrastructure delivery Simon Strain said: “George Street is one of the most vibrant and distinctive shopping streets in Scotland. We are pleased to be supporting the increased space for walking and cycling that this project will create, upgrading one of the city’s key travel routes.

“The new spaces for sitting and relaxing provide both visitors and residents with comfortable spaces where they can rest and enjoy the World Heritage Site.”

(Image: City of Edinburgh Council)