A series of engagement events will be held during September to gather views on public realm improvements planned in the west of Edinburgh.
Changes, including landscaping, are proposed at a number of locations as part of the broader West Edinburgh Link project, which aims to transform walking, cycling and public spaces around South Gyle and local communities.
Opportunity to have your say on improvements
Drop-ins will be held near each of the areas - Bughtlin Market, Gyle Park/Gogarloch, Wester Hailes Road and Clovenstone – where people can meet the project team and find out more about the proposals, as well as sharing opinions.
Online surveys for each area will also give the public the opportunity to leave feedback on recommended changes, which will be used as part of the design process.
Transport Vice Convener encourages participation
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Karen Doran said:
“It’s our ambition to develop a well-connected, safe and pleasant active travel network linking communities, workplaces and attractions across the city, and West Edinburgh Link is an important element of this.
“The proposed changes for each of these four locations aim to create a more relaxing and enjoyable environment along the route, conducive to strolling and relaxing, and we want to know what people think.”
Sustrans welcomes ambitious plans for improvement
Tierney Lovell, Infrastructure Manager for Places for Everyone - Sustrans Scotland, said:
“The West Edinburgh Link will vastly improve conditions for walking, cycling, and wheeling in the west of the city and help create safe, coherent and direct routes to schools, shops, and businesses in the local area, as well as improve the area’s sense of place.
“The City of Edinburgh Council has shown real ambition in these proposals and we encourage as many people as possible to visit these events to have their say.”
Response to consultation on broader West Edinburgh Link plans
A major public consultation on the West Edinburgh Link scheme, which ran between March and May this year, demonstrated support for proposals, with 84% in favour of concept designs. These envision 4km of segregated cycleways, a new bridge across the railway line next to Gyle Park, improvements to crossings and traffic calming throughout the area, amongst other measures. A full report detailing the responses received during the consultation can be found on the West Edinburgh Link website.
Responses from the concept design stage will be used to guide design development before refined proposals are presented for public consultation in early 2020. It is intended to commence construction in late 2021.
West Edinburgh Link was awarded funding in 2017 as part of Places for Everyone, a Scottish Government-funded programme delivered by Sustrans Scotland to create safer, more attractive and healthier places by increasing the number of everyday trips made by walking, cycling and other modes of active travel.
Drop-in event details
Drop-in events will be held at:
Bughtlin Market Shops: Thursday, 5 September, 2pm – 7pm
Gogarloch Park (greenspace beside Gogarloch Syke): Monday, 9 September, 4pm – 8pm
Wester Hailes Road at Sighthill Road (Nursery): Wednesday, 11 September, 11am - 2pm
Murrayburn Road (at canal): Wednesday, 11 September, 3pm - 7pm
Clovenstone Community Centre, Thursday 12 September, 2pm – 7pm
Find out more about the West Edinburgh Link online.