The following update was issued this morning by ‘Trams to Newhaven Project Team’ (email newhaven.tram@edinburgh.gov.uk)

Leith Central Community Council is pleased to note that the Tram Design 2 Consultation has been extended to 11 November, following requests made by CCTT, the coalition of community councils along the proposed tram route. We urge everyone who lives on or within 1/2 mile of Leith Walk to respond to the consultation.

We also welcome that the final decision to go ahead has been put back to March next year (originally: 13 December 2018). This will allow for much-needed time to sort out the many detailed questions that remain, most importantly the detailed arrangements during the 2 year construction period. LCCC is also still looking for answers to the other big question: how is our area going to benefit environmentally after tram construction?

Update – 23 October 2018

Councillors will make the decision on whether or not to proceed with the Trams to Newhaven project in March 2019.

Tenders for the project were received in early September and evaluations are ongoing.

The final stage in this process is to seek best and final offers from the bidders which will then be used to complete the Final Business Case for consideration by elected members.

It is important for the Council to have sufficient time to undertake due diligence and comprehensive evaluation of the final submissions and the Council has therefore decided to take extra time to allow this process to take place.

The Council has undertaken extensive consultation with residents and businesses in Leith and Newhaven to inform the final design of the proposed route and has proposed a £2.4m Support for Business package during the construction period.

You can view the Trams to Newhaven project designs and plans, which have been updated thanks to public feedback from consultation earlier in the summer, until Sunday 11 November on the Council’s Consultation Hub.