Tag Archives: Trams

Leith Central CC draft minutes, 17 February 2013

Here are draft minutes from the meeting of 17 February 2014: 2014_02_17 draft

Topics discussed include:

  • LCCC team-building
  • Police action against house-breaking
  • Leith Decides
  • Drug users abusing Pilrig Park

Leith Central CC draft minutes, 20 January 2013

Here are draft minutes from the meeting of 20 January 2014: 2014_01_20 draft

Topics discussed include:

  • Potential Lidl store at 248 Easter Road
  • Leith Walk repairs – see discussion paper on pages 5-7 of the minutes.

An updated version of the paper on Leith Walk repairs will be in the following post.

A plan is in hand to start where the tram works stopped

LEITH’s fortunes could be in for a boost as new Chair of the Leith Business Association  (LBA) Alex Wilson brings his skills and energy to the role.

Having done his homework, the association now has a redrafted constitution, newly introduced membership fees and a much wider sweep across Leith than the original Leith Walk membership. This association now means business and is ready to get to work.

“Our current and most pressing challenges are the residual problems of the tram works,”  says Alex.  “Business has suffered badly and the lack of investment in, and care for this area now requires imaginative thinking as we work to put things right.  As we gain new members we will be able to tackle some of these problems and that’s what we intend to do.”

Having lived and worked as an interior designer in California for some years, local historian Alex kept in touch with news at home online.  On his return to Edinburgh he quickly became involved again in local community life.  He is also standing as an independent city council candidate in the May elections,  .

Alex’s new appointment as Chair of LBA has fitted in well with a two-year campaign he set in motion to recover Leith’s ancient and historic flag from the Lord Lyon, the official heraldry office for Scotland. . “Thanks to the support of many interested people, our campaign has been successful,” he says proudly, “A ceremony will take place in Leith Library very soon in which the flag will be handed over to the charge of Leith Neighbourhood Partnership.

“Historically Leith has a strong community identity,” says Alex.  “Regaining the flag will help Leith to regain that proud spirit and of course it will help to stimulate the success of local businesses. Leith has a great future ahead.  ”

The next meeting of the LBA will beheld on Wednesday May 9th, starting at 5.45 at the Persevere Room Kirkgate Community Centre.  If you would like to learn more about the work of the Leith Business Association, or to become a member, you can contact Alex at  wilsonamc3@aol.com

The Walk struggles to keep up appearances

LOVERS of Leith Walk will need more tolerance towards her dowdy look as a makeover won’t be happening in the short term.  A major stumbling block to her revamp still remains. What some would call her bete noir, the tram, still lurks in the shadows.

Neighbourhood Manager for City Centre and Leith, Mike Penny, admits that the cards for a link to Newhaven are still on the table. “While it’s definite that the tram is going to St. Andrew Square, it is still said that the route could go right to Newhaven,” he said. “Thus anything significant needs that final determination. We have to wait for that. We have to hold back spending the money allocated for Leith Walk until that decision is made. Completion of that further tram extension could take some years yet.”

In the meantime, more alarming news emerges that further and final Scottish Water works must be carried out along the length of the Walk. Planning for this is at a late stage and works are likely to start later this year. These will last around 6 months and it is anticipated that work will be completed towards the end of 2012.

“We will then do a complete resurfacing of all of the road,” says Mike Penny. “That will cut out all that bumping over uneven surfaces which is such an inconvenience to everyone at the present time. We are very committed to a fundamental makeover of the Walk, but these last works have to be done first, then we can get under way. We plan to reinstate the famous landmarks, the Leith clock and the ‘pigeons’ during that period too.”

Several property developers who own large sites on the Walk and once may have had serious building projects in mind, have now changed their business plans. The company that provides student accommodation, Unite owns the big grey shell that is Shrubhill. “It would appear that the company no longer plans to develop the site,” says Mike “We have been informed that they are looking for a buyer. In the meantime we continue to discuss options for improving the appearance of the site. Hoardings will be reinstated soon and advertising boards established to add colour through the council’s Authorised Advertising Project; it seems less likely that the proposal for a vinyl cover of the whole building with a large image (as has been done in other parts of the city) will now go ahead.. The pressure to sell puts some limitations on some of the ideas, but we are continuing discussions.”

The Old Tram Depot next door to Shrubhill is currently being used as a storage facility for building materials too.  Leith Walk is still a work in progress. Those who love her colour and potential will have to wait a little longer for her return to the glory days.