Edinburgh Development Summary

[Accura4Matalan]

Very classy projects. When I visited Edinburgh in the summer and drove around Leith, I must say I was pretty impressed with what has been done so far. However, I also noticed that there is a HELL of a lot of work to be done. Leith is much bigger than Salford Quays and will take years to get to a stage of what you can call a transformation.
A lot of potential though.

[maccoinnich]

I'm quite sceptical about most of the waterfront stuff. I was looking at a picture of one of the new developments, and my flatmate (non architecturally inclined) commented, "I've seen that building, it's just behind Ocean Terminal". Actually, it wasn't, and he hadn't seen it, but I don't blame him for thinking he had, as all the buildings down there share this same aesthetic, "the new vernacular" as a fellow student called it.

The only thing that actually seems quite exciting is this Granton Strand development. Coincidentally, one of the few projects to have exciting architects working on it - Elder and Cannon, Reiach and Hall, and Ushida Findlay.

I don't see any of these towers ever happening, to be honest, and I'm not entirely sure they're a good idea in the site anyway.
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As for the Quartermile, I don't think that Foster has actually designed any of the buildings - he's just masterplanned it.

[mahavira]

[QUOTE=The Boy David]Good stuff! Glad to see another Edinburgh forumer! What do you think of Edinburgh so far?

While I would love to see an Edin forum, there just isn't quite enough to keep it going.

But that could change soon enough - there are a lot of high profile things planned. If you know anything I don't, please post it up here




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well i've been here about 40 times before,as my family lives here , im half dutch and half scottish,so i thankfully know the way around in edinburgh and the way of live in scotland witch is so amazing,never been to glasgow tho heh
take care

[maccoinnich]

From the Scotsman:

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scot...?id=2070672005

Quartermile rebirth

CONSTRUCTION began yesterday on transforming a derelict hospital site into a £350m business district which will provide around 10 per cent of Edinburgh's commercial space.

No 1 Quartermile Square, the landmark centrepiece of the 19-acre Quartermile project on the site of the former Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, was launched by Donald Anderson, leader of Edinburgh City Council.

The development of Grade A office space, 650 new luxury homes, 170 affordable-housing flats, restaurants, cafes and bars will create more than 500 jobs during construction and a further 3,800 in offices, restaurants and shops when completed. It is also expected to generate an additional £135m of economic activity annually.

[tayser]

The trams above look like Alstom's Citadus class that we have here:



very zippy trams, they fly down the new tracks out in the eastern burbs (just down the middle of main roads, not complete right of way), they have a habit of derailing though



crunch.

[maccoinnich]

From the Edinburgh Evening News

Expansion for future is arriving at Waverley

GARETH ROSE

PASSENGERS are set to benefit from two new platforms to be built at Waverley station as part of a £630 million revamp.

Another platform is set to be extended so the number of trains going in and out the station's west end increases from 24 to 28.

It is part of a major revamp of the old station - the first in more than a century - which is needed to bring it up to modern demands.

In less than a decade the number of passenger journeys in Scotland has increased by ten million, up to 62 million in 2003-2004.

John Samson, of the Rail Passenger Council, said: "Passengers have been crying out for this.

"The sooner the work begins the better for everyone. It has been a long time coming but I think it will be a major redevelopment.

"In the last few years passenger numbers have risen significantly in Scotland. More people means longer trains and longer platforms.

"Waverley has to be expanded to keep up with all that."

He added: "What Network Rail is trying to do is increase capacity, allow for more trains and free up the station from congestion - all good news for passengers."

As well as two extra platforms, Network Rail plans to provide escalators and lifts at Waverley Steps and a cul-de-sac platform at Haymarket. It will also remodel tracks and signals at the west end of Waverley station to make it easier for trains to move in and out.

Network Rail has remained tight-lipped about the plans, which have been sent to Edinburgh City Council for approval.

A Network Rail spokeswoman would only say: "We are hopeful that planning permission for this part of the Waverley station development will be granted.

"We've been in consultation with all interested parties and have taken their comments on board.

"We are confident that the proposals will bring great benefits to railway passengers."

However, in a letter to the city council, the company revealed more details about how it plans to transform the historic station between the Old Town and New Town.

Tony Rivero, senior town planner at Network Rail, said: "The geometry of the west throat of the station has to be remodelled.

"The existing platforms cannot achieve the required capacity improvement and will have to be substantially rebuilt."

The company also plans to demolish the canopies above platforms 13 to 19, to give tourists travelling to Edinburgh by train a better view of the city as they arrive.

Mr Rivero said: "From the point of view of an arriving passenger they [the canopies] serve to withhold, tantalisingly if not annoyingly, the views to the magnificent city."

The massive redevelopment of the station, which is also set to include a new travel hall and extra platforms, will boost the capacity of the station, and increase its "life expectancy" by at least 80 years.

A retail complex included in the plan could raise at least £100m towards any revamp of the station by offering prime space to tenants on a 99-year lease.

The plan is one of three options drafted by a task force set up to consider the future of the landmark Victorian station.

Personally, I'd wouldn't be at all sad if they knocked it all down and built a new one. It is an absolutely awful station to be in.

[Vladimir V L]

The taxis can drive right in on to the platforms! I was surprised to see that first time I was there. It stinks of petrol fumes. But position of the place is very good, a new roof could open up views from the bridge down into the entire station, which would be very impressive.

[meagain]

A retail complex included in the plan could raise at least £100m towards any revamp of the station by offering prime space to tenants on a 99-year lease.

- this is more concerning, the only place this can go is on top of whats there, and they can't build into the views of the castle..... so reduced ceiling heights lots of shops and a generally less impressive arrival are extremely likely.

[The Boy David]

What a mess.

As much as I am glad to read about the proposed plans for Waverley station, I have to agree with you maccoinnich (as will most). It would be much better for the city if they just flattened it.

With such a perfect situation in the city centre, Waverley could and should be so much more.


The retail bit puzzles me though. They already have the Princess Mall connected to the station (almost), and it makes quite good use of the space available - doesn't block any views, but still manages to have quite a sizeable shopping area. So why build another one??

[Yapachoo]

What are they building just in fron of Waverley St.? There are tower cranes and a very large structure is appearing. My knowledge of Ed is a bit limited I'm afraid - is it connected with the station renovation?

BTW they have started turfing up the carpark in Georges Sq. for the new uni building.

[maccoinnich]

Originally Posted by The Boy David

The retail bit puzzles me though. They already have the Princess Mall connected to the station (almost), and it makes quite good use of the space available - doesn't block any views, but still manages to have quite a sizeable shopping area. So why build another one??

Because Network Rail don't own the Princes Mall (actually David Murray of Rangers fame does), and consequently don't make any money out of it. These days, it seems a rather quaint idea that railway stations and airports should be for trains and aeroplanes respectively.

The only reasonably nice bit of Waverley is the booking hall, but it's no Glasgow Central or St Pancras, and even the Cockburn Association have said they're willing to see it go if it enables a better station. Personally, it really needs to be split into two levels - with circulation at the level of the elevated walkways, with the more through platforms below, and escalators/elevators connecting the two. Then it needs a new roof, which doesn't leak, lets in natural night, and gives you views of the stunning cityscape above. Because of Waverley's unusual and unique location below the rest of the surrounding area, the roof should look good from above, and add something to the valley which splits the Old and New Towns, rather than looking like an industrial estate.

It is convenient that you can get taxis at platform level, but it also makes the place smellier, and is annoying when you're trying to cross a road in the station (even worse when they bring in replacement buses). If the station were on two level, you would have level access from the upper level to Waverley bridge. Once the airport link is in place, there would be fewer buses, and consequently more room for taxis, on the bridge.

Of course, this is designed around what is pleasant for the passenger, not what makes money, so it'll never happen.

Originally Posted by Yapachoo

What are they building just in fron of Waverley St.? There are tower cranes and a very large structure is appearing. My knowledge of Ed is a bit limited I'm afraid - is it connected with the station renovation?

BTW they have started turfing up the carpark in Georges Sq. for the new uni building.

It's probably the new council headquarters you're thinking of. Apparently it's a 'green' design, but apparently not important enough to release any renders of (that I've seen anywhere).

Yeah, they're really getting going with the Informatics building near George Square.

[Boards]

Waverley's too dark by far make the entire roof from clear glass so you could see everything - that would be perfect.

[Yapachoo]

Cheers matey, the new HQ looks like it could be quite something!

[Vladimir V L]

Photo taken by Chris Applegate.

Some food for thought. I see a roof with large glass curves to match the look of the bridge. It really does look like factory units, the most horrible bit is the yellowing parts It could look very impressive, the existing roof hardly has anything to do with or enhances the look of the historic city.

[maccoinnich]

Slightly odd article about the Royal Mile. Anyone know anything about this legal action against Page and Park?

Royal Mile sett for £2m facelift

ALAN RODEN
TRANSPORT REPORTER

THE historic Royal Mile is set to be given a £2 million facelift as it is cleaned cobble by cobble.

Councillors are due to approve plans to completely reconstruct the historic street at a meeting next week.


But instead of buying new stone setts for the road, they are proposing to remove tens of thousands of existing ones, clean them, and put them back one by one.

The operation will actually be more expensive than purchasing new stones, but it will ensure the original character of the High Street is maintained.

It will also avoid the need to ship in rocks from abroad, as happened last year when contractors used Chinese granite to help repair the Royal Mile at its junction with George IV Bridge.

The latest project will take place along the High Street between North Bridge and George IV Bridge - an area packed with Festival-goers every summer.

The council is waiting for the verdict of a public inquiry on plans to pedestrianise the area before announcing when work will start, although it is not expected to begin until after 2007.

The authority is still pursuing a legal action against two firms - Page and Park, and Bovis - that were involved in a £4.5m revamp of the Royal Mile, which was initially completed in 1996 after two years of work.

The council does not believe this work was carried out properly, and cracks have since appeared on the now uneven surface.

"We simply don't want residents and tourists to see the Royal Mile in this kind of shape," said council leader Donald Anderson.

"It is a judgement call on whether we use new setts or the existing ones, but the recommended option [of cleaning the setts] is the most pragmatic way.

"We have invested many millions of pounds on this street and it is tragic that the work wasn't successfully carried out. The Royal Mile is one of the most beautiful streets in the world."

New setts would cost an estimated £1.35m, but the city development department has recommended using the existing stonework.

This project has been priced at £1.46m, but costs could rise to £2.07m at a later date. This is because some of the existing stones may not be suitable for re-use.

When the setts are removed from the road, they will be closely evaluated to determine which can be properly cleaned. The stones will then be cut to a uniform depth, so they provide an even surface.

City development director Andrew Holmes said: "The natural appearance of original setts would maintain the organic character of the Old Town as a whole. These setts have subtle variations in colour, tone and shape that have developed over time and blend sympathetically with the variety of historic buildings."

"The same effect could not be achieved by the use of new setts.

"[This option] would be best placed to maintain the Street's historic character and appearance."

[M_Riaz]

New plan to polish retail 'jewel'

A plan has been unveiled to give a facelift to one of Scotland's most famous shopping areas in the centre of Edinburgh.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4367012.stm

[TampaMike]

Originally Posted by tayser

very zippy trams, they fly down the new tracks out in the eastern burbs (just down the middle of main roads, not complete right of way), they have a habit of derailing though



crunch.

Ouch

[maccoinnich]

Originally Posted by M_Riaz

New plan to polish retail 'jewel'

A plan has been unveiled to give a facelift to one of Scotland's most famous shopping areas in the centre of Edinburgh.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4367012.stm

This is news? Isn't that 1st image the Malcolm Fraser study that was done about 2 years ago?

[M_Riaz]

This is news?

Apparently so...by the BBC sources

[The Boy David]

Ouch indeed, thats an unfortunate situation to find your trams in.....

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Yeah work has already started on Princess Street and its links to the Awesome George street.

About bloody time they started cleaning up the retail aspect of Princess Street - it's an embarassment.