Council sets 'end of August' timeline for reopening Princes Street as works continue to save historic building
Princes Street has been closed to traffic and pedestrians since July 9, when the blaze took hold of the building
Work is continuing to save the historic facade of the former department store which burned down on Princes Street last month with plans to reopen the road “by the end of August”.
The City Of Edinburgh Council Leader, Jane Meagher, hosted business representatives, heritage organisations, community groups and councillor at the City Chambers on Wednesday evening (August 12), where updates on the progress of works were shared.
Work has been continuing to secure the remaining structure of the former Debenhams department store on Princes Street after the blaze was sparked on July 9.
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A portion of Princes Street has been closed to all traffic and pedestrians since that date with major knock-on delays to the city’s public transport system, including buses and trams.
However, it has now been confirmed that the council is working to a timeline, weather depending, of reopening Princes Street by the end of the month.
It comes as a number of measures have been taken to secure the remaining structure, including the reducing the eastern gable of the building by two meters and supporting it with scaffolding.
Unsafe brickwork has also been removed from the upper levels of the building, which were left heavily damaged by the fire, as well as debris and the front facade is now being supported by steel beams both internally and externally.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’ve been working tirelessly to make sure Princes Street can fully reopen and I’m reassured by the progress being made. It goes without saying that we want to do this as soon as possible – but only when it is safe to do so.
“I want to reiterate just how complicated, hazardous and challenging this work is – and it was helpful to be able to share more of this detail during, what was, a very positive and constructive meeting with local business and community representatives last night.
“I was extremely grateful to all those who attended and gave us their feedback – which I committed to taking on board, either immediately or as part of our lessons learned exercise that will follow. I also welcomed the views of Edinburgh World Heritage and the Scottish Architectural Society who spoke in praise of the steps we’re taking to preserve an important part of our city’s heritage.”
The council has also spoken to local business leaders about the impact the fire and road closure has had on their livelihoods.
During the meeting at the City Chambers, plans for a “communications campaign” to promote businesses in Leith cut off from the closure of the eastern side of tram line were discussed including “resident and visitor spend incentives, events and other promotions”.
This would be funded by the £5m financial support for those affected by the Princes Street fire announced by the Scottish Government last week.
Cllr Meagher added: “Clearly, the resulting disruption continues to have a significant effect on businesses, particularly on the north end of the tram route, and last night we outlined our plans for a communications campaign to promote Leith, the Shore and Newhaven – and everything all they have to offer for our residents and visitors.
“This is being developed very much in partnership with the businesses and communities themselves – and we hope it will encourage people to visit businesses in the area well into the future.
“What also came across strongly last night was the effect this is having on our residents who are struggling to get to work, meet commitments or make appointments. I want to put on record again my thanks for your patience and understanding and to reiterate my determination to bring this disruption to an end as soon as it is safe to do so.
“In the meantime, I want to give special thanks to Lothian Buses, particularly their drivers, for their support in keeping the city moving.”