Local businesses urge developers behind new Edinburgh Arena to prepare for possible traffic and parking issues
Businesses in and around Edinburgh Park have urged the developers behind the the new 8,500-capacity Edinburgh Arena to come up with a plan to tackle possible parking and traffic problems in the area.
AEG Europe, which operates 325 venues across the world including The O2 in London, secured planning permission for an £80 million arena in Edinburgh Park in June, 2024, with plans to open the highly anticipated venue by early 2028 on land east of the Premier Inn at Edinburgh Park Station.
Local businesses in the area, including at Bankhead Industrial Estate and Hermiston Retail Park, generally welcome the new arena, although concerns were raised about the possible impact locally when the 8,500 capacity venue opens its doors, including parking and traffic management fears.
Steve Hillham, PR manager of Trinity Domestics at Cutlins Road, welcomed the incoming new attraction, but said he does have some concerns.
He said: “Our biggest concern is we are going to have to put up barriers to stop people parking outside. And the road got quite flooded recently so it would be worse with a gig.
“However, I think the arena will drive the economy and it is generally great for Edinburgh to finally have a good venue like that, instead of everyone here having to travel to Glasgow for big concerts. It’s great exposure for Edinburgh and hopefully it might help footfall traffic for us.
“But short-term the transport infrastructure will need looked at by the developer. As it is it is very busy here at the start and finish of our working day. So that’s the pressing concern for us, with traffic already an issue here, before having thousands of music fans descending on the area for a concert.
“The worst thing could be any damage to our premises when 5,000 drunk fans are here and could possibly cause problems.
“People already park here for the rugby at Murrayfield and jump on a tram. So that could also be a larger issue when the arena opens.
“There are always going to be teething issues with any new large development, so I hope the people behind the arena look at the long-term plan so businesses like us are not affected adversely.
“But on a personal note I’m buzzing about it. It’s been a long-time coming having a proper indoor arena in Edinburgh and I can’t wait to see it open.
“Construction could be an issue as well and make it difficult for us to operate. I would like to think the developers will at least consider speaking to the local businesses to get their feedback.”
Keo Kidd is the owner of wedding service Beautifully Covered, based around 100 yards or so from the approved arena site at East Hermiston Business Park.
She said: “I’m all for it. I think it will be difficult regarding traffic management. But aside from that I live in the area as well with teenage kids so I think it will be great.
“If you think of the money they make in Glasgow from the Hydro, even just from the car park, then I believe this new arena will be good for the area and bring in money and jobs.”
The manager of Chamic Industrial Services at Bankhead Drive, Mike, said: “I think it will be fine. These concerts and events will be in the evening when most businesses here are close so it wont affect us at all.”
TK Maxx Hermiston Gait store manager Dave Howard welcomed the upcoming introduction of the new indoor arena to the area.
He said: “I think this area is perfectly suited to being home to Edinburgh Arena, with the great travel infrastructure thanks to the train station and tram stop.
“I can’t see it being a headache for local businesses, and it will bring additional traffic and customers to the area. It will be good for business generally. We might have to change our opening hours to accommodate more customers.
“They might need to look at parking here at the retail park so people are not put off coming here, but anything that drives traffic to the area is beneficial.”
Directly next to the Edinburgh Arena site is a Premier Inn hotel, with one staff member simply saying: “We are very happy with the arena coming here. We can’t wait, as we’re expecting to be busy.”
A local infrastructure business owner, who asked not to be named, has some concerns, but generally welcomed the new arena.
He said: “The construction phase could be difficult for businesses here, but short-term pain for long-term gain hopefully.
“Hopefully it doesn’t impact us at night when concerts are held once it’s built and open to the public. We shut at 5pm like most businesses here, and the traffic can be busy here at that time, so I hope they have got a good traffic management plan in place.
“I’ve not seen any plans of how people will get to and from concerts yet, but I assume they will have that covered.
“We are actually trying to get involved in the construction phase of Edinburgh Arena, but we are still waiting to hear if we will be involved. It’s generally great for the area, but we will just have to see how it goes.”
AEG originally looked to find a site in Edinburgh’s city centre, but due to challenges owing to its World Heritage Site status, proposals were then put forward to build the indoor arena at the Edinburgh Park being developed by Parabola.
Edinburgh’s new indoor arena has yet to be named, with its title set to come from the business that invests in the venue.
AEG Europe was contacted for comment.