Caring for the city centre is vital for Edinburgh's future- Liz McAreavey

Edinburgh is experiencing a Covid-induced tremor at the heart of the city.

The usually renowned vibrancy of the city centre, as the beating heart that drives life around the Capital is flat-lining with the streets sparse with visitors, the shops struggling and hospitality venues back to prohibition days and restricted opening hours.

Pre-Covid 19 was unquestionably the ‘Century of the City’. Cities are the engine rooms of the economy with an estimated 70% of the population living and working in cities by 2050. But the impact of Covid 19 on Edinburgh’s city centre has seen us looking at a future that looks less certain, in the short term at least.

The pandemic has been a catalyst for a major shift in the way we work, travel, socialise and come together. Neighbourhoods have benefited from the ‘buy local’ messages as people work from home and travel less. Communities have come together to support each other and in many ways we have rediscovered the values of a more cohesive society. The new buzz phrases are ‘the 20 minute commute’, ‘Place-Making’ and ‘empowered communities ’.

All good. But the other side of the coin illustrates the level of complexity this pandemic has unearthed. Our city centres have always been the heart of our cities. A place to visit to enjoy the newly coined ‘experiential economy’ as we gather to shop, lunch, meet friends, visit galleries, museums, attractions. Footfall and visitors have driven investment in the city centre as big brands recognise the demand and success that Edinburgh has to offer. This has created a vibrant city centre with choice, entertainment and quality, a quality of life that attracts talent, students, entrepreneurs, investors and visitors.

In July and August this year, the city centre saw a reduction in footfall of 2 million each month, significantly impacting retail and hospitality. Working from home, likely to continue to spring 2021, further impacts the city centre making many businesses unviable. The number of unemployment claimants in Edinburgh is up 200% since February with over 69,000 people on Furlough. The Scottish Licence Trade estimate up to two thirds of licenced premises may be mothballed or closed if the restrictions continue. Potentially a loss of up to 5000 jobs. Hotels are facing into 11% occupancy

rates in November, contrasting with the usual average occupancy level of 92%. Many remain closed since last March with no Christmas and New Year surge on the horizon.

Successful neighbourhoods are to be celebrated, but it must not be an ‘either or’. Without our vibrant city centre, what will the future of Edinburgh look like? The St James Quarter is a welcome addition to the city centre, they have a long term view and are developing partnership in the city so the whole city benefits from their presence.

However, the economy is estimated to take until 2023 to recover to pre-Covid levels. We cannot be complacent and take for granted continuing success if we allow our city centre, our prized asset to wither on the vine.

We need to protect the engines of Scotland’s economic growth, our cities, so they can become leading players on the international stage. Planning, transport, Investment and ‘place-making’ policies need to be bold, innovative and ambitious. The city needs to create a new urban agenda with public sector, private sector and communities working together. We most definitely need a healthy pulse from our city centres.