Cash boost to upgrade New Waverley area

Key Old Town sites will see much-needed improvements following a £200,000 funding boost to complement the £150 million New Waverley development.

Jacob's Ladder is set for a spruce up. Picture; Jon Savage

Seven community groups, primed to transform significant points around the 7.5 acre Royal Mile regeneration area, will get a share of the allocated cash.

Plans will see Jacob’s Ladder steps become more usable by installing new lighting to provide a safer route between Calton Road and Regent Road.

A public art project will take over The Arches, incorporating sculpture and murals to help transform the site into a “striking attraction”. The money will also help transform a series of Royal Mile closes using sound, light and visual art.

Cllr Gavin Barrie, convener of the Economy Committee, said: “The funding being ­allocated will allow these projects to improve the area and add to the buzz already being created in and around the development site.”

The money was awarded to the groups from the New Waverley Development Fund, a joint project between the City of Edinburgh Council and New Waverley developers Artisan Real Estate Investors.

“The development is now partially built and the area is already benefitting from an increased number of residents and visitors using the new shops and hotel,” Mr Barrie said.

“The Arches is also proving to be a great success as it has attracted a wide range of independent and quirky outlets.”

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