There is also the plan to pedestrianise George Street and a host of other schemes intended to benefit visitors and residents alike.
It’s a year since the historic decision was taken for Edinburgh to become the first UK city to introduce a tourist tax.
The Visitor Levy, which comes into effect in July, is expected to bring in up to £50 million a year once it is fully established - a welcome funding boost for the Capital which otherwise faces an “extremely constrained” financial position.
Transport and environment convener Stephen Jenkinson said as well as early benefits, the new revenue could offer some certainty for longer-term projects like George Street, rather than being dependent on year-to-year funding from the Scottish Government.
He said: “I’ve long been a believer in visitor levies as a way to invest in the city. Edinburgh is the right place for it to happen and this is the right time for it to happen.
“I’m happy we are going to get bang for our buck and visitors and residents will see the benefit of the Visitor Levy relatively quickly.”
Some money has already been allocated to boost affordable housing in Edinburgh and more proposals are yet to come on culture and events.
But read read on now for the details of all 21 transport and environment projects which are proposed to be funded from the Visitor Levy.
They will be debated at committee on Thursday, January 29, and then go to full council for approval at the budget meeting in February.
17. Old Town Streets - £4,160,000
A total of £3 million is proposed for works to Hunter Square, improving access and helping to reduce anti-social behaviour. The top of Blair Street would be pedestrianised and street furniture in the square relocated to make way for an events/market space. Another £1m is recommended for works in the Cowgate to implement road safety improvements, which may include one-way traffic and footway widening. And £160,000 is earmarked for "hostile vehicle mitigation" barriers at Cockburn Street. | Google Maps
18. George Street - £31,750,000
The biggest single allocation of funding proposed is £31.75m over four years for the transformation of George Street into a "people-focused" street, with priority for pedestrians and cyclists and vehicles banned for most of the day. Funding would cover the main George Street development as well as supporting footway widening of Frederick Street and Hanover Street and the renewal of the Frederick Street setts. The council says: "The project will benefit both residents and visitors through increased footfall, increased cyclist journeys and the development of a large-scale public realm." | Edinburgh city council
19. Cramond foreshore - £2,000,000
Not all the Visitor Levy cash will be spent on the city centre. This proposal is for £2m to go towards upgrading the car park at Cramond, improving safety, accessibility, capacity and active travel connections, while also providing new accessible public toilets and Changing Places. | Rhoda Morrison
20. Portobello Promenade - £2,500,000
A masterplan would be developed for Portobello Promenade, including high-quality public realm, accessible toilets and Changing Places, and play facilities. Transport and environment convener Stephen Jenkinson said: "People are drawn towards Portobello and we want to encourage that in a managed and sustainable way, so we need to invest in infrastructure there too." | Third Party