Leith Connections: Phase 3 west - east proposals

Overview

The Leith Connections project is aiming to create a safer and more comfortable street environment for residents walking, wheeling, cycling and spending time in the local streets and outdoor spaces of Leith. The project builds upon the City of Edinburgh Council’s City Mobility Plan. This aims to help Edinburgh connect through a safer and more inclusive carbon neutral transport system - delivering a healthier, thriving, fairer and compact capital city and a higher quality of life for all residents. 

Latest project updates on the project can be found on the Leith Connections page of the council website.

We have previously presented proposals and got feedback on:

• Phase 1 - high quality cycle track between Foot of the Walk and Ocean Terminal.
• Phase 2 - low traffic neighbourhood in the area by removing through traffic and allowing the creation of new community spaces. This will help to improve overall pedestrian and wheeling conditions across the area.

We are now seeking feedback for Phase 3 of the Leith Connections project:

• Phase 3 - high quality active travel and public realm improvements along the Lindsay Road to Salamander Street corridor between the Hawthornvale Path in the west and Seafield shared use path in the east.

Overview map of Leith Connections project area and phases

Plans for a drop in event where you can see our proposals and speak to members of the project team are in preparation for early July. Please check back here for further details.

Local Development Plan

The Local Development Plan (LDP) has identified significant areas of new residential development in the Leith area. An action programme has been developed to look at what improvements are needed to existing infrastructure and what new infrastructure is needed to provide safe and high-quality routes to enable more people to travel in sustainable ways. Proposals presented here will contribute to the delivery of this action programme.

Previous engagement feedback

The following document outlines previous feedback from the Commercial Street and Salamander Street corridor (gained through public surveys, online workshops and meetings with relevant stakeholders in the first half of 2021) which was highlighted as an area with poor pedestrian and cycling facilities. 

Since the two periods of community engagement in 2021, the following engagement activities have been taking place:

• Ongoing contact with the Coalie Park Project and Leith Links Masterplan to tie up proposals where appropriate.
• Meetings with Friends of Water of Leith Basin and members of the local rotary on site.
• School session with St Mary’s RC Primary School and planning the same for Leith Primary School.
• Meetings with Community Councils.
• Updates to Emergency Services.
• Updates to Lothian Buses.

An example of the materials produced by pupils of St Mary’s RC Primary School is presented below.

Why your views matter

Recent research in Edinburgh has shown that 66% of residents make trips by walking at least five days a week and 26% per cent of residents cycle at least once a week. The research also shows what residents feel needs to be done to improve conditions to enable even more people to travel by foot, wheel or bike, particularly for shorter journeys.

We would encourage you to complete this survey to help us to understand your travel needs and how best to support them through our proposals. We are at an early stage of development of proposals so are keen to hear from as many voices in the community as possible.

This survey should take around 15 minutes to complete and we are looking to get feedback on key design and placemaking proposals.