'Carnivals' set to close key street in drive to boost city

Published on Sunday 9 March 2008 21:13

ONE of Edinburgh's flagship thoroughfares would be closed to traffic for special events under plans for a new scheme aimed at reviving the fortunes of the heart of the capital.

George Street could become home to regular "carnival" events featuring live music, street entertainers and even cookery demonstrations as part of a long-awaited initiative to enhance the city centre.

The idea is being considered by the promoters of a scheme which would see firms between Princes Street and George Street fund a string of improvements dedicated to the area.

George Street, which has seen huge growth in major fashion retailers and upmarket bars over the last ten years, already plays host to a hugely popular street carnival as part of the city's Hogmanay celebrations.

It is thought another trial closure of George Street could be introduced as early as this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The move

may be linked to the first phase of a campaign, also under discussion, to encourage an extension of shop opening hours until as late as 10pm.

Retailers, bars, restaurants and other firms will vote over the next few weeks on the creation of a "business improvement district" (BID), which is expected to generate 1 million annually. In return for paying higher rates under the scheme, businesses would be promised a package of improvements over and above council services.

Such schemes have proved popular across England, but Edinburgh would be the first to introduce a BID in Scotland.

While new city centre wardens, extra cleaning "hit squads" and welcome banners are among likely measures, more ambitious ideas such as live music events are being proposed to ensure the project gets the go-ahead.

The ballot will involve more than 500 firms with a rateable value of more than 25,000. For the ballot to be successful, there must be a minimum turn-out of 25 per cent of eligible businesses and a clear majority in favour.

Ian Broadfoot, head of the Edinburgh City Centre Management Company, said: "The council has assured us any money generated through the BID will be over and above what they provide. It's about delivering things that haven't happened before and ensuring businesses see a real difference."

'EVENTS THAT ADD TO THE AREA'

ELINOR Jayne, project manager for the Essential Edinburgh initiative, said: "The businesses will decide how the money is spent through a board which is independent of the council.

"The idea is to get things off the ground that add to the area and would not normally happen, and help the city centre compete better with the out-of-town shopping centres.

"Another area being looked at is extending the opening hours of shops. Shops don't want to open if they don't think there will be enough customers, so it would have to be linked to a promotional campaign."