Docks revamp 'at risk' if tram line incomplete

Published on Friday 29 October 2010 16:57

THE £700 million regeneration of Leith Docks would be at risk unless the tram is taken to Newhaven, it was warned today.

The boss of Forth Ports, the company behind the biggest expansion of Edinburgh since the creation of the New Town, said there needs to be certainty about when the tram line will reach Ocean Terminal and Newhaven before the company formally starts marketing development opportunities in the next year.

Charles Hammond also indicated that he would be happy for an 84m funding pot for four key infrastructure projects to be partly used to fund the Leith section of the tram line.

He also said that a cross-Forth ferry would be less likely to happen if the tram didn't go ahead.

The 30-year plan for Leith Docks includes more than 15,000 homes, as well as shops, offices, parks, schools and a cultural quarter.

Mr Hammond, the Edinburgh-based port operator and property firm's chief executive, said: "It is very important that the tram link between Ocean Terminal and the city centre is maintained. I would like to see the job originally contracted being finished, with a link from the airport to Newhaven, and we need to look to find a way of that happening.

"The Leith business community has put up with a lot of disruption and are entitled to expect the job to be finished.

"I think what we need is the certainty about delivery. Whatever the delivery date is there needs to be certainty. As the market recovers there will be a lot of inward investment and for that to happen there needs to be certainty about when it (the tram] will be delivered.

"We would still prefer it to be done as one job, but the most important thing is clarity."

He welcomed news that the Scottish Government has approved in principle the city council's plan to borrow 84m against future business rates revenue to fund key infrastructure work. The tax incremental financing (TIF) funding had been earmarked for four specific projects: a new ferry terminal, lock gates, a new link road and a riverside walkway with shops and restaurants.

Council leader Jenny Dawe said earlier this week that some of the TIF money could still be used to help bring the tram to Ocean Terminal and Newhaven.

Her comments were cautiously welcomed by Mr Hammond. He said: "Obviously we would be willing to consider any alternatives. Our commitment is to work with the council on this project.

"I think the four projects would help unlock development and the TIF is an important step forward, but so is the tram. Lock gates and a cross-Forth ferry are designed to integrate with the tram."

Leith councillor Gordon Munro said: "It is absolutely crucial that the tram goes there and that it goes as quickly as is possible. With this new development Leith would clog up with traffic unless the tram happens. It is essential not just for Forth Ports' marketing but for Leith people."A spokesman for Edinburgh Trams said: "We do appreciate that the lack of clarity on how the project will be delivered is frustrating for everyone, but we will be better placed to provide detail on how this will happen, and any plan for phasing, as soon as we have a clear resolution to the ongoing contractual dispute. Our commitment remains to construct the entire route from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven."