Capital is backed to be one of the world's best cities in 2020

Published on Tuesday 28 October 2008 08:56

EDINBURGH residents will live in one of the best cities in the world by 2020, according to a major new global study.

The Capital has been named among the "20 cities of 2020" by an American think-tank, with London the only other UK city to make the grade.

The "cities of tomorrow" study identified places that have planned for the future, in terms of the local environment, health issues, cultural and media opportunities, law enforcement, education needs, transport facilities, housing, innovation and investment.

Despite the current economic downturn, more than 7.5 billion of major developments are still being lined up for the Capital, including the Waterfront regeneration and the Edinburgh BioQuarter near Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, while the tram line would also be in place.

The judges from the Ethisphere Institute praised the city council for "talking with local business owners" about how to attract new jobs without compromising the Capital's "unique qualities". And they had particular praise for the city's recycling schemes.

They said: "Looking to be an innovative hub, Edinburgh has made sustainability a priority. Along with initiatives that focus on the environment, the city recognises the need to attract new business."

The list comprises ten cities with a population over 600,000, such as London, New York and Cape Town. Edinburgh is included in the ten "mid-sized cities", along with a number in Scandinavia, Portland in the US and Doha in Qatar.

Stefan Linssen, managing editor of Ethisphere Magazine, said: "As future global centres, their planning will positively impact the quality of life of successive generations and provide a model for other cities to emulate."

The accolade was today welcomed by city leader Jenny Dawe, who said: "Sustainable stewardship of the natural environment and our cultural heritage is at the heart of our vision for Edinburgh.

"We want to be leading the most successful and sustainable city region in northern Europe by 2015, helping to maintain an excellent quality of life and competing with the best in the world. That's an ambitious target, but it's also achievable and we have to aim high with the outstanding assets Edinburgh has."

Ron Hewitt, chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: "One of the city's greatest strengths is the intricate web of people and organisations who make this recognition possible.

"Our unique mix of partnership working, the highest level of education in our workforce, strong universities and innovative businesses in a number of important sectors means we are constantly reinventing our capital city and its future.

"The 'quality of life' tag which makes Edinburgh such a desirable place to live ensures that we collectively aspire to the benefits of sustainability in building that future."

The Ethisphere Institute is supported by more than 200 leading institutions and corporations.