Grassmarket shrugs off poor image as it eyes top UK award

Published on Saturday 16 May 2009 01:03

IT HAS been a notorious black-spot in the heart of Scotland's capital for antisocial behaviour, late-night disorder and raucous hen and stag nights.

But just months after a major revamp of Edinburgh's historic Grassmarket was unveiled, it is now in the running to be named one of the best locations in Britain and Ireland. It will compete against a new public square in Sheffield and Meetinghouse Square, a revamped part of Dublin's Temple Bar.

The Academy of Urbanism stages annual awards to honour "the best, most enduring or most improved urban environments" around the country. The group – made up of experts in architecture, planning, development, and community work – also hands out awards for the best city, town and neighbourhood.

Some 6 million was spent on a makeover, which has seen dozens of car parking spaces removed, pavement cafe areas extended, the whole area resurfaced and family-friendly events encouraged.

It was backed by a major marketing campaign to promote the area's history and architecture, its independent shops and continental-style cafe culture.

Its makeover was ordered in the wake of widespread concerns about the growth in licensed premises in the 1990s and protests from local residents about increasing problems from stag and hen nights.