Beach cleaning boosts plans for seaside resort in Granton

The long-neglected Granton beach would be given a thorough clean-up under the proposals, designed to continue the regeneration of the area.

Information boards, picnic areas and a new piece of public artwork would be added to the beach, which has become a fly-tipping hotspot in recent years.

The city council has unveiled the proposals to upgrade the beach as part of the second phase of its 30-year plan to create a waterfront promenade stretching from Joppa to Cramond.

Councillor Tom Buchanan, the city's economic development leader, said: "There is a continued desire by the council to improve the area and make it a useful area for health and leisure activity.

"I am particularly keen to see Granton Beach upgraded and hopefully it will put an end to the problem of flytipping."

The latest proposals come a month after the Granton Community Partnership and Art In Architecture lodged plans for a separate 2 million leisure project at a nearby site off West Shore Road. The scheme – dubbed "Granton-Sur Mer" – includes an outdoor swimming pool, lido, arts village and a walled garden.

Frances Durie, chair of the West Pilton/West Granton community council, said: "That part isn't used much anymore, and neither is the area that Granton-Sur-Mer is planned for, so it would be good to see people using it again.

"The beach was used a lot in the past but it has gone downhill."

Local councillor Cammy Day said: "If that area is done up and the Granton-Sur-Mer project takes off too it could become a bit of a hub."

City chiefs have started the process of appointing a contractor for the second phase of the promenade project. They will consult with the community on the proposals, including inviting ideas for a new piece of public art.

The total contract will be worth up to 500,000, which also includes the cost of the new half-a-kilometre walkway from Granton Promenade to Granton Beach.