Retail champions are rolled out to revive 'town centres'

Three people have been appointed to look after three town centres each in the 25,000-a-year role.

Each will be given a 45,000 budget to work with in order to bring about improvements to their areas.

One of the final projects of the pilot scheme that led to the creation of the three roles was due to be unveiled today.

Work has been completed on replacing the concrete lampposts on William Street and Alva Street in the West End with more traditional lanterns following suggestions from local firms.

It is hoped that similar schemes can help boost the appearance and vibrancy of town centres across the Capital, including Stockbridge, Tollcross, Corstorphine and Portobello.

Graham Russell, who has been appointed as "town centre co-ordinator" for the city centre, including Stockbridge, Tollcross and Nicolson Street/Clerk Street, said: "This is following on from the success of the project that I ran for two years.

"I was contracted for Leith Walk and the West End and it was extremely successful and we saw some impressive (shop] vacancy reductions."

Sarah Woodford, who previously worked for Northumberland Tourism on a project to improve the visitor experience in eight market towns and has also worked for VisitBritain promoting England as a conference and events destination, has been recruited as town centre co-ordinator for Leith Walk, Leith Central and Portobello.

City council economic development worker Natalie Russell, who has previously worked on projects looking at creating business improvement districts and promoting the council's "Get On" bus, will work on Corstorphine, Gorgie/Dalry and Morningside/Bruntsfield.

Projects completed in the pilot scheme included the introduction of stronger branding along Leith Walk, giant poster boards improving the appearance of a gap site at Haddington Place and the showcase of Scottish art in the windows of vacant units.

The projects are said to have helped achieve a sharp reduction in the number of empty shops between London Road and the Foot of the Walk - although the removal of tram works will have also played a part.

Councillor Tom Buchanan, the city's economic development leader, said: "Edinburgh is a city of villages and I have always had a belief that, to make best use of any visit to the city, we should encourage people to go beyond Princes Street, the Royal Mile and George Street. "