Station takes steps to begin overhaul

Construction firm Morgan Sindall has been awarded the 7 million job to rebuild the historic steps and install three banks of escalators.

The work, which is due to be completed by July 2012, will also see the creation of a new entrance, which will be enclosed by a steel and glass canopy.

The project had been held up for a number of years due to objections and red tape, but will now begin with the closure of the steps to the public early next month. Ron McAulay, director of Network Rail in Scotland, said: "This project will vastly improve access for the thousands of passengers who use Waverley Station on a daily basis.

"Installation of escalators between Waverley Station and Princes Street was first proposed in the 1920s, so to finally reach the stage of putting a spade in the ground will be a major achievement."

He added: "Our designs have been carefully considered to remain sensitive to the heritage and history of the location and we're confident that this will be regarded as a positive improvement for the city."

As one of the main entrances to the station, the steps are used by about 14,000 passengers every day. However, they have remained largely unchanged since 1883.

The work, which is being funded by Transport Scotland, will also see the creation of a new a level walkway and two new lifts between Princes Street and Waverley Station.

The project has repeatedly stalled since 2006, when concerns were raised that lifts would block views of Edinburgh Castle from the Balmoral Hotel. The project could not legally start without the Balmoral's agreement because the hotel uses the Waverley Steps as a fire escape route.

A temporary access bridge spanning platforms 19 and 2 will be used during the closure of the steps to maintain access between the station and Princes Mall. This will maintain access to Princes Street as well as the route via the north ramp from Waverley Bridge.