Promenade gets moving

The development of the Edinburgh’s Waterfront Promenade is now under way, with the first new phase completed.

The completed 1km section of the promenade runs between Silverknowes and Granton. A six-metre-wide path has been laid with a destination point created, along with a seating area and signage. From this point there are excellent views of the Forth bridges to the west. The next section, between Granton and Granton Harbour, is currently being designed, with work set to begin this summer.

The promenade will form a continuous walkway/cycleway for 16.8km from Joppa in the east to Cramond in the west and will become part of the North Sea Trail and North Sea Cycle Route as well as the proposed Scottish Coastal Path.

The project will rejuvenate the whole waterfront and take in coastal areas which have been lying dormant. The promenade will also increase the attractiveness of coastal areas and provide a new facility, with fantastic views, for walkers, runners and cyclists.

It is hoped the promenade will bring great economic benefits to the area and will draw in tourists. In a report prepared by Roger Tym and Partners last year, it was projected that increased visits to the area could net as much as £12 million per annum to the local economy. It was also forecast that the promenade could create more than 1,000 jobs across several sectors.

It is estimated that the Waterside Promenade will take 20 years to complete.

This will see the whole of the waterfront connected through a pedestrian and cycle transport corridor.

Coastal routes already exist in neighbouring East Lothian and Fife. Discussions are currently taking place about physical connections and joint marketing opportunities.