Attached is a document which sets out the concerns of the New Town and Broughton Community Council (NTBCC) about the Improving Charlotte Square project.
While supporting the intent to improve accessibility and provide a link with the existing CCWEL infrastructure, we believe that the current design raises a number of significant issues which require further consideration prior to the project proceeding. Our primary concerns are:
- Unclear Project Needs and Goals: We question the overall purpose of the project beyond enhancing cycling infrastructure. We believe that additional clarity is required on the specific outcomes with a detailed cost breakdown to ensure value for Edinburgh’s residents.
- Insufficient Community Engagement: We are concerned at the limited community engagement in the decision-making process and call for wider consultation before the project is further progressed.
- Limited Design Options: We advocate for exploring a cycling route on the south side of Charlotte Square to mitigate potential conflicts and reduce costs.
- Pedestrian Safety: We question the design and location of the pedestrian crossings especially the non-signalised crossing on the south side of Charlotte Square, which raises significant safety concerns.
- Heritage Considerations: We believe that there are good reasons for restoring the setted road surface where possible to enhance the heritage value of the square, rather than opting for tarmac.
- Project and Funding Prioritization: We are concerned that this project is being prioritised over others in the City Mobility Plan and question the validity of its ranking and anticipated impact on public realm.
- Scope and Impact on Related Projects: We consider that the impact on tourist coach parking and overall traffic management in light of future projects both need to be thoroughly reconsidered.