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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Limited Design Options: We advocate for exploring a cycling route on the south side of Charlotte Square to mitigate potential conflicts and reduce costs.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.