Edinburgh's Princes Street has reopened to traffic and pedestrians seven weeks after a significant fire forced its closure, bringing relief to local businesses that experienced considerable disruption. The closure impacted a large section of the street throughout the busy festival season.
Jane Meagher acknowledged the challenging period, particularly for businesses situated on the northern end of the tram line. She stated that the council collaborated closely with Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams to mitigate the impact of the closure. The council also worked with partners to communicate the fire's effects on the city through dedicated online channels.
"This period has further underlined the critical importance and popularity of our tram network, not just to the north of the city but to the whole of Edinburgh," Meagher said. She added that while the return of services is welcome, consideration must be given to safeguarding this vital transit system to meet the needs of a growing city.
A campaign aimed at supporting businesses in Leith and Newhaven is set to be rolled out in the coming months, extending into the winter festive period. Council officers have been engaging with local premises to explain the 'More by the Shore' campaign and gather feedback.