Streetscape improvements

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 30 Apr 2005, 18:54

From today's EN:

City's summer makeover will put Portobello streets ahead

SAM HALSTEAD

EDINBURGHÃ¢â‚¬â„¢S seaside is set for a major makeover under a Ã‚Â£2.2 million package of improvements to city streets.

Under the plans, Ã‚Â£400,000 will be spent revitalising Portobello High Street, with paving upgraded, landscaping, pedestrian crossings and street lighting. Work on the upgrade between Bridge Street and Adelphi Place is scheduled to start next month.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 30 Apr 2005, 18:55

On the subject of street lighting, from Maureen's recent report to the CC:

New Lighting on Portobello High Street
The big tall poles going up along the High Street shopping are new lighting columns to replace the clapped out things we have there and they will be fitted to take the Christmas lights - before you ask. This is part of an ongoing Council programme of lighting column asset renewal across the city of Ã‚Â£4.6 million over three years. The average annual spending on these essential bits of kit has now tripled, because of the budget decisions we made for this year and the following two.

john · Post by **john** » 04 May 2005, 08:18

I believe the " improvements " planned for the Town Hall area of the High Street involve the removal and the replacement of the cherry trees outside the Deli with trees of another species - perhaps ornamental pear trees. The reason behind this is apparently to bring the tree line further forward and to unify the tree planting on this side of the street ( the trees outside the Bank of Scotland would also be replaced, the present ginkgo having replaced the rowan trees originally planted there ). The cherry trees have caused some bumps in the present paving which is to be replaced but it would be a great shame if these mature healthy trees with a lot of years in them yet were to be felled. They give the Town Hall area considerable character and I am sure many people would not want to see them go.

It has been suggested to the Council's Economic Development Department, who are planning these improvements, that, as part of their public consultation over these improvements, they should give a presentation at a Community Council meeting to allow local people to voice their opinions but I don't know if this has been arranged yet.

Online users who wish to find out more about these proposals could contact Simon Lievesley, Econonic Development, City Development, 1 Cockburn Street. PAS has written objecting to the removal of the cherry trees, while supporting the other improvements which are planned.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 06 Jun 2005, 19:59

At the recent CC meeting Stuart Smith from CEC gave us a short presentation on the Phase 2 streetscape improvents and is keen to consult with the community on the plans. Please take a look at the following drawings and post your comments here or email Stuart directly at stuart.smith@edinburgh.gov.uk

Drawing No 1

Drawing No 2

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 06 Jun 2005, 20:11

I'm afraid I have difficulty in reading the finer print on the drawings Bob (and no I don't need glasses yet thanks!

). When I increase the scale some of the smaller typeface detail blurs, so am I correct in saying that the only difference between drawing 1 and drawing 2 is that in no.1 the new trees are set further back than in no.2?
Both drawings seem to show only one Cherry tree being retained with some much smaller trees taking the place of the other existing trees. Are we being asked to say which drawing we prefer? It seems a case of Hobson's choice to me

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 06 Jun 2005, 20:17

I confess I haven't studied the drawings myself in any detail yet. I would agree that the image quality isn't great and I may have to request a better copy. I understand that 9 of the 10 cherry trees have been found to have canker, and I believe that PAS now accepts that they have to go.

Hopefully, John can clear this up for us and offer further guidance as to what options we are deciding upon here.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 06 Jun 2005, 20:24

If I remember correctly Marya, the guy did say that the only difference between the two was that the trees were slightly further forward (wonder how many hundreds of pounds it cost for the extra drawing?

)

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 06 Jun 2005, 20:29

Thanks Epykat. I'm glad you were paying attention.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 06 Jun 2005, 20:32

I may be quiet but be reassured that I'm taking it all in

Pal of Porty · Post by **Pal of Porty** » 07 Jun 2005, 00:32

I like the location of the new bus stop. The Pop Inn will have to change its slogan to "Pop in and stagger oot - straight onto a 32 bus".

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 07 Jun 2005, 09:33

I'm saddened that the trees have to go, but accept that if they are diseased (and if PAS accept that they are) then it has to be so.

Had another look at the plans.

I don't like where the telephone kiosk (the one outside the Bank of Scotland) is positioned. Aesthetically it may be well positioned, but it will be difficult for any non-resident to spot and will offer amply opportunity for vandalism as it is so well screened/hidden .

Why do we need a cluster of benches around the base of the group of five trees at the bottom of Brighton Place? There's not going to be a great view of much there but it will encourage groups to hang there (probably quite literally

)

Do we really need a traffic island at the pedestrian crossing on the High Street? It is a very narrow crossing so I don't see any safety issues that can justify one and an island just adds more visual clutter.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 07 Jun 2005, 20:00

Pal of Porty wrote:I like the location of the new bus stop. The Pop Inn will have to change its slogan to "Pop in and stagger oot - straight onto a 32 bus".

More like - straight under a 32 bus

I just think it will be a bit strange for us natives to have those bus stops separated - they've been together so long it'll be like breaking up Stan and Hilda Ogden

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 08 Jun 2005, 18:15

The pdf drawings have now been replaced with better copies. As these are much larger files please be patient while they load.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 09 Jun 2005, 03:11

Bob Jefferson wrote:The pdf drawings have now been replaced with better copies. As these are much larger files please be patient while they load.

Thanks for that. I kept thinking the loading was over and marching off into to the distance. Just goes to show.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 22 Aug 2005, 21:39

Latest proposals for Portobello High St streetscape improvements. The drawings will also be on public display at the Community Education Centre and the Library from the 25th August - 9th September. Feedback forms will be available at the two venues or you can email your feedback directly to stuart.smith@edinburgh.gov.uk

Proposals Layout Plan 3.76MB
Proposals Information and Details 3.95MB

I'll leave it to Marya to spot the differences from the first set of proposals because she's good at this sort of thing.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 22 Aug 2005, 21:41

PS Work is expected to start early 2006.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 22 Aug 2005, 22:44

I was disturbed to see the word 'sequoia'

appear in the description of what might replace the cherry trees, so googled the options and thought you might all like to see what we may have outside Kitcheners, come 2006.

Suggestions are the Dawn Redwood (grows to 70-100ft)

or the Crabapple (grows to 20-35 foot .....and likes full sun

)

The second option seems 'streets ahead'

IMHO.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 23 Aug 2005, 11:16

Tell it to the trees.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 18 Sep 2005, 21:38

I have only just found out that the streetscape improvements will also take in Brighton Place (and Lee Crescent I think). The very patchy concrete footpath on Brighton Place is to be replaced both sides for its entire length with paving stones. Work scheduled to start in October.

What do you think of that Marya, Porty?

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 18 Sep 2005, 22:00

Bob Jefferson wrote:I have only just found out that the streetscape improvements will also take in Brighton Place (and Lee Crescent I think). The very patchy concrete footpath on Brighton Place is to be replaced both sides for its entire length with paving stones. Work scheduled to start in October.

What do you think of that Marya, Porty?

Maureen gave this info in an email over a year ago, Bob. However, I'm interested that the entire length of Brighton place is to be tackled in October - my understanding was that it was only up to the junction with Lee Crescent.
Where did you get your info?

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 18 Sep 2005, 22:10

You surely don't expect me to remember something that happened a year ago do you? You may be right about the extent of the works. I got this from Graeme Paget in City Dev, who indicated that it would go right up to the railway bridge and I assumed that it would join up with the junction at the High St. Should look great.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 18 Sep 2005, 22:14

I'll be delighted if it all happens in a oner Bob as the pavements are in a real state. I've got a feeling though that it's a phased job. I'll need to try and dig out that email....

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 18 Sep 2005, 22:30

From Maureen Child's April '04 report

Roads and Footways Investment

As I have reported before, the Council is gearing up for a major capital spend of Â£16 million on roads and footways in 2005/06. That is nearly four times what we have budgeted to spend in the 2004/05. Roads and pavements have been prioritised across the city according to objective criteria. I can give you details of that process, if you want. The upshot is likely to be (subject to decision making process of the Council) that several larger schemes will be promoted and resurfacing work done in the Portobello Community Council area. This is over and above the small areas we can do through revenue and other sources of funding, if and when reported and assessed.

Officers will propose that this list of schemes includes all the footways in Brighton Place in phases, because of it condition and the footfall on these pavements. One block is from the junction of Lee Crescent to Portobello High Street; then Brighton Place from Sandford Gardens to Lee Crescent; Brighton Place, Portobello High Street to Rosefield Place and from Bath Street to Beach Lane; Brighton Place from Rosefield Place to West Brighton Crescent; then from West Brighton Crescent to the Bridge; Portobello High Street (Regent Street to Marlborough Street).

Wonder how long it will all take?

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 20 Sep 2005, 12:37

More detail from Graeme Paget:

This work is the footway reconstruction scheme planned by City Network Services as part of our 2005/6 capital works programme. It does not form part of the streetscape improvement scheme but I am ensuring co-ordination of these works with Stuart Smith of Econ Dev. Our scheme involves reconstructing the footways on both sides of Brighton Place (Porty High St to the Bridge at Southfield Place) and shall include the following:-

Remove existing concrete surface

Lay new Cairnhill Kerb (simulated whinstone as used in parts of Porty High St) http://www.charcon.com/pdfs/kerbs/cairnhill.pdf

Lay new Courtstone Flags (as used on Edinburgh's North Bridge) http://www.charcon.com/pdfs/flag_paving ... paving.pdf

Lay new Tegula Cobbles in 3 rows adjacent to new kerb (see attached file for detail) http://www.marshalls.co.uk/select/pavin ... _setts.htm

Dropped kerbs will be provided for pedestrian and vehicle access where required. It is also proposed to instal bollards (Edinburgh Style) outside the shops to prevent parking on the footway.

The work will be continuous and is currently programmed to commence at the end of October / beginning of November 2005. Residents will be notified in due course.

If you have any queries, don't hesitate to contact me.

Regards

Graeme

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 20 Sep 2005, 15:00

Oooh! Looks really good.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 20 Sep 2005, 16:39

I think it will make quite a difference. Graeme tells me that the parking restrictions in Rosefield should be getting marked up next month as well, which I'm delighted about.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 09 Jan 2006, 10:25

Work has now started on Brighton Place and the first stretch of new pavement has been laid. It's looking so much smarter and I'm really keen to see what the final result will look like.

I believe that the row of Tegula pebbles will now not be laid as they were deemed by planning as inappropriate to a conservation area.

Graeme Paget also informs me that the state of the gullies are to be investigated. There have been numerous complaints (I'm not surprised!) about the vast puddles that form on Brighton Place everytime we have a reasonable amount of rain; there is a particularly spectacular one that forms down by the pedestrian crossing at the junction with the High Street.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 09 Jan 2006, 21:16

It is looking much better and should make a big difference once the whole lot's done

. I really hope they do sort out the puddles. On the down side I've been caught quite a few times by flying muddy water on a rainy day, but on the up side, I've seen some schoolkids deliberately standing waiting to get soaked through so they can go home

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 23 Feb 2006, 18:49

From Lawrence Marshall:

Dear All

Maureen and myself had a brief briefing this morning on Phase 2 of the Portobello Town Centre Environmental Improvements which are due to commence early next month.

These will necessarily be more disruptive than Phase 1 (between Adelphi Place and opposite the top of Bridge Street) as they will involve major pavement and road renewals. It's over Â£500,000 worth of expenditure - additional to that ongoing in Brighton Place - and I'm sure will be a big boost to the look of the centre of Portobello.

One statistic that the consultants came up with in preparing their designs for the work was I thought of interest - on a weekday there are 375 buses eastbound and 358 westbound travelling along Portobello High Street. Next time someone says that the bus service really isn't all that good, it's a statistic I'll try to remember!

Lawrence

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 23 Feb 2006, 21:26

Bob Jefferson wrote:From Lawrence Marshall:

One statistic that the consultants came up with in preparing their designs for the work was I thought of interest - on a weekday there are 375 buses eastbound and 358 westbound travelling along Portobello High Street. Next time someone says that the bus service really isn't all that good, it's a statistic I'll try to remember!

Lawrence

[/quote]

I'll try to remember it too when lipreading the telly

sicker · Post by **sicker** » 23 Feb 2006, 22:25

Devil's Advocate.
1 week day = 1440 minutes
375+358 buses per day = 733 buses =1 bus every 2 minutes night and day.
No wonder there is congestion on Portobello High Street.
Hope Lawrence realises that quantity doesn't necessarily mean quality.

John

ceejam · Post by **ceejam** » 24 Feb 2006, 12:45

What happens to the 17 buses that go East every day and don't come back?

Is there a huge bus pile in Dunbar or something

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 24 Feb 2006, 13:13

ceejam wrote:What happens to the 17 buses that go East every day and don't come back?

Is there a huge bus pile in Dunbar or something

Buses do come back - frustratingly it means that if you're waiting on a westwards bus at tea-time you'll see loads of them which are either not in service or part-route to Kings Road.

I say frustratingly because I am short-sighted and have lost count of the number of times I have got excited by thinking ma bus wis comin but ended up crying onto my daysaver as yet another Kings Road went past on the way to get his tea while my tummy rumbled.

My mum lives in Piershill.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 25 Feb 2006, 00:47

I've also ended up crying into my remote control as I strive to put the sound up loud enough to drown out the four part route 26s which are sitting outside my window revving up.........all at the same time

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 25 Feb 2006, 01:10

Epykat wrote:I've also ended up crying into my remote control as I strive to put the sound up loud enough to drown out the four part route 26s which are sitting outside my window revving up.........all at the same time

Even if you don't like things about where you are now, think of all the people you made happy because they got to live in your old house and appreciate your impeccable colour matching and wallpaper/carpet choosing skills.

Talk Porty ~ Portobello

Streetscape improvements

Streetscape improvements

Streetscape Improvements

Tree planting