THE City of Edinburgh Council have called on local residents to give feedback on the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens.
The structure, situated in West Princes Street Gardens, can seat up to 2500 people and provides a striking backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
The council have released a survey asking locals whether they would like to see the bandstand refurbished, and what events they might like to see there throughout the year.
Plans to refurbish the bandstand were drafted in 2017, and won public backing in 2020, but have not yet come to fruition.
The Ross Bandstand was created in 1877 and was replaced in 1935 through a donation of £8,000 by William Henry Ross, hence the name.
The bandstand is used mainly for music events such as the Edinburgh Jazz Festival and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, and also plays a key role in Edinburgh’s Christmas markets.
It has been used by the likes of Sir Tom Jones, Mark Ronson, The Pet Shop Boys, Simple Minds and Madness, and has also been used for free events such as Social in the City, Scotland’s festival for social enterprises.
In a post on social media, the City of Edinburgh Council said: “Have your say on the future use and development of the Ross Bandstand and West Princes Street Gardens.
“Your feedback is crucial to making sure these iconic cultural and historic public spaces work for everyone.
“Take part by 20 December.”
The survey asks locals what would enhance the experience of attending events at the bandstand, and what “major-events” and “low-impact” events would be preferred.
In 2017, the council conducted a five-month search to find a designer to replace the bandstand, landing on American firm, Why, who proposed a £25m project dubbed “The Hobbit House” due to its placement under a sloping verge of grass.
The plans also included a new visitor centre, and beat 125 other plans from 22 countries due to its dedication to green space and respect for the World Heritage Site.
In 2020, the arena won public backing, with 68% of people supporting the revamp despite some raising concerns over the over-commercialisation of the gardens.
The City of Edinburgh Council have been contacted for comment on the progress of these plans.
A council spokesperson today said: “Located in the heart of the city, nestled between the Old and New Towns beneath Edinburgh Castle, West Princes Gardens and the Ross Bandstand are cherished historic sites which have been enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations.
“We are keen to make sure this continues.
“We understand that, as an important green space in the city, there are many perspectives to consider, especially concerning the variety of events that could be hosted in the Gardens.
“That’s why it’s essential for us to gather input from as many people as possible.
“We know that many will want to share their views and join us in agreeing a strategy for the years ahead.”
Regarding the plans for a “Hobbit House” style revamp of gardens, in the Draft Princes Street and Waverley Valley Strategy, released in September, the council stated: “In 2017, the Ross Development Trust proposed a new pavilion, welcome centre, café and events spaces as part of the £25m Quaich project.
“The Quaich was not progressed due funding shortfalls, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential impact on the city’s heritage.”
