CITY councillors met yesterday to vote either to approve or reject the proposal for the regeneration of Leith’s “pride bridge”.
The bridge near Lindsay Road has been an “LBTQ+ landmark” since its inception in 2021, when a community-led project saw it painted in the pride flag’s colours.
Yesterday city councillors from the development management sub-committee met to review plans for the regeneration of the bridge which has been closed since 2021 due to concerns of health and safety.
A decision was made to entirely revamp the pride bridge and surrounding area in just five seconds, with councillors voting unanimously in favour of the development.
The bridge deck will be made safe for pedestrians and cycles and the surrounding area revamped with an amphitheatre and the pride colours of the bridge restored.
Proposals for the development were first drawn up and seen by councillors last year following public consultation.
A local campaign group to save the bridge sprang up when it was closed in 2021 and subsequently painted by community members.
The group has campaigned tirelessly for the reopening and revamping of the LGBTQ+ landmark and were delighted to hear of yesterday’s decision.
Costs for the restoration of the bridge are yet to be finalised but have been estimated to be in the region of £1m.
With the help of designer Mott Macdonald and the local community, proposed designs for the revamp of the whole area were submitted to the council.
Sharing the good news on social media the Save the Pride Bridge campaign said: “It’s good news.
“3.5 years of campaigning. Planning permission granted in five seconds.
“The new pride bridge is coming.”
Campaign leader Róisín Therese Reardon said: “We are really proud to be a part of the creation of a permanent LGBTQ+ monument, the first of its kind in Scotland, to celebrate visibility and representation.
“This is especially important at a time when things feel scary and precarious for the LGBTQ+ community around the world.
“We hope that the bridge at the border of Leith will represent to everyone that they are welcome here, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and that we as a community are here to support them.”
