AN AWARD-winning architect has drawn up alternative plans for Princes Street developments, after the council’s ideas were criticised by community groups.
The architect, Richard Murphy, released images yesterday, showing an almost unrecognisable city centre complete with a black and white patterned boulevard.
Whilst the council’s previously proposed plans were said to have “no vision”, Richard Murphy’s draft has been described by some locals as “horrendous”.
Richard’s designs propose the closure of Frederick Street/Princes Street Junction, a new cycle path between the buses and pavement, and to remove the railings between the street and the gardens.
Last month, Edinburgh City Council conducted a consultation with residents, asking for their opinions on proposed developments in the city centre.
It suggested segregated cycle lanes and even the narrowing of pavements on the shop side of the street.
It also emphasised the importance of environmentally-friendly planning, ensuring that all new builds conformed to net zero standards and fit in with existing architecture.
Three community councils in the area expressed their disdain with the project, believing that the street has “fallen into poor condition” but that the draft “contains no vision, and hence fails to qualify as a strategy”.
Richard Murphy Architects is an award-winning Edinburgh firm, who have been commended for countless projects including Murphy House which won Channel 4 House of the Year in 2016 and Mews House at Circus Lane in 2007.
After witnessing the negative reaction to the council’s plans, they have drawn up new ideas for West Princes Street Gardens, whilst plans for the east side remain confidential.
They state: “It’s worth remembering that the original New Town plan always envisaged that George Street would be the primary New Town commercial street.
“Princes Street and Queen Street were to be wholly residential. The rise of Princes Street as the main shopping street for the city was an unpredicted 19th Century phenomenon.
“But it was always hampered by being single-sided; indeed, it’s remarkable that it did achieve such retail pre-eminence.
“With the re-assertion of George Street and to a lesser extent St Andrew Square as shopping destinations and the creation of St James Quarter and Multrees Walk developments, Princes Street is clearly dying with cheap shops and boarded up properties.”
They propose a completely new vision, with the pavement extended rather than reduced so that artists and performers can use it, with plans to hold an international design competition to decide the pattern on the ground.
Space beneath the paving would be excavated and used for restaurants and cafes which could be viewed from the upper levels as plans state: “We propose to remove most of the trees but concentrate them where there are new access staircases”.
Locals have been vocal about these designs, with councillors and MPs even speaking out.
Councillor Marie-Clair Munro shared them to social media, saying “That will be a no from me.” whilst Dr Scott Arthur said “I’m not a fan… what do you think?”.
One local replied saying: “Looks even more of a c**p hole than it already is. Would not entice me there”
Another said: “That’s awful. It makes me feel nauseous just looking at it. It is so out of keeping with Princes Street, it really couldn’t be any worse.
“The railings, the trees, and the view over the gardens to the castle, should be preserved at all costs. I would be horrified if any of this were implemented.”
One more replied: “Jez (sic), what a waste of money.
“It’s disgusting and we do not need to make changes. No style at all. We are not europe, tourists come knowing this. Narrowing the road would be a disaster too.
“What is wrong with just the trees and flowers. That’s what it’s famous for. Don’t spoil something that’s already good. Council just do not get it.”
