Work has now eventually started at Raeburn Place in Stockbridge.
This is all planned work including infrastructure, public realm and a general tidy-up before the major project begins later this year.
Since the collapse of the wall along Comely Bank Road, the condition of Raeburn Place has deteriorated, presenting a poor visual backdrop to the area. The enabling works provide Raeburn Place Foundation with an opportunity to improve the local environment for residents and visitors.
In addition to the groundworks, there will be repairs to the wall and gateway along Portgower Place, the mounds of rubble will be removed and the site will generally be left in a more visually appealing state. The existing pavements along Comely Bank Road and Portgower Place will also be resurfaced and upgraded.
The final part of the works will be the erection of a hoarding along the site boundary on Comely Bank Road, ensuring the site is enclosed for when the main project begins. This will protect the trees and minimise any visual impact or potential disruption.
The works are being carried out by Robertson Construction Central. Their site manager, Euan Wardrop, is available to assist members of the public who have any queries about the works. He can be contacted via the site office or on 07738 608773.
The Raeburn Place Foundation has planning permission granted in July 2014 to allow a development which will provide a sports facility in north Edinburgh for use by all.
The plans include retail and commercial units along Comely Bank Road which will be rented out to fund the charity so that they can maintain the facilities and provide sports programmes.
Following the grant of planning permission the foundation had to get charitable status and an agreement with Edinburgh Accies to lease Raeburn place for 99 years. All of these three crucial elements are now in place and the fundraising programme is underway.
To ensure that the site looks a lot better than it has in recent times, the foundation is now proceeding with a tidying of the area and the public realm. The trust says its intention is to retain the protected trees and also to enhance it so that the area in front of the retail units is an attractive one.
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