Voucher scheme introduced on Leith Walk from today

As part of the Trams to Newhaven support a new voucher scheme aimed at bringing customers to businesses on Leith Walk begins today.

Shoppers and diners are offered £10 vouchers for £5 to spend in a range of businesses there. This is run through an itison deal and is all part of the £2.4 million set aside to support local businesses during the tramworks.

When this scheme was introduced on Constitution Street at the end of last year it sold out within days. There will be more vouchers for that street in the next month or so.

The construction work began again in June 2020 after a pause during lockdown. Now that the work is underway there are logistics hubs helping businesses get their deliveries in and out while the street is more or less closed. There are on-street customer service staff there to help both businesses and shoppers. Sustrans is to help introduce cargo bikes for deliveries.

Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said:”We’re excited to be launching this phase of the itison voucher scheme, which will give an added incentive to visit the range of independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants on offer in the area.

“We know that any disruption can be challenging for businesses, particularly paired with the trying circumstances in which we find ourselves in now. We want to do everything we can to help them to continue to operate, and flourish, over the years to come.

“This project is critical for the city’s carbon neutral future, where transport is sustainable, connected and accessible. We want its benefits to be felt by everyone and we’re working hard to make this happen.”

Over 70 Leith Walk bars, restaurants, cafes and shops have signed up to the itison voucher scheme, which lasts until 31 August. Customers can buy up to three vouchers at a time to use in any of the participating businesses. Vouchers for Constitution Street must be bought separately, and for specific businesses.

Find out more about Trams to Newhaven on the project website.