Contingency plans are being put in place across the city centre to help the capital adjust to the closure of Princes Street after the fire at the former Debenhams building.
Transport diversions, expanded bike-hire fleets, and alternative event routes are being implemented to limit disruption as the thoroughfare remains shut between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street until August.
The blaze on 9 July at the former Debenhams building has prompted multi-agency efforts to secure the site, resulting in significant disruption to city centre transport and businesses.
Contingency plans include rerouting Sunday’s Edinburgh Festival Carnival and implementing traffic diversions for Saturday’s Scotland versus Fiji rugby match.
Trams are currently restricted to operating between the Airport and Shandwick Place while complex work continues to preserve the building’s heritage and ensure public safety.
Council teams are providing advice to affected businesses, with hopes that commercial properties on Rose Street will be able to reopen on Saturday.
To alleviate transport pressures, the Voi Bikes fleet will be expanded from 800 to 1,000 next week, with extra parking infrastructure added for commuters from Leith and Newhaven.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’re in regular contact with festivals and event organisers with a view to limiting disruption to our events calendar, and I’m delighted that we’ve found an alternative route for the wonderful Edinburgh Festival Carnival so it can still go ahead this weekend.
“We’re also hopeful of being able to find alternative locations for some of the events and attractions displaced from George Street.
“I’m acutely aware of the effect this is having on city centre businesses too and our teams are continuing to offer one-to-one advice and support. We’re also in touch with the Scottish Government about available support and I’ve written to the First Minister to discuss what more he can offer – as he did following the Union Street fire in Glasgow.
“This road closure is essential to protect the public while experts assess the condition of the fire-damaged building and make it safe, but we’re letting everyone know that the city centre is very much still open for business and encouraging people to check our website for the latest travel advice and information on visiting the area.”
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