Latest Leith Walkway plans drawn up
June 7 2012
Designed by local architect Pierre Forissier this aims to tap into a £3.2m improvement fund for the thoroughfare, which has been set up to create new public spaces, artwork and landscaping along the busy route.
The high level plans would establish a new route from Pilrig Park in the north to Easter Road Stadium and entail construction of a new sculptural bridge structure of timber boards suspended from two Kevlar cables.
Forissier said: “The route requires a new bridge over Leith Walk where the old train bridge once was and it would be used by pedestrians and bicycles.
“I really hope it will be taken forward as it could help open up Leith Walk to other parts of the city. It would also help mark your arrival in Leith as you come down the Walk.”
The latest plans follow previous proposals from Smith Scott Mullan Architects to reimagine the disused link as a green cycleway.
Bridge elements are spaced to allow natural air flow and views through to the street
The scheme has been inspired by New York's High Line
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8 Comments
#2 Posted by Cornell Schumacher on 7 Jun 2012 at 12:44 PM
What an opportunity for Leith.
Make it green, make it friendly, make it trendy!!
Fingers crossed.
Make it green, make it friendly, make it trendy!!
Fingers crossed.
#3 Posted by Stef on 7 Jun 2012 at 12:55 PM
A beautiful structure, this would be a great addition. Can you imagine if the tram money had gone into creating a sensitive and imaginative pedestrian and cycle route like this instead?
#4 Posted by g pup on 7 Jun 2012 at 14:19 PM
Amazing idea! Would be a such a benefit for the area and really great addition to the city's excellent cycle paths. Just imagine there may even be a tram running underneath one day!
#5 Posted by Cateran on 7 Jun 2012 at 16:49 PM
"Make it green" Cornell? I hope it's green, particularly if it's going to ER! A great opportunity and a massive visual statement - if they can get it up and running.
#6 Posted by Val Young on 7 Jun 2012 at 17:27 PM
Great to hear some good news... and joining up the cycle too that was disrupted to make way for trams. I like the idea of creating a Las Ramblas in Leith where there's always lots of sunshine
#7 Posted by Graeme Johnstone on 14 Jun 2012 at 10:00 AM
I really hope this has legs but I suspect it's merely a bit of free publicity for the architect with little or no substance. Reminicient of the 1990s 'plan' to roof-over Victoria Street. I notice that the steps would require a compulsory purchase of one the the Manderston Street garages - really?
#8 Posted by Neil on 14 Jun 2012 at 10:27 AM
What's wrong with a bit of free publicity, cheered me up amid all the bottom end stuff that's appeared recently (BMJ). It's a nice project well thought out and prepared. Good images too. Get off your high horse
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Looking forward to seeing the council growing a pair and running with this.