February 25 2013

A long standing gap site in the heart of Edinburgh could be transformed into an urban information centre, if tentative plans from Urban Design Solutions are realised.

Urban designer Leslie Howson has drawn up some sketch proposals for the redevelopment of the Market Street site to form a centre for ‘learning and outreach’ in the old town.

Hosting a range of educational activities, seminars and tours the centre would accommodate both tourists keen to learn more about the city and a venue for locals and academics  to assess the impact of potential ‘high impact developments’ upon the city.

This would take the form of a building in two parts with a refurbished block housing offices and meeting rooms sitting alongside a new-build structure under a striking canopy roof – designed to maintain aspect to properties behind and respect the adjoining arts centre.

The latter space would house a city model and an internal cascade of terraces to the rear incorporating a book shop, café and information desk.

Howson said: “Information about proposed changes to the city of Edinburgh, in particular with regards to what I term `high impact developments`,  is not in my opinion readily available to Edinburgh`s general public at present. The planning system is often seen as secretive and major developments seem to happen without the public being fully informed until the proposals have received consent and are on site.  

“Information is available on the council’s planning portal but for most citizens constantly surfing the site is not time effective.

“In my opinion every major city needs an easily accessible point of interface between planning and the public to provide information about how the city might and is changing. This is doubly important for a world heritage city such as Edinburgh.”

Howson is presently trying to further develop the proposals.

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