July 18 2007

Blueprints were published by Edinburgh City Council yesterday outlining plans which could see the west end of Princes Street turned into a cultural quarter.

The council hopes to encourage more bars, restaurants and cafes to open in the area, as well as cultural venues and arts centres, in an attempt to improve the image of the street.

Jonathan Guthrie, City Centre Partnership director, said: "While Princes Street is in a spectacular setting, recent research shows a gradual decline in the range and quality of shops. Unless significant action is taken it is predicted that it will slip further down the UK rankings."

Members of the public have been encouraged to voice their views on the plans, which could see the street gradually redeveloped over the next decade.

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