13 November 2007
Edinburgh's first public parkland in 50 years is to be created in Craigmillar with input for the local community.
Around 20 acres of land between Greendykes and the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary has been earmarked for development and the design process has started. This involves local consultation to seek views on how the land should look and feel.
The local community has participated in a one-day workshop that helped kickstart the thought process and seek ideas that will be incorporated into the final designs. The workshops took the form of practical exercises in the parkland where participants were able to take inspiration from the area's natural features and views to devise new ideas for the land.
PARC aim to provide meadow parkland that will be visually stimulating while at the same time providing a space that appeals to all sections of the community. It is also envisaged that the land will act as a safe and pleasant pedestrian link between the ERI and the new housing.
In addition to this, native species and habitats will be encouraged as a result of the revitalised land.
The development of the meadow land is part of an overall strategy to provide first class green open spaces for Craigmillar.
This will include transforming some neglected land into beautifully landscaped parks and walkways that will give a freshness and open feel to the area, which the community will take an active role in developing. In addition to this there will be a network for walkways that will ensure the local community are encouraged to enjoy the priceless natural features.
John Quinn, PARC's general manager said: "it is essential that we revitalise the existing land and create open spaces that can be enjoyed by the whole community now and for generations to come.
"By involving the community in the planning process we can design a meadow parkland that meets their requirements and expectations and encourage a pride that will ensure greater use of the area's open spaces."
As Craigmillar evolves into a vibrant and thriving community, the environment and wide open spaces and public parks will be a keystone to making the area come alive and give a real focal point and an area that instills pride and vigor to those that live in the area.