Late in 2020 it was reported that local residents in Stevedore Place, Leith were concerned about the loss of trees when the Trams to Newhaven tram extension was rebuilt with the project team promising to review the plans to see if any changes could be made. Now, it has been confirmed that a “boulevard” feel will be kept with new trees planted along the south side of the street and a row of hedges on the north.
A tramstop is due to be constructed on Stevedore Place, but at the time of the complaints from some local residents it was said they didn’t feel the need for a stop there. However, the project team are confident it will be an advantage to have the stop to allow locals to easily access the service. They have said the optimal distance between stops is approximately 500 t0 750m which allows maximum accessibility to stop and taking into account the willingness or ability of people to walk.
Although there is the promise of new trees being planted it will still be necessary for 30 trees to be removed to allow construction work to take place but between 75 and 80 trees will be replanted in the area – including around 60 in the immediate vicinity of Stevedore Place. The existing trees will be removed by the end of February 2021 (to avoid nesting season) and there will be further discussion on the best species and size of the new trees and when to plant them.
Cllr Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We have worked closely with local community representatives to develop new designs for Stevedore Place, which will maintain the ‘boulevard’ feel on the street, with trees and hedges lining both sides. As well as replanting between 55 and 60 trees in the immediate vicinity, we’ll also be able to plant even more trees in the wider area. We want residents to feel the maximum benefits of this project, and by locating a stop here we’re providing an attractive and accessible option for all users, especially those with mobility issues. These new designs fulfil this while also retaining trees and green space for the people that live here.”
More trees are due to be planted in the following areas:
- In front of the old casino building
- On a strip of land next to the development site on Ocean Way
- At the Fingal car park on Stevedore Place
- On Ocean Way
- Around the Ocean Terminal
The new indicative designs of the tramway on Stevedore Place are available at https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/tramstonewhaven/downloads/file/386/stevedore-place-updated-indicative-landscape-designs-january-2021-pdf-