Stevedore Place in Leith has become an unlikely battleground on the Trams to Newhaven project with local residents leading a campaign against the plans over concerns of the loss of a significant number of trees. After discussions at the start of the year a revised plan for the tramway in this area were revealed which will eventually see additional trees planted, but only once the construction works have been completed.
Work may be at an early stage at Stevedore Place but excavation and clearance of utility services has now bee completed. The controversial removal of the trees has also taken place. The area will now see drainage and ducting works started followed by the main infrastructure works. Its due to be completed by summer 2021 and this was will be followed by works on the road.
This is looking west from Ocean Drive in Leith with Stevedore Place flats on the right and the Constitution Place flats on the left. The Port of Leith tramstop will be located in the middle distance with an island platform. Also visible in this photo are the former Leith Dock Commission offices (the stone building on the left in front of the furthest block of flats) at Tower Place, the mv Fingal ship (a former Northern Lighthouse Board lighthouse tender and now a floating hotel) and Ocean Point office block just beyond the ship. The tram line will pass to the left of the mv Fingal and then crosses the Water of Leith as the river enters the modern port. (Photograph by Roy Calderwood, 10th March 2021)