A building which contains both commercial properties and flats on Lindsay Road in Newhaven has been partially evacuated over safety concerns with questions raised as to whether the works to build the tram line caused damage. Evacuation to 12 flats and businesses below in a building dating from the 1890s happened earlier in January after structural engineers were called out to investigate.
Reports online state that the first issue was seen in December when a flat saw a 3cm crack in an external wall by a bay window in one of the flats. After an independent engineer was called to take a look he alerted the City Council who informed residents that scaffolding would need to be erected for a further look. Then during January the residents were given one hours notice and told that the building would have to be evacuated to allow safety works to take place.
Scaffolding has now been erected around the building and Lindsay Road in front of it has been closed meaning that two bus routes (and all other traffic) has had to diverted. The tram which runs a bit further away from the building is still able to run as normal though.
A recent report in the Edinburgh Evening News has said that resident have already received compensation from Edinburgh Trams, although this was given with no liability for the damage accepted. Of note is that it is not the whole building which has been evacuated with one half still able to be occupied by residents and businesses.
The proximity between Newhaven tram terminus and the building can be seen here in this photo which shows 254 waiting departure. The building which has been affected is that beyond the tram. It is the section from the boarded up property on the ground floor and beyond that has been closed. (Photograph by Roy Calderwood, 27th January 2024)