ABOUT WEST PRINCES STREET GARDENS · between the Ross Development Trust and The City of Edinburgh Council. The Ross Development Trust is a registered Scottish Charity founded in 2016

‘The Quaich Project’

WWW.THEQUAICHPROJECT.ORG

The Quaich Project is managed by The Ross Development Trust, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered as a Charity in Scotland No.SC046873 whose registered office is 32 Hailes Avenue, Edinburgh EH13 0LZ.

IMAGE OF WEST PRINCES STREET GARDENS FROM ABOVE. WITH PRINCES STREET TO THE NORTH AND EDINBURGH CASTLE TO THE SOUTH

ABOUT WEST PRINCES STREET GARDENS

WELCOME AND THANK YOU

FOR PARTICIPATING IN OUR

CONSULTATION.

The purpose of this consultation is to provide an overview of a joint initiative by The City of Edinburgh Council and The Ross Development Trust to enhance West Princes Street Gardens.

The consultation will:

• Explain who is involved and why

• Summarise the work done to date and the work that is planned

• Provide detail on the design of key elements of the project and how these have been developed from consultation work to date

• Outline the investment and the mechanism to deliver the project

• Provide details of the Environmental Impact Assessment conducted

• Set out our programme for continued engagement

West Princes Street Gardens is one of the most cherished public green spaces in Scotland, loved by locals and visitors alike. The Gardens form a key part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage

Site, situated at the heart of the city. Their position, between the medieval old town and the 18th century planned new town, is unique and a key part of their historic significance. The Gardens are enjoyed by both residents and visitors, providing outstanding social and recreational importance for the city. The geology of the Gardens, and their volcanic and glacial features, are of significant national interest.

However, over the past few decades the money available to invest in the facilities has decreased and as a result the Gardens’ key features and crucial infrastructure have suffered. We believe that the Gardens can be improved by careful and sensitive design that will enhance the experience of everyone who visits them.

Our vision is to reimagine the Gardens as a space for all to celebrate and enjoy in new ways. It will have dynamic architectural designs and world-class facilities, whilst always remaining respectful to the people, environment, landscape and heritage of Scotland’s capital.

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HISTORY OF THE GARDENS

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West Princes Street Gardens has a fascinating history, which has seen its landscape and heritage transformed over hundreds of years. Originally open land, this natural valley has been home to a man-made loch, a private park and finally today’s public gardens. It’s now time to write the next chapter in the history of this very special place.

We hope you enjoy looking at some of these images that show just how much West Princes Street Gardens has evolved and changed.

AN EVENT TAKING PLACE AT THE ROSS THEATRE 1935-1955

THE NOR LOCH – BEFORE THE GARDENS WERE CREATED IN 1820’S

THE ROSS THEATRE BEING USED IN ITS CURRENT FORM 1955 – TODAY

AN EVENT TAKING PLACE AT THE ORIGINAL ROSS BANDSTAND 1876-1935




WEST PRINCES STREET GARDENS, THE ROSS THEATRE

WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR CHANGE?

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It is vital that we secure much needed investment in the Gardens’ infrastructure which will ensure the space remains a wonderful and celebrated asset for the City, with a new performance space, improved accessibility and inclusivity, as well as supporting facilities that can continue to serve the needs of all residents, community groups and visitors.

It has been recognised for over 13 years that the current Ross Theatre is not fit for purpose, with The City of Edinburgh Council having explored options for its replacement back in 2006. Initial discussions to replace the Ross Theatre through this project took place in early 2015 with The City of Edinburgh Council, The Cockburn Association, Edinburgh World Heritage, local politicians as well as other key stakeholders all being approached for comment. Feedback confirmed opinion that the Ross Theatre wasn’t fit for purpose and that there would be support at looking into a replacement.

As discussions continued throughout 2015 and into 2016, feedback suggested looking at improvements for other areas within the Gardens as well as the Theatre. Several key areas requiring investment were identified as well as the requirement for new infrastructure. These improvements were to form part of an overall masterplan for the garden. Amended plans for a new holistic vision for West Princes Street Gardens were taken to full Council and unanimously approved by Councillors in the summer of 2016.

The images on Board 4 highlight areas within West Princes Street Gardens that have been identified as needing investment.

The fact that West Princes Street Gardens is a garden, is foremost in all the work we have done and all the work we are seeking to do. We believe that our planned improvements, through careful and sensitive design, will enhance the Gardens without jeopardising the special and unique qualities of the space.




THE GARDENS TODAY

THE ROSS THEATRE & AMPHITHEATRE (1)

The existing design of The Ross Theatre comprises a large concrete seating area attached to the Theatre which acts as a barrier to public movement through the Gardens.

THE BLAES AREA (3)

There is currently a large, underused paved area, the ‘Blaes’, adjacent to the play park and to the west of the restored Fountain.

SHELTERS (5)

There are currently three B-listed shelters built into the slope at the East end of the top path within the Gardens. These shelters were constructed around 1950, converted from World War II air raid shelters.

ACCESS AND PATHS (2)Access in the Gardens is limited and paths are steep. Currently there is no DDA compliant accessible entrances to the Gardens.

CHILDREN’S PLAYPARK (4)

The existing children’s playpark is located at the West end of the Gardens.

TEMPORARY CATERING FACILITIES (6)

There is a temporary concession unit with uncovered picnic tables but no other seating provision in the area.

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THE QUAICH PROJECT

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The Quaich Project is a partnership between the Ross Development Trust and The City of Edinburgh Council. The Ross Development Trust is a registered Scottish Charity founded in 2016 to manage the delivery of significant improvements within West Princes Street Gardens.

The Gardens are operated, managed and maintained by The City of Edinburgh Council. West Princes Street Gardens is part of Scotland’s Common Good Property and the ownership of the land will never change.

The Ross Development Trust is responsible for the development phase of the proposed improvements as well as raising the £25 million capital required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Ross Development Trust and The City of Edinburgh Council are working together to deliver improvements to West Princes Street Gardens through a Development Agreement which outlines these responsibilities.

The Quaich Project takes its name from a traditional Highland ‘sharing cup’, inspired by the topography of West Princes Street Gardens which closely mirrors the bowl shape of a typical quaich.

The Quaich Project’s vision is to reimagine West Princes Street Gardens as a space for all to celebrate and enjoy in new ways – with improved accessibility, dynamic architectural designs and innovative facilities.

The purpose of this public consultation is to give Edinburgh residents and the wider Scottish community the opportunity to feed back on the proposed designs for West Princes Street Gardens.

The Ross Development Trust The City of Edinburgh Council

Providing final project designs Managing and maintaining the Gardens

Raising capital for the project Responsible for the number and type of events taking place in the Gardens




PROJECT BACKGROUND AND TIMELINE

THE PROJECT TIMELINE

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The original brief was to create an open-air venue that could also host internal covered events for small audiences.

JULY 2015

Feasibility studies for improvements to the Gardens were undertaken with The City of Edinburgh Council.

JANUARY 2016

The Ross Development Trust is founded to manage the delivery of significant improvements within West Princes Street Gardens.

OCTOBER 2016

Consultation on the management of West Princes Street Gardens.

SEPTEMBER 2018

New York-based architect firm wHY in partnership with local architect GRAS selected as winning design.

AUGUST 2017

OCTOBER 2015

Feedback was received from The City of Edinburgh Council that the brief for improvements should include all of West Princes Street Gardens and not just the Ross Theatre.

APRIL 2015

Initial discussions to replace the Ross Theatre took place with The City of Edinburgh Council, Cockburn Association, Edinburgh World Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland, neighbouring venues, event organisers and local politicians.

JUNE 2016

Amended plans for a new holistic vision for West Princes Street Gardens were taken to full Council and unanimously approved by Councillors.

FEBRUARY 2017

International design competition launched & over 125 submissions received.

Fundraising campaign

Concept design development.

Stakeholder engagement

JULY 2018

Ross Fountain restoration completed. £2.1 million raised from private individuals and public bodies.

NOVEMBER 2019

Statutory public consultation.

MARCH 2020

Planning application submitted.

Follow-up public consultation.

FEBRUARY 2020

The Quaich Project launches £25 million fundraising campaign.

MARCH 2019




The Ross Fountain was the first restoration completed within The Quaich Project, chosen for its unique reflection on Scottish heritage. The Fountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in Edinburgh’s historic landscape and has stood since 1872.

Having been without water for several years, the Fountain was carefully restored in 2018 thanks to funding from Edinburgh World Heritage, The Springford Family Trust and a number of private individuals.

The restoration of the Ross Fountain cost around £2 million and was completed in 2018. The process involved 40,000 working hours and 650 litres of paint to bring it back to its former glory.

Through modern, sensitive, lighting techniques the fountain now comes to life after dark, so it can continue to be enjoyed through the winter months.

THE ROSS FOUNTAIN BEFORE RESTORATION THE ROSS FOUNTAIN AFTER RESTORATION

WORK COMPLETED TO DATE

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ENGAGEMENT AND CONSULTATION TO DATE

The Ross Development Trust has been engaging with key stakeholders, organisations and the general public to obtain valuable feedback and insight which has informed development plans, process and design feedback.

The design team have met with The City of Edinburgh Council’s planning team on several occasions to discuss the proposals.

Since the beginning of 2019, there have been bi-monthly stakeholder meetings to engage key groups on the design plans and gather feedback on the proposed plans.

We have attended Old Town Community Council and New Town & Broughton Community Council meetings to take feedback on board.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Bi-monthly stakeholder meeting to engage key groups on the design plans and gather feedback:- Old Town Community Council- New Town & Broughton Community Council- Historic Environment Scotland- Edinburgh World Heritage- Cockburn Association- Edinburgh Access Panel- Ramsay Gardens Association- Local elected members- The City of Edinburgh Council project team- Urban Design Panel- Scottish Natural Heritage- Scottish Environmental Protection Agency

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

Committed Strategic Partners:- World Bee Project CIC

Discussions with the following organisations:- Social Bite- Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (Edinburgh)- Edinburgh & Lothian Greenspace Trust- Cyrenians- StreetWorks

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS

The following public engagement events have been held in the Gardens to raise awareness with the general public. Easter Treasure Hunt, 15th-18th AprilNearly 300 people took part in nature-based workshops and activities. The Ross Fountain 1st Anniversary Bee-Day, 9th July- Edinburgh & Lothian Greenspace Trust,- The Edinburgh & Midlothian Beekeepers Association- Sing in the City Community Choir- RSPB - Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society Doors Open Day, 28th-29th SeptemberThe Cottage in the Gardens was selected as a venue for Doors Open Day 2019 which was visited by 780 people. Visitors learned about the Gardens’ importance to Edinburgh’s heritage and social history, were given a presentation on the future plans for the Gardens from The Quaich Project and advised about the upcoming public consultation.

FOCUS GROUPS

User Groups- DF Concerts- Underbelly- Unique Events- Regular Music- The Yard- Edinburgh City Youth Café- Dads Rock- Representative from EGG- Early Days Nursery- Edinburgh & Lothian Greenspace Trust- Scouting Scotland- Dribble- Buggy Walks- Dancebase Edinburgh- Girl Guiding- Gardens Scottish Country Dancers- Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (Edinburgh)- Local cafés and restaurants

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FEEDBACKLook out for areas where feedback received from stakeholders has shaped the design to date.




OUR KEY THEMES

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A SPACE FOR COMMUNITY

By offering improved access and a wide range of tailored facilities, all members of our community will be able to enjoy the Gardens. From improved amenities such as extended children’s adventure playparks and new public toilets to seamlessly integrated seating areas and engaging pathways and connections - every element of the design has been considered to offer maximum accessibility and benefit for all.

ACCESSIBILITYOUTREACH & EDUCATIONPLAY

A SPACE FOR REFLECTION

The Quaich Project is dedicated to retaining the Gardens’ cultural and historical significance. West Princes Street Gardens sits within one of Scotland’s five UNESCO World Heritage sites and our project will reflect Edinburgh’s proud history and heritage. Our vision is to create a space of tranquillity that everyone can enjoy amidst the bustle of the city centre.

HERITAGEARCHITECTURETRANQUILLITY

A SPACE FOR CELEBRATION

Throughout the year, West Princes Street Gardens will play host to events large and small – from international artists’ performances to community events and local dance group recitals – with world-class facilities and architectural designs helping to enhance the quality of every performance.

ARTS PUBLIC PERFORMANCE

A SPACE FOR NATURE

The Quaich Project is committed to respecting the biodiversity of the Gardens and to enhancing the health and wellbeing of its visitors. Our gardens act as the ‘lungs of the city’ – helping to provide a calm place to retreat to and a canvas of greenery.

BIODIVERSITYENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING

‘Sometimes in the winter when it’s icy some of the paths are quite steep and it’s a little bit worrying coming down on foot with a wheelchair. Our daughter is still very small and access in several locations is quite tricky. There’s steps. So she’s still very small and we can lift her but as she gets older and heavier that’s going to be really difficult. So it means you have to walk a really long way round.’

Ellie Thom Writer and mum of two

‘Our strategic partnership with The Quaich Project has the potential to bring together universities, schools, businesses and residents, sharing insights and learning from the bees to create new living, learning models for the good of all within the city.’

Sabiha Rumani Malik Founder and Executive President of

The World Bee Project CIC

‘I think you want to keep it as a garden for people to enjoy, to play in, for recreation and concerts, drawing on the traditions of Scotland, the history of Scotland, the folk music of Scotland. Everything that people associate with Scotland I think you could do rather beautifully in that garden.’

Reverend Peter Sutton St Cuthbert’s Parish Church

‘I was invited by The Quaich Project to perform at the Celebration of Scottish Culture event hosted by Alan Cumming in New York and had one of the most memorable nights of my life! As a young singer songwriter I’m really looking forward to the changes being made to the Ross Theatre. I can’t wait for the new performance space and for the positive changes it will bring to the Gardens.’

Alannah Moar Scottish Emerging Artist




Working with the Cockburn Association, Edinburgh World Heritage, The City of Edinburgh Council and Malcolm Reading Consultants a detailed design brief was produced to help inform the prospective architects.

125 teams responded from all over the world and seven teams were then shortlisted based on experience, location, team composition and style of architecture.

The seven shortlisted designs were displayed to the public at the City Art Centre for a five-week period in July 2017 with over 1,000 people seeing them in person and tens of thousands seeing them online.

Each design submission was subject to a vigorous technical review including engineering, cost, public safety, heritage value, planning requirements, restrictions, accessibility, and feasibility. All shortlisted teams presented their designs and were given a rating by our jury panel, who made the final decision.

WEST PRINCES STREET GARDENS FROM PRINCES STREET

DESIGN COMPETITION

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Cockburn Association is a Scottish charity that works to promote the conservation and enhancement of Edinburgh’s landscape and historic and architectural heritage.

Edinburgh World Heritage is an independent charity that aims to ensure the city’s World Heritage status benefits everyone.

Malcolm Reading Consultants is the leading organiser of international architectural competitions and known for its dedicated pre-design advisory services and network of global design contacts.




WINNING DESIGN

A professional Advisory Panel was established to interview and select a preferred Design Team and Design Concept. The winning submission was that of American based firm wHY, partnered with local architects GRAS and engineers ARUP. Their submission scored the highest from the Advisory Panel and was also the public favourite with over 20,000 votes cast in an Edinburgh Evening News online poll.

The wHY design was considered the best at:

• Recognising the historical context and backdrop of the Castle and the city

• Providing for an increase in the green space within the Gardens

• Addressing the requirement to improve accessibility

• Mitigating the impacts of events and vehicle movement within the Gardens

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KEY: 1. WELCOME CENTRE 2. PAVILION 3. AMPHITHEATRE 4. NEW FAMILY SPACE 5. PATHWAYS 6. BRIDGES 7. SHELTERS

THE WINNING CONCEPT DESIGN FROM ARCHITECT FIRM WHY

BOTTOM IMAGE:

THE COMPETITION WINNING GARDEN MASTERPLAN

‘And so it is with the new Pavilion. Pleasure will be drawn from rock and fold, from seam and segue. There are glimpses of history and the promise of a performance. People will connect through their common story and shared song. There is music in the air. This is a place for people and perpetual delight.’

Mark Thomann Lead Architect, wHY




WELCOME CENTRE

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TODAY’S VIEW FROM THE GARDENS LOOKING TOWARDS PRINCES STREET

PROPOSED VIEW FROM THE GARDENS LOOKING TOWARDS PRINCES STREET. (VISUALISATION BY GREIG PENNY ARCHITECTURE 2019)

WHAT IS THE

WELCOME CENTRE?

The Welcome Centre will be a new structure built into the steeply sloping bank from the side of Princes Street down to the promenade terrace and the amphitheatre below. Its primary function is to improve the accessibility of the Gardens from Princes Street. It will create a central, wider and safer entrance to the Gardens, with a fully compliant ramped path to take people down into the Gardens. The building will provide a viewing space level with Princes Street to allow people to rest and look down into the Gardens and up towards the Castle, thus reducing the congestion on the busy narrow pavements that exist currently. Inside

the building there will be new toilets as well as an accessible changing space. It will also include a cafeteria for those visiting the Gardens to grab something to eat or drink or just shelter from one of Edinburgh’s frequent rainstorms. The building will also have a lift to allow visitors using wheelchairs or prams full access to the lower level of the Gardens.

The design reflects many comments we’ve received over the past few years of improvements the Gardens need. We are very aware however that this is a big change to the existing garden, and we are working closely with experts to ensure we get the design right.

There will be an impact on the Gardens as a result of this building with a section of the embankment and some railings on Princes Street which will require removal. The space also has the potential to be used in the evenings to host private events which would be held to provide income to help support the maintenance of the Gardens as well as subsidising community use of the Pavilion.

The Welcome Centre’s design will be carefully considered with respect to the existing profile of the Waverley Valley and the highly significant contribution it makes to the character and appearance of West Princes Street Gardens. The new Welcome Centre will create a sense of arrival into the Gardens from Princes Street.

Current issues Future improvements

No safe disabled access to Gardens from Princes Street Fully compliant access ramp from Princes Street in Gardens

Lack of accessible public toilets Accessible toilets and changing spaces provided

Entrance points to Gardens are narrow and congested Widening entrance to the Gardens

Garden café is temporary and outdoor Central indoor café space that will operate year round

Currently no publicly available space in Gardens for shelter Welcome Centre provides indoor space




2017 COMPETITION WINNING CONCEPT OF WELCOME CENTRE

UPDATED 2019 VIEW FROM TOP PROMENADE LOOKING WEST UPDATED 2019 VIEW FROM PRINCES STREET, SHOWING WIDENED ACCESS, VIEWING PLATFORM & RAMPED ACCESS INTO GARDENS

UPDATED PROPOSALS: THE WELCOME CENTRE

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FEEDBACK1. Removed proposed top level of Welcome Centre to reduce impact of the building on the landscape.

2. Reduced overhang of Welcome Centre on promenade to improve sight line along top path.

3. Reduced the area of glazing on the Welcome Centre to minimise impact of glass when viewing from gardens or Edinburgh Castle.

4. Working with architects to address the impact of the Welcome Centre on the topography of the valley.

5. One central access point that is clearly signposted.

6. Clear wayfinding and signage that is suitable for individuals who are visually or sensory impaired

7. Creating a safe, DDA compliant pathway from Princes Street into the Gardens.

The highlighted numbers represent the view point the images are taken from.

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1 2

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PAVILION AND AMPHITHEATRE

CURRENT VIEW OF ROSS THEATRE AND AMPHITHEATRE

PROPOSED VIEW OF PAVILION AND AMPHITHEATRE. (VISUALISATION BY GREIG PENNY ARCHITECTURE 2019)

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WHY DO WE NEED A NEW

PAVILION?

The Ross Theatre has been in situ for over 80 years. In its prime it hosted four or five activities a day for audiences of all ages. Those days are long since gone. Due to safety concerns the Theatre and its accompanying concrete amphitheatre are locked and inaccessible to those visiting the Gardens. This creates a large concrete blockade, right in the centre of the Gardens.

THE PAVILION

The new Ross Pavilion will be reimagined from a theatre in a garden, to a garden theatre, seamlessly blending the structure into the landscape.

Set in the location of the existing Ross Theatre, the new Pavilion will provide a

fully accessible performance space for performers and audiences alike.

With the front glazed screen closed, an internal multi-purpose performance space for 200 spectators will cater to a range of small community events including classical music, school, and dance performances, small recital performances and art classes. The space can also be configured for conferences, talks and lecture events. When the glazed screen is open, the Pavilion forms the stage for small to medium open-air events viewed from the amphitheatre. There will be secure dressing room and performer support facilities as well as a new box office, cloak storage and toilets for visitors.

One of the key objectives of the project is to limit the impact and disruption larger events have on the Gardens by providing easier direct access to the Pavilion, as well as drastically improving

key infrastructure such as power, lighting, toilets, back of house facilities, storage etc., thereby considerably reducing the time it takes to set up and take down these events. This will provide an increase in time that the Gardens are available to the public.

THE AMPHITHEATRE

The current amphitheatre is completely concrete and locked to the public all year round.

The proposed Amphitheatre follows the natural gradient of the valley and reconnects the two sides of the Gardens. Seating will be constructed from reclaimed stone and will sit in a meadow of grasses and perennials.

The Amphitheatre has been designed to ensure the space is as accessible and inviting as the rest of the Gardens when not in use for performance.


Outdated infrastructure and expensive to maintain Updated infrastructure & technical specifications which will improve efficiency and maintenance.

Building is old and looking tired Contemporary new design, more appropriate for its place in a garden

Theatre currently has very limited uses Pavilion will provide flexible space for a variety of community uses

Amphitheatre currently fenced off to public Remove barrier and integrate the amphitheatre into garden

Amphitheatre currently 100% concrete Return green space to this area giving it a more appropriate garden look




UPDATED PROPOSALS: PAVILION AND AMPHITHEATRE

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FEEDBACK1. Design team addressing the concern about reducing of slope and feel of valley.

2. Design team working with The City of Edinburgh Council Gardeners and Events staff plus own internal experts to get the correct balance between how much seating vs. how much grass.

3. Space needs to work for daily use as a quiet place to sit and enjoy the Gardens but also function as an amphitheatre when events take place without damaging the space

4. The lower path is important and ideally needs to remain

5. Design team looking at which type of stone is appropriate for the space

2017 DESIGN CONCEPT SHOWING PAVILION AND AMPHITHEATRE

PROPOSED VIEW OF AMPHITHEATRE LOOKING WEST PROPOSED VIEW OF AMPHITHEATRE AND PAVILION, LOOKING EAST




FAMILY AREA

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PROPOSED DESIGN FOR WEST PRINCES STREET GARDENS, FAMILY AREA. (VISUALISATION BY GREIG PENNY ARCHITECTURE 2019)

CURRENT BLAES AREA/PLAY PARK

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF

THE FAMILY AREA?

The Family Area will provide a safe place in the city for play and enjoyment for children of all ages and abilities. Inspiration can be taken from other leading cities to create a family space that Scotland’s capital city can be proud of.

The new Family Area will replace the poorly laid out Blaes area to the west of the restored Ross Fountain and mentioned earlier in this consultation.

The existing play equipment in the area will be replaced, as will the temporary concessions unit. New fully-accessible

toilets will be provided, including a Changing Places Toilet, which will form part of a new coffee concession in the area. Extensive discussions with focus groups have provided a greater understanding of modern play requirements. The Family Area will provide an increase to the amount of play space, different varieties of play materials and equipment that are more in keeping with a natural play space in a garden. There will be areas for shelter, new toilets, seating and a new grass lawn for play and picnics.

Design proposals of the Family Area are separated into two distinct sections. A hard-standing area will provide a

suitable setting for the Fountain as well as accommodating potential future uses such as outdoor film screenings or farmers markets. There will also be a flat lawn area, containing the café and toilets as well as a variety of new planters to provide a range of integrated seating where parents can enjoy a coffee and a snack whilst monitoring their children playing.

The Family Area is the part of the design that we are able to make the most changes to. These changes will be directly based on feedback we receive during this consultation and from youth organisations across the city.


Small offering of play equipment Increase amount of play space

Current play space only caters to a small audience A wide variety of play materials for people of different ages to enjoy

No toilet provision or changing facilities New toilets and changing facilities

No covered space to shelter from rain Explore providing discreet shelter space

Provide seating near play space Exploring how to incorporate seating into the area in a sympathetic manner




UPDATED PROPOSALS: FAMILY AREA

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FEEDBACK1. This area was not covered in much detail from the design competition. These designs have been shaped through

initial conversations with groups representing children:

- The Yard - Edinburgh City Youth Café - Dads Rock - Representative from EGG - Early Days Nursery - Edinburgh & Lothian Greenspace Trust - Girl Guiding

Their main feedback is listed below: Need toilets Café provision Covered space Much better play equipment More play equipment Space for quiet time Better access

2. This feedback has helped provide these initial designs. We now need your help to take them to the next stage. Please let us know in the questionnaire what you would like to see in this space.

The highlighted letters represent the view point the images are taken from.

IMAGE SHOWING AREA OF GARDENS WE ARE REFERRING TO AS ‘FAMILY AREA’

PROPOSED VIEW OF PLAYPARK LOOKING TOWARDS THE CASTLE IMAGE OF PROPOSED TOILETS AND COFFEE SHOP BUILDING

B

A

A B

A




WEST PRINCES STREET GARDENS WEST FACING CGI

PATHWAYS AND BRIDGES

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The Quaich Project will create new, accessible and inclusive garden connections between Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, providing a beautiful new commute for local residents as well as new pathways for visitors to explore.

PATHWAYS

All changes to the path network are to improve the accessibility of all areas of the Gardens. Whether it is addressing the entrances to the Gardens or the path network internally, our ambition is to provide easy, safe access for anyone who wishes to visit the space.

We are aiming to achieve this ambition while being sympathetic and considerate of the heritage of the site and the hundreds of trees that are much loved.

BRIDGES

Both bridges over the railway will be replaced. A strengthened vehicle bridge will help improve access and reduce disruption caused by major events.

The pedestrian bridge will be replaced by a new bridge which is incorporated into the roof of the new Pavilion. This bridge will be a focal point of the Gardens as it is loved by children who enjoy standing and waving at the trains as they pass below them.

FEEDBACK1. Lower east-west path has been reinstated

as this was considered to be crucial feature of the Gardens.

2. Whole path network being worked on to allow safe DDA access all the way through the Gardens, whilst considering impact on heritage and trees.

2017 CONCEPT WINNING MASTERPLAN OF GARDENS

UPDATED 2019 MASTERPLAN OF GARDENS




SHELTERS

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THE SHELTERS

There are three B-listed shelters built into the slope at the east end of the top path within West Princes Street Gardens. The Quaich Project are aiming to fully restore the Shelters, transforming them into safe, accessible spaces. The restoration will include the addition of heating and lighting and provide a lockable, glazed front. This will keep the shelters safe from damage and graffiti.

We hope that the restoration of the three shelters will be the next small improvement the Quaich Project can make in the Gardens. We are aiming to submit a planning application for this work later in the year to hopefully begin the restoration in 2020.

We have been engaging with a few groups regarding the future use of these spaces.

Ideas for potential use include:

• Exhibition area

• Small gallery spaces

• Simple rain shelter

• Information about the city and the heritage of the Gardens

• Small workshop space for local artist in residence

If you can think of a use you would like to see for these spaces then please let us know on the questionnaire.

IMAGE OF PROPOSED SHELTER DESIGN

IMAGE OF SHELTERS TODAY




IMAGE SHOWING TREE SURVEY WORK CARRIED OUT AS PART OF OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND TREES

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT AND TREES

The Quaich Project is committed to respecting the biodiversity of the Gardens and to enhancing the health and wellbeing of its visitors.

Our vision is to create a space of tranquillity that everyone can enjoy amidst the bustle of the city centre. The Gardens act as the ‘lungs of the city’ – helping to provide a calm place to retreat to and a canvas of greenery.

A robust Environmental Impact Assessment has been conducted, which will inform the design of The Quaich Project and will ensure a gardens-first approach to this unique urban green space.

What has been achieved so far:

- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening

- An agreement on which areas will be covered by the EIA

- A range of ecological surveys including habitats, bats, badgers, birds and invasive species

- Additional surveys covering archaeology, cultural heritage, landscaping, geology, water environment, air quality, noise and community impact

TREES

We know how important trees are to you and to the Gardens. We want you to know that trees are extremely important to us too.

To find out exactly what we are dealing with, we recently conducted a comprehensive tree survey across the entirety of the Gardens with every tree mapped and assessed on an individual basis. This provided us with some essential information including; exactly where each tree is located, the size of each tree, the age of each tree, the type of each tree and the condition of each tree. This information is essential in aiding how we progress with our work.

We are advancing our designs and plans with full consideration of the trees within the Gardens, they are our first thought, not our last thought, when it comes to taking the design forward.

If a tree is required to be removed then there will be a detailed explanation as to why it is our only option, what other options we have looked at, what benefit the Gardens gain from removing it and how we are mitigating for its loss – we could plant a new tree in the Gardens, for example.

We will provide exact details on impact to trees at the beginning of next year as we finalise the design and in advance of submitting a planning application.

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EVENTS AND MANAGEMENT

As well as maintaining The Gardens, The City of Edinburgh Council is, and will continue to be, responsible for managing events within West Princes Street Gardens. The number and type of events taking place in the future will remain the sole responsibility of the The City of Edinburgh Council.

The City of Edinburgh Council are currently working on delivering a Business Plan for the management of the Gardens following the completion of this project. This information is due to be publicly available in January.

The Ross Theatre and West Princes Street Gardens have a long history of hosting free community events, including dances and performances. Between the 1960s and 1980s, regular Children’s Hour shows were held in the Ross Theatre, hosted by “Auntie Moira”. Free community activities such as tai chi sessions, listening to storytelling or enjoying a local school choir or music recital are just a few examples of how the Gardens can be better used for the benefit of the community.

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The Quaich Project aims to provide a space that will accommodate a range of small community-based performances in addition to limited signature events such as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the Edinburgh International Festival’s closing fireworks concert that the Gardens are well-known for. The Council will maintain the new infrastructure within West Princes Street Gardens to a mutually agreed, acceptable standard of maintenance.

Modern design and infrastructure improvements mean that events will be more efficiently accommodated, reducing the impact they have on the public’s use of the space.

IMAGES FROM COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE GARDENS




A CELEBRATION OF SCOTTISH CULTURE EVENT – LINCOLN CENTRE, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 2019

SHONA PRICE – THE QUAICH PROJECT, JULES HASTON - THE QUAICH PROJECT, ALAN CUMMING, KT TUNSTALL AND ANDY SCOTT

FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

HOW MUCH WILL THE

PROJECT COST AND

HOW WILL THE MONEY

BE RAISED?

To make our vision a reality, we are looking to raise £25m. To date we have raised over £6m from individuals, charitable trusts and event sponsorship.

To be successful we will need the active support and financial contributions from a wide array of partners: philanthropists, charitable grant making bodies, businesses, community groups, and all those interested in creating garden space for all in the heart of Edinburgh.

In March 2019 we launched our fundraising campaign with a short animation narrated by Game of Thrones star Iain Glen and a new website and public engagement programme that more clearly laid out the key themes and

outcomes of the project and enabled the community to upload input to Your Gardens’ section of our website. The campaign launch was followed by further international events in Edinburgh, London, Los Angeles and New York which were supported by several volunteer ambassadors – our international Quaich Bearers - and our Edinburgh based Governance and Campaign Boards.

Throughout 2019 and 2020 we will be inviting individuals and organisations to contribute to the project with leadership philanthropic support to give the campaign the momentum it needs. This will be followed by a public crowd-fundraising campaign to raise the final amount of money, giving the residents the opportunity to help contribute to the future of their cherished city centre garden.

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FUNDRAISING TO DATE• £6,251,000 from individual donors • £275,000 from charitable trusts and foundations • £60,000 from engagement events including sponsorship • Total - £6,586,000

We have also received ‘in principal’ support from The City of Edinburgh Council to act as a funder of last resort, contributing up to £5m if we can demonstrate we have raised the other £20m.

Documents

ABOUT WEST PRINCES STREET GARDENS · between the Ross Development Trust and The City of Edinburgh Council. The Ross Development Trust is a registered Scottish Charity founded in 2016