Edinburgh has paused plans to extend its tram network to Granton after councillors rejected both of the routes being considered through the north of the city.
The decision represents a major change in direction for plans to create a new north-south tram line stretching from Granton through the city centre to the Royal Infirmary and Edinburgh BioQuarter.
Councillors on the City of Edinburgh Council’s Transport and Environment Committee agreed today (Thursday, 10 September) to prioritise the southern section of the proposed network instead.
That would take trams from the existing line at Princes Street across North Bridge and South Bridge before continuing through Newington, Cameron Toll and Old Dalkeith Road to the Royal Infirmary and BioQuarter.
However, plans to take trams north from the city centre towards Granton have now been put on hold.
Two potential routes had been under consideration. The first would have taken trams from Haymarket through Roseburn and along the former railway corridor which is currently used as the popular Roseburn Path walking and cycling route.
That proposal faced significant opposition from residents and campaigners concerned about the impact construction and the permanent tram line would have on the path and surrounding green corridor.
An alternative route running through the West End and north via Dean Bridge and Orchard Brae had also been examined.
That option raised its own concerns over traffic and bus services as well as the impact on the historic Dean Bridge and the surrounding environment.
The council’s consultation found public acceptability problems with both potential routes. Councillors have now decided against progressing either northern alignment at this stage.
The council’s Strategic Business Case concluded there is still a case for a direct tram connection between Granton and the city centre, but further work will now be needed to determine whether an acceptable route can be found.
The pause is significant because improved public transport connections have formed an important part of the wider plans to regenerate Granton Waterfront.
Thousands of new homes are planned across the area alongside commercial, cultural and community developments.
Granton and District Community Council had urged councillors not to abandon the northern tram link, warning ahead of Thursday’s meeting that the community had been planning for years on the expectation that better public transport would accompany the area’s regeneration.
Attention will instead turn to the proposed line through south Edinburgh. The route would branch from the existing tram tracks on Princes Street before turning towards North Bridge, where plans include a tram stop linked to Waverley Station by a lift.
It would then continue along South Bridge, Nicolson Street, Clerk Street, Newington Road, Minto Street and towards Cameron Toll.
From there, trams would travel along Old Dalkeith Road to the Royal Infirmary and the rapidly expanding Edinburgh BioQuarter.
The BioQuarter is one of Scotland’s most important healthcare and life sciences districts and is earmarked for major expansion, including new homes, research facilities and commercial development.
Construction of any new tram line remains several years away and will depend on securing funding.