Princes Street fire: City centre closure will last another 3 weeks says council
Cordon could be reduced, allowing Boots to reopen at weekend
Edinburgh’s Princes Street will remain closed for at least the next three weeks, the city council has said.
It means the disruption which has gripped the city since the fire at the former Debenhams store on July 9 will last well into the Festival, which starts on August 7.
However, the council said it was hoped the cordon on Princes Street would be reduced later this week, allowing Boots to re-open over the weekend.
Princes Street has been closed between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street since the blaze, which ripped through the former store in the early hours of July 9, with trams suspended between the city centre and Newhaven.
The latest update from the council said: “Work is expected to continue on site for at least three weeks, during which time this section of Princes Street will remain closed.”
And it confirmed: “Structural engineers have concluded that the building’s fragile state means vehicles, including trams, should not pass, even at low speeds. Doing so would pose a serious risk to public safety.”
It said securing the front façade of the building was one of the key tasks being undertaken.
“Steelwork is being installed to reinforce the façade and once this is in place, vehicles will be able to pass the structure. The earliest this is expected to be is in around three weeks’ time, if wind speeds remain low.
“Work is weather dependent and cranes cannot operate once wind speeds exceed safe limits. The safety of the operatives carrying out this complex work is a key factor.
“Good progress has been made on the eastern end of the building, and it is hoped the cordon on Princes Street will be reduced later this week, allowing Boots to re-open over the weekend.
“Trams will continue running from the Airport and terminating at West End (Shandwick Place stop), with buses being diverted via George Street.”
Transport and environment convener Stephen Jenkinson said: “Whilst I understand how concerning this news will be to everyone, I want to reiterate that we’re doing everything within our power to reopen Princes Street as soon as it’s safe to do so.
“The complexity of the remedial work cannot be understated, with specialists working, mostly by hand, under extremely challenging circumstances.
“I’m acutely aware of the impact that this is having across the city each and every day, and I’ll repeat my thanks to the public for their continued patience during this incredibly difficult time. The city is very much open, and I’d encourage everyone to support our fantastic local businesses as we enter the August festival season.
“We’re continuing to work alongside our partners, particularly Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses, to keep Edinburgh moving. A part-tram service and full bus services continue citywide, but please plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your journey. We’ve also increased the number of Voi e-bike parking locations and hires available across the city, helping people to get around easier.
“From tram and bus drivers working overtime to the engineers on site, Council colleagues and many more, I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in the response so far.
“Despite these trying circumstances I’ve no doubt we can all enjoy a fantastic summer here in the world’s cultural capital.”
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