Café culture coming to Princes Street as Edinburgh's most famous thoroughfare undergoes a makeover
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It is one of the few high streets in Britain bereft of cafés and bars. But now Edinburgh’s most famous thoroughfare, Princes Street, could be about to undergo a drastic makeover from shopping mecca to gourmet destination.
Edinburgh City Council planners hope a vibrant “café culture” can emerge as they prepare to amend planning guidelines, permitting 25 of the 78 units to sell food and drink for the first time.
Councillor Ian Perry, planning convener for the Council, said: “Cafés and restaurants will give people a new incentive to come into town to relax over a meal and visit the shops.”
The street was built from 1770 onwards to plans laid out by the architect James Craig. The proposals come after a University of Edinburgh professor labelled it “a dystopian wasteland”.
Andy Neal, chief executive of Essential Edinburgh, said: “For city centres to survive, they need to offer a great experience, and a row of almost a mile with only shops does not deliver that.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments