Lindsay Road Bridge Regeneration
Feedback updated 23 Aug 2024
We asked
We wanted to hear your views on design proposals for restoring Lindsay Road Bridge in Newhaven. The bridge has been closed to all users since November 2021 due to its poor condition.
Prior to its closure, the bridge was used as a link for walking, wheeling and cycling between North Fort Street and Lindsay Road. It was also used in recent years as a community space and outdoor seating area. A community-backed project painted the bridge in rainbow colours in August/September 2021, which led to the bridge being referred to locally as the ‘Pride’ or ‘Rainbow’ Bridge.
A project to design a replacement bridge deck and community space has been funded Sustrans Places for Everyone Fund. The design aims to:
- re-establish a direct, safe and segregated active travel route for commuters, local residents and businesses;
- restore a well-used community space; and
- reinstate an important LGBTQ+ landmark.
To ensure the project meets the needs of the community, consultation on the proposals took place between 22 February 2024 and 4 April 2024. People were invited to share their views via an online survey, two public information/drop-in sessions and a Youth Group Meeting hosted by LGBT Youth Scotland. There were also discussions with a range of consultees and stakeholders.
The consultation was advertised via social media, press releases, local advertising and leaflet drops.
You said
There were 910 responses to the online survey, with 179 people attending the information sessions.
- 77% of the survey respondents felt that they would likely walk or wheel more short journeys due to the proposals.
- There was a positive response to the plans to restore an accessible active travel route, create an improved public realm and maintain the LGBTQ+ artwork and symbolism.
- The bridge continuing to be used as a community space was strongly supported. The online survey highlighted that environmental features (72.97%) and meeting spaces with seating and planting (70.66%) would be valued.
- There were requests for artwork or interpretation boards related to the bridge’s history or LGBTQ+ theme, which could enhance the bridge's aesthetics and functionality. History plaques documenting the history of the bridge were also a popular feature highted by the online survey (73.19%).
- A preferred parapet design option was chosen by respondents to the online survey.
- Concerns of the impact of the pride/rainbow surfacing on users who are neurodivergent or have neurodegenerative conditions were raised. It was also noted that the colour scheme does not match the order of the Progress Pride flag.
- Concerns were raised about the potential tree losses and impact on green spaces due to the project.
- There were also concerns about relocating the sports court to accommodate the amphitheatre/stepped access.
- Lighting was highlighted as an important feature to be included in the design.
We did
Based on the feedback received, we have revised the design proposals. The main changes are:
- Proposed changes to ‘Pride’ surfacing including the corrected colour order.
- Reduced sized amphitheatre/steps, which will reduce its impact on greenspace and avoid the need to relocate the sports courts, while still providing an enlarged community space/seating area.
- A ramp access will not be progressed, which would have had a significant impact on greenspace and result in the loss of several trees.
- Existing ramped accesses can still be utilised.
- The chosen parapet design from the online survey will be used.
- Lighting will be provided.
- Any tree losses will be minimised. Additional planting and environment features such as bird/bat boxes will be included in the design.
The next steps are:
- Complete design of proposals.
- Further consultation with the community, accessibility organisations and specialist agencies to ensure the ‘Pride’ surfacing is aesthetically pleasing and inclusive.
- Further consultation with the community to create interpretation boards, which was a key outcome from this engagement.
- Apply for planning permission for the design.
- Apply to Transport Scotland for construction funding (Expected 2025).
Results updated 23 Aug 2024
Read the full report on the engagement activities carried out and the outcomes of the consultation.
Files:
- Lindsay Road Bridge - Community Engagement Report, 7.0 MB (PDF document)
Overview
Lindsay Road Bridge is a much-loved landmark and important part of Leith’s local history. It provides a safe and convenient walking, wheeling and cycling route between North Fort Street and Newhaven.
In 2021 community members painted the bridge in rainbow colours, leading to it being named locally as the ‘Rainbow’ or ‘Pride’ Bridge and has come to represent LBGTQ+ pride.
In December 2021, the well-used bridge was closed due to health and safety concerns. The Council and Sustrans are now working on options for redeveloping the bridge, so we can bring it back into community use.
Why your views matter
After a successful application for Transport Scotland funding through Sustrans for the design of a replacement bridge deck, we have appointed designer Mott MacDonald to progress the design with the local community.
The work will be delivered alongside the Leith Connections project which is making improvements to community spaces and providing better connections for anyone walking, wheeling or cycling through the streets of Leith.
We will be working with the whole community to better understand everyone’s needs and we want to hear your views on proposed designs.
Events
-
Public event at Dreadnought Leith
From 7 Mar 2024 at 18:00 to 7 Mar 2024 at 20:0072 N Fort St, Edinburgh EH6 4HL
Event will start at 18:00 with a presentation and Q&A on the proposals.
If you can't make the presentation you can still drop-in, see the proposed designs and speak to a member of the team. -
Public event at Heart of Newhaven
From 23 Mar 2024 at 11:00 to 23 Mar 2024 at 13:004-6 Main Street, Newhaven, Edinburgh EH6 4HY
Event will start at 11:00 with a presentation and Q&A on the proposals.
If you can't make the presentation you can still drop-in, see the proposed designs and speak to a member of the team.
Areas
- Ward 13 - Leith
Audiences
- Anyone from any background
Interests
- Cycling and walking
- Community planning
- Public space
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