Council leader Jane Meagher has said that she wants plans to pedestrianise George Street to “ultimately become a reality” amid questions over its feasibility.
A £35 million plan to pedestrianise George Street was approved by councillors last year.
But this month fire at the former Debenhams store at 109 Princes Street on 9 July has led to the closure of parts of Princes Street to all pedestrians and vehicular traffic, leading some to doubt whether the council’s plans for George Street should proceed.
Many bus routes and Edinburgh Trams use Princes Street, and the rerouting along George Street has led to severe congestion in the weeks since the fire.
George Street with buses. © 2026 Martin McAdam.
Council leader Jane Meagher ahead of the Visitor Levy fund launch at the City Chambers. © Tom H. Wilson
At present the permanent plans for George Street and First New Town are currently on hold over funding.
While members of the council administration had initially expressed the wish that the levy would fund the George Street and First New Town project, councillors ultimately opted on other ways to pay for the project.
Separately, before the blaze this month, The City of Edinburgh Council had planned that as normal during the festival, George Street would be temporarily pedestrianised as part of its “Summertime Streets” programme, all funded by the Visitor Levy.
The Summer Streets plans have since been cancelled, and Fringe events have been moved to St Andrew Square.
Regarding plans for the permanent pedestrianisation, Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We want to see our ambitious plans for George Street ultimately become a reality.
“However, it’s important to consider this alongside the need for investment in Princes Street and the wider area. We want to create a city centre fit for the future and I’m excited to see how both these proposals develop.”
Cllr Meagher made the comments the day before the city launches the visitor levy, the first UK city to do so.
The council leader posed with members of local waste collection services as part of the visitor levy launch. © Tom H. Wilson
The Visitor Levy comes into effect for overnight stays from and after 24 July, as a 5% charge on overnight accommodation in the city.
The council eventually expects to raise up to £50 million in revenue each year.
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