Major boost for Edinburgh parks

£850,000 is to be spent on premier parks like Princes Street Gardens

A multi-million pound upgrade of Edinburgh's parks and gardens has been unveiled by Edinburgh City Council.

The most significant investment in the city's public parks and gardens for more than 40 years will see a three-year project start from April.

The council is pledging £5.6m towards the work, and is seeking further funding from other agencies.

Experts have consulted parks across the globe, including New York's Central Park and Sweden's Malmö Folkets Park.

It is hoped the move, which covers 60 projects in parks, woodland and children's areas, will bring Edinburgh's Victorian parks into the 21st Century.

A world-class city needs 'world-class' green space that develops according to community needs and growth Cllr Ricky Henderson Council head of leisure

Councillor Ricky Henderson, Edinburgh City Council's head of leisure, said research conducted for the project showed that 85% of residents thought parks were important or very important and 74% of visitors said that parks were of above average importance

"We recognise public parks and gardens are critical to our quality of life," he said.

"A world-class city needs 'world-class' green space that develops according to community needs and growth and this investment programme will enhance our parks in a way that meets the needs of our residents."

He added: "We have the potential to generate the same amount of funding (£5.6m) again through external sources."

Work is to include upgrading footpaths, railings, seating areas and landscaping.

The project will also create extra parks, such as one planned for the Royal Infirmary site at Little France.

Spring bulbs at the city's London Road Garden

Although extra funding from other bodies is expected, the city council has earmarked more than £1m towards city centre parks, £850,000 for premier parks such as Princes Street Gardens, £554,000 for community parks, £600,000 for city-wide projects and £174,000 for woodland areas.

Community groups are to receive £50,000 for local parks, the Pentland Hills and Cammo Estate are to share £252,000, Cramond is to get £70,000 and allotments will receive £64,000 from the council.

Almost £1m is to be spent on sports pavilions across the city.

Councillor Donald Anderson, Edinburgh City Council leader, said: "We are pleased to be in a position to deliver that greatest investment in parks and open green spaces ever achieved in the city.

"From the re-installation of railings removed in WWII to the acquisition of major new parkland alongside the new Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, we are making real progress in delivering high quality and accessible parkland for all Edinburgh residents."