Princes Street will “fully re-open” to traffic and pedestrians on Saturday, August 29, councillors have been told.
On Thursday, City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher said that the transport artery would re-open two days ahead of schedule, after initially suggesting the avenue would remain closed until the end of the month.
Councillor Meagher also paid tribute to the police and fire service for their efforts battling the blaze at the former Debenhams department store on July 9, and thanked Lothian Bus workers for their adaptability following the fire.
Speaking to The Herald on Monday, the council leader had intimated that Princes Street would open within the week.
Councillor Meagher and Deputy FM Jenny Gilruth at the site of the blaze. (Image: Lisa Ferguson)
“I've checked today, as I do pretty well every day,” Councillor Meagher said.
“Progress is on schedule and we are anticipating that by the end of the month of August, Princes Street will be reopened to traffic.
“It will depend on the wind, but we've looked at the weather forecast and there's none.”
However, it appears that work will be completed ahead of schedule.
SNP group leader Lesley Macinnes asked if Councillor Meagher would apologise for the lack of clarity provided to businesses in the seven weeks following the fire.
The Labour council leader hit back strongly, remarking: “The first and urgent and immediate priority was to assess what remained of the building after the fire, and to ensure the safety of the public.
“I take my hat off to all involved in making sure that happened.”
The council also announced that tram testing will take place on Friday night, and pending a successful outcome, trams will run their full route on Saturday and all bus diversions will be removed.
She added: “I don't recognise your characterisation of what happened. I was impressed by the way people came together.
“I regret the disparaging remarks you made about those efforts. I think it is unseemly.”
