A study of Edinburgh's future commercial property needs will be used to inform the Council's City Plan 2030 – helping future proof the city's success for generations to come.

The City Plan 2030 is currently expected to be adopted by 2022.

A team of consultants led by Ryden carried out research into visitor accommodation, shopping and leisure as well as land use for offices and industry.

As well as informing City Plan 2030, the study will be used to help make current decisions which relate to the current Edinburgh Local Development Plan which was adopted in 2016. It will also assist the work of other more immediate projects such as Edinburgh City Centre Transformation, implementation of the Economy Strategy and a review of supplementary guidance for the city centre. The Council intends to consult on a review of the planning policies for shop units in the city centre later this summer.


Cllr Neil Gardiner, Planning Convener, said: "Edinburgh is one of the best cities in the world in which to live, work and study. Our city's attractiveness contributes to its continued growth: by 2023 our total population is predicted to have increased by 23,000 people. With a host of cultural attractions, our UNESCO World Heritage sites and a lively festival scene tourism is booming but we can't be complacent and we must meet the challenges that come with this success.

"Each study has shone a light on a number of issues such as the growing use of residential properties as short term lets, demand for hotels, much-needed office space being lost to other uses, the need for new industrial space to allow many businesses to grow, and how well placed Edinburgh is to handle trends in the retail and leisure sectors. A huge amount of work is already going into addressing many of these challenges such as our work with the Scottish Government on a regulatory regime for short term lets and a tourist levy.

"As we prepare City Plan 2030 we will set out the planning policy choices which face the city as it changes over the next ten years. More immediately, we will be seeking views on planning policies for shop units in the city centre, including Princes Street."

"This will make sure that ultimately we have a city that works for all."