Makeover for Magdalene

£100,000 refurbishment of local shops begins

The Magdalene shops have been given the green light for a £100,000 refurbishment. After a consultation in the Magdalene area in April, top of the list was shop improvements.

On this basis, the Portobello & Craigmillar Neighbourhood Partnership’s Environment Forum and Area Board agreed to award £50,000 towards improvements to the shops. An additional £50,000 was then made available from the Council’s Urban Centres Programme.

New shrubs, trees and bulb planting will make the area greener, and improvements will also be made to pavements, bollards and the low wall where new seating areas will be created. Three new litter bins should help reduce litter and dog-fouling. 

With the help of contributions from shop-keepers, shops will be given a lick of anti-graffiti paint.

Young people and children will be invited to help with the planting, in the hope they will help look after the area when the work is complete.

Work began at the beginning of November and most of it will be completed by Christmas. Painting will be carried out in February.

John Clark, community councillor for Magdalene, is part of the team overseeing the work. He said: “This has been on the cards for a few years and now it’s coming to reality.”

For more information, contact Peter Gregson on 0131 529 2274 or e-mail peter.gregson@edinburgh.gov.uk