What a change!

Improvements to the Magdalene shops have made a real difference to the area, say local people

Makeover

Improvements to the shops on Magdalene Drive were unveiled at the end of May, following a £100,000 cash injection from the City of Edinburgh Council.

The Portobello and Craigmillar Neighbourhood Partnership agreed the funds should go towards improving the appearance of the shopping area after it came out as a top priority for residents during a consultation last year.

Shopkeepers, residents of the area and the Magdalene Neighbourhood Association had input into the final designs and landscaping work.

As part of the improvements, planters were upgraded with new shrubs and trees. Asphalt on the paths has been replaced, new drains laid and new bollards put in place. Walls have been refurbished, paving replaced and three new litter bins and two seating areas have been added.

The shops have also received a coat of anti-graffiti paint and shopkeepers have been supplied with materials to remove graffiti as soon as it occurs.

The launch featured the presentation of a golden trowel to local resident Krystal McMahon and chair of the Magdalene Neighbourhood Association, Martin Lewis, after they pledged to help with the upkeep of the new plants. To celebrate, local baker Alex Stewart created a cake in the image of the newly regenerated area.

John Clark, local resident and community councillor for Magdalene, is part of the project team overseeing the work. “This has been on the cards for two to four years and now it’s coming to reality,” he said.

“There is a big improvement in the shop area. Already many residents have commented on the difference made by the changes.”