WORK is expected to continue on the site of the Princes Street fire for ‘at least’ three weeks, the City of Edinburgh Council has said.
The major fire occurred at a former department store building on July 9, with around 50 firefighters battling the blaze at its peak.
Structural engineers have concluded that the building’s ‘fragile state’ means vehicles – including trams – should not pass, even at low speeds. Doing so would pose a ‘serious risk’ to public safety, the local authority added.
Steelwork is being installed to reinforce the façade and once this is in place, vehicles will be able to pass the structure. The earliest this is expected to be is in around three weeks’ time, if wind speeds remain low, the council said – with work being weather-dependent.
Good progress has been made on the eastern end of the building, and it is hoped the cordon on Princes Street will be reduced later this week, allowing Boots to re-open over the weekend, the local authority said.
Further to this, it has emerged that the original Victorian staircase and the stained-glass windows memorial to former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli have survived relatively unscathed. These two key features from the 1880s will now be examined to assess if any further work is required.
Trams will continue running from the airport and terminate at West End (Shandwick Place stop), with buses being diverted via George Street.
City of Edinburgh Council transport and environment convener, councillor Stephen Jenkinson, said, “Whilst I understand how concerning this news will be to everyone, I want to reiterate that we’re doing everything within our power to reopen Princes Street as soon as it’s safe to do so. The complexity of the remedial work cannot be understated, with specialists working, mostly by hand, under extremely challenging circumstances.
“I’m acutely aware of the impact that this is having across the city each and every day, and I’ll repeat my thanks to the public for their continued patience during this incredibly difficult time. The city is very much open, and I’d encourage everyone to support our fantastic local businesses as we enter the August festival season.
“We’re continuing to work alongside our partners, particularly Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses, to keep Edinburgh moving. A part-tram service and full bus services continue citywide, but please plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your journey. We’ve also increased the number of Voi e-bike parking locations and hires available across the city, helping people to get around easier.
“It’s positive that the cordon is being reduced, and the fact that these key historical features of the site have survived is a rare silver lining in this terrible event.
“From tram and bus drivers working overtime to the engineers on site, council colleagues and many more, I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in the response so far.
“Despite these trying circumstances I’ve no doubt we can all enjoy a fantastic summer here in the world’s cultural capital.”
