The public have been invited to have their say on the running of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site…
Public meetings are set to be held to give local people the opportunity to have their say over how the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site should be run. The meetings will enable community and resident groups to give feedback to the three organisations who manage the site.
Convener of the City of Edinburgh Council Planning Committee Councillor Ian Perry said: “Our World Heritage Site is of crucial importance to the future vision and development of the city.
“This consultation process is an opportunity for everyone to have their say on how the site is being run.
“We would like as many people as possible to let us know what they think is working well, and where we can make improvements.”
World Heritage Sites are required to have robust management plans in place to ensure they maintain their status of Outstanding Universal Value. The City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh World Heritage, and Historic Environment Scotland—who manage the site—will use the feedback gathered during the consultation to shape a new management plan, expected to launch in spring 2017.
Adam Wilkinson, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage said the plan is a vital part of maintaining the site.
“The management plan consultation may sound like a theoretical exercise, but the plan is a living document that provides the base from which the partners in the management of the World Heritage Site guide change.
“Its review is an important opportunity for the communities of the World Heritage Site and the city in general to ensure their voice is heard. We would urge everyone to get involved and take part in this consultation process.”
Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site comprises of historic areas within modern businesses and residential areas. This presents a number of development pressures, as well as opportunities.
Barbara Cummins, of Historic Environment Scotland said: “As partners in the Management Plan, we welcome the launch of the consultation – this provides an opportunity to gather suggestions and ideas from those who live, work and visit Edinburgh on how we manage and celebrate the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site.”
In a recent report it was found that residents, visitors, and businesses place Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site’s economic value between £1.2 and £1,4bn.
The consultation will run until the end of July and can be found here: https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/edinburgh-oldandnewtowns-managementplan-review
