To: Edinburgh Council Dept Management Sub Committee (City Planning)
Say 'Yes' to a new Street Traders Market space just off the Royal Mile!
We ask the City of Edinburgh Council Planning Committee to say "YES" to the application for a new space that will bring back jobs, trader pitches and more opportunities for micro business owners and the Scottish arts and crafts sector, whilst providing a fresh and alternative shopping experience for visitors to Edinburgh.
Why is this important?
After the loss of the lease for Edinburgh's only 7 day retail market in the Tron Kirk in April 2018, an application was submitted for a new space at the Courtyard inside Old Stamp Office Close, just off the Royal Mile.
The plan is to erect 13 smaller, wooden stalls for retail use (so no cooking/ smells), around the perimeter of the Courtyard and operate during business hours only.
The market will likely offer jewellery, fashions, Scottish arts and crafts, memorabilia and heritage products, bath and beauty products and much more.
The Planning Committee are due to decide on the application on 5th December 2018, and we want them to say "YES" to the return of jobs, more trader pitches (which are being cut elsewhere), more opportunities to promote Scottish arts and craft products and offer a sustainable income for local micro business owners and their families.
With this, it will provide a much called for alternative shopping experience for visitors to the Royal Mile whilst reducing the volume of traffic in the area by not forcing traders to erect metal framed stalls and carry stock to and from the High Street each day, under the current, unfair "ballot for pitches" system.
Furthermore, an onsite cafe and office will be established to support the market by giving access to bathroom facilities, first aid/ health and safety resources, market management and a meeting place.
This planning application is a "one of a kind" opportunity to deliver a number of benefits to the street trader and craft community of Edinburgh and the Lothians, which has recently seen Council votes go against them with the loss of the lease and closure of the Tron Kirk Market and the impending closure of Edinburgh Palette craft studios in Meadowbank.
The city council will also receive a significant rent for the property and regular fees from annual Market Operator and Trader licences.
With Edinburgh's High Street and North and South Bridge becoming ever more filled with souvenir shops, this will also bring a fresh alternative shopping experience for the many visitors to the Royal Mile.
The location is also notable historically for being a house to Lady Eglinton and her daughters, a boarding school to Flora MacDonald and the founding location of RBS and will become more accessible to historians and walking tours if approved.
