Having spoken to the Powderhall development's site manager, Councillor Jack Caldwell (Ward 12) has now contacted the New Town & Broughton and Leith Central Community Councils, and other interested locals, with the update below.
While there’s nothing hugely substantial to report, I once again iterated the importance of either minimising closure of the path itself, or opening a better diversion due to concerns about the length of diversion and suitability of the currently posted route for wheelchair users, prams, and cyclists as well as the impact on a nearby business.
He confirmed that the team onsite are assessing options on the next door site (where the Stables are) to see if a parallel path is possible but was clear this was being explored so couldn’t be confirmed at this moment due to both health-and-safety considerations and liaison with the leads on that site.
I have also made clear my concerns on the process to the Council department itself, including the mis-matched dates and publication of the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order. They have responded as follows:
'In the interests of the safety of the public and of site workers, CCG has obtained statutory approval for a temporary closure of the section of St Mark’s Path between the Water of Leith and Broughton Road from Monday 17 November 2025. The closure has initially been approved until 12 January 2026. Information regarding construction including the temporary closure of St Mark’s Path was issued by various means during week commencing 10 November 2025. This included details of the approved diversion route. There is also a shorter informal diversion closer to St Mark’s Path on the Water of Leith side. We recognise that more notice could have been given and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
'No decision has been taken on whether St Mark’s Path will require to close for the full duration of the works. The Council is in discussion with CCG regarding options to allow the path to safely reopen during construction and, if closure can’t be avoided, how best to mitigate any impact. As soon as a decision has been taken the Council and CCG will let people know via the website and community newsletter. Regardless of this decision, the path will have to close for periods whilst the improvement works directly to the path are undertaken.
'As a live construction site, the health and safety of site staff and the public is the most important factor in any decision and must not be compromised.
'As a major building project that directly involves St Mark’s Path, a degree of disruption to path users is unavoidable. However, the Council and contractor are working together to minimise this, and we’d be grateful for your patience and cooperation during this period.'
As such, I am hoping to call the site manager again at the end of the week to request an update and will continue advocating for either an alternate parallel route, or a less intensive closure and clarity on any further closures requested.
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