St Andrew Square Garden open at last – after 238 years

IT is a glorious open space in the heart of the Capital which is familiar to thousands, but used by precious few.

Today though, St Andrew Square Garden was opening its gates to the general public for the first time in its 238-year history.

Shoppers, tourists and office workers will all be able to use the garden following the completion of a £2.6 million revamp.

A new pathway has been created to link the Harvey Nichols and Jenners department stores.

The garden also boasts a reflecting pool, while ageing trees have been replaced, the statue of Lord Melville restored, and new lighting installed to help bring the square to life at night.

A new pavilion coffee shop has also been built.

Council and business leaders today hailed today's opening as a great step forward in rejuvenating the city centre.

David Nicolson, chairman of Edinburgh City Centre Management, which will operate the garden, said: "The redevelopment of St Andrew Square Garden has created a new high-quality space right in the heart of Edinburgh's historic city centre. My thanks go to the proprietors of the offices and businesses around the square for agreeing to the work.

"Workers and visitors to Edinburgh can now enjoy this tranquil city centre oasis."

Dating back to 1770, and designed by James Craig, the garden is an integral part of his New Town masterplan but was previously only accessible to residents and businesses in the surrounding area.

During the First World War, the gates were opened to visiting US soldiers who camped in the grounds.

The garden has been leased for the next 50 years from the St Andrew Square proprietors. Money for the scheme came from the council and Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian.

City leader Jenny Dawe, said: "Good quality public space is so important to the fabric of the city and I'm delighted we've been able to re-open the garden to the public.

"This fantastic transformation is another milestone in rejuvenating our city centre to ensure Edinburgh is a dynamic, thriving and attractive place to be for many years to come."

Linda McPherson, Scottish Enterprise's regional operations director for the East of Scotland, said: "Having a dynamic city centre is vital if Edinburgh is to become one of Europe's leading capital cities.

"Investing in our public spaces not only enhances Edinburgh's reputation as an attractive place to visit but also helps to attract businesses and talented people to support our thriving industries."

Steve Spray, director of LaSalle Investment Management, which manages the nearby Multrees Walk, added: "I think it will enhance Edinburgh's attractiveness as a world class visitor destination."

It is hoped the garden will host a variety of public events in the future – such as the annual Harvey Nichols fashion show – although city centre management bosses have said there will be no events there this year.