This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/6467939.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Backing for city Old Town upgrade Backing for city Old Town upgrade
(about 4 hours later)
Plans for a £50m redevelopment of a large part of Edinburgh's Old Town are being recommended for approval by city officials.Plans for a £50m redevelopment of a large part of Edinburgh's Old Town are being recommended for approval by city officials.
The area close to the Scottish Parliament is earmarked for new shops, cafes, bars, student accommodation and academic buildings.The area close to the Scottish Parliament is earmarked for new shops, cafes, bars, student accommodation and academic buildings.
The plans, drawn up by Edinburgh University, are for an area in between Holyrood Road and the Royal Mile.The plans, drawn up by Edinburgh University, are for an area in between Holyrood Road and the Royal Mile.
Councillors are due to consider the proposals on Wednesday.Councillors are due to consider the proposals on Wednesday.
Final decision
However, the final decision on the scheme will be made by Scottish Executive ministers.However, the final decision on the scheme will be made by Scottish Executive ministers.
See a map of the development
The scheme includes demolishing the Chessel's Land, St Mary's Land and Weir's Land buildings on the university's school of education campus on the north side of Holyrood Road.The scheme includes demolishing the Chessel's Land, St Mary's Land and Weir's Land buildings on the university's school of education campus on the north side of Holyrood Road.
They will be replaced by about 230 flats and apartments, as well as shops and other businesses on Holyrood Road.They will be replaced by about 230 flats and apartments, as well as shops and other businesses on Holyrood Road.
About 60 flats will be built on the gap site beside St Leonard's Land - the Scottish Centre for Physical Education, Sport and Leisure Studies - on the south side of Holyrood Road, above and behind new commercial space.About 60 flats will be built on the gap site beside St Leonard's Land - the Scottish Centre for Physical Education, Sport and Leisure Studies - on the south side of Holyrood Road, above and behind new commercial space.
There will be a lot of traffic from tourists visiting the parliament and the palace so it is a great spot to build new shops and cafes Graham BellEdinburgh Chamber of CommerceThere will be a lot of traffic from tourists visiting the parliament and the palace so it is a great spot to build new shops and cafes Graham BellEdinburgh Chamber of Commerce
The sports centre is also planned to be extended to the rear.The sports centre is also planned to be extended to the rear.
At the junction of Holyrood Road and St Mary's Street will see a new gallery or cultural building.At the junction of Holyrood Road and St Mary's Street will see a new gallery or cultural building.
A new boulevard of shops, restaurants, cafes and offices would be created on Holyrood Road.A new boulevard of shops, restaurants, cafes and offices would be created on Holyrood Road.
About 40 "affordable" homes between Viewcraig Gardens and Edinburgh University's Pleasance campus would be built.About 40 "affordable" homes between Viewcraig Gardens and Edinburgh University's Pleasance campus would be built.
Refurbishing and extending the currently empty Charteris Land university building on St John Street is also part of the plans for the area.Refurbishing and extending the currently empty Charteris Land university building on St John Street is also part of the plans for the area.
Education facilitiesEducation facilities
Graham Bell, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce spokesman, said: "This regeneration project is a good thing. The buildings are ageing and not spectacular.Graham Bell, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce spokesman, said: "This regeneration project is a good thing. The buildings are ageing and not spectacular.
"The area is of strategic importance because it is in the heart of an area being rejuvenated in Edinburgh."The area is of strategic importance because it is in the heart of an area being rejuvenated in Edinburgh.
"There will be a lot of traffic from tourists visiting the parliament and the palace, so it is a great spot to build new shops and cafes.""There will be a lot of traffic from tourists visiting the parliament and the palace, so it is a great spot to build new shops and cafes."
Alan Henderson, Edinburgh Council head of planning, said: "The mix of uses proposed will facilitate an increase in the population of the Old Town and strengthen the education facilities in the area.Alan Henderson, Edinburgh Council head of planning, said: "The mix of uses proposed will facilitate an increase in the population of the Old Town and strengthen the education facilities in the area.
"The residential accommodation will include flats for sale, affordable units and student accommodation."The residential accommodation will include flats for sale, affordable units and student accommodation.
"This mix is acceptable within the context of the existing diverse unit type and uses in this area.""This mix is acceptable within the context of the existing diverse unit type and uses in this area."
HOLYROOD PROJECT 1 - A mixture of shops, bars, cafes and restaurant space, mainly on the ground floor with offices and flats on upper floors2 - Student flats3 - Possible new gallery or cultural building at rear of commercial premises4 - New flats/apartments5 - Extension and refurbishment of currently empty Charteris Land university building6 - Extension to university libraries division base at Dalhousie Land