Its been open for over a year now but the Trams to Newhaven project which saw a 3 mile extension added to the Edinburgh Trams network is still being recognised in various awards with the latest coming at the Local Government Chronical (LGC) Awards in London.
The project was praised by judges in the “Future Places” category for “showcasing courage and humility in learning from past challenges” with particular focus on the collaboration between public and private sectors, support for businesses, linking residents in disadvantaged areas to economic opportunities and stimulating growth and investment along the route.
Cllr Scott Arthur, City of Edinburgh Council’s Transport and Environment Convener, said: “I was absolutely delighted and incredibly proud to see the Trams to Newhaven project recognised at the LGC Awards. This, along with the numerous other awards the project has won, is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our in-house council team and partners.
“The successful completion of the project last year has already delivered huge economic, social, and environmental benefits to Leith, north Edinburgh and to the city as a whole – demonstrating the value and opportunities the trams bring to the city and our residents. That’s why it makes such good sense for us to be looking at expanding the network further to the north and south of the city.
“It’s worth remembering that, in the ten years since the original line between Edinburgh Airport and York Place was built, the tram service has flourished to become a hugely successful transport route for thousands of residents and visitors each day. You need look no further than the weekend just past for evidence of that, with almost a quarter of a million ‘Swifties’ making use of the service in just three days.
“The tram, alongside our award-winning Lothian Buses and active travel networks, remains key to creating a better connected, environmentally friendly and sustainable city for all – and to meeting our ambitious 2030 climate targets.”