Edinburgh tourist tax to fund long-awaited revamp of George Street

By Gbam Godwin On Jan 21, 2026

Edinburgh tourist tax to fund long-awaited revamp of George Street.

The long-awaited renovation of Edinburgh’s George Street is ready to go ahead, thanks to borrowing financed by the tourist fee.

Ikea in Brighton defends new policy to keep groups out

Jan 21, 2026

Exploring the high-stakes world of celebrity gamblers What…

Jan 20, 2026

Huddersfield Town confirm appointments to Liam…

Jan 20, 2026

The concept will be debated at next week’s transport committee and, if endorsed, will be presented to the entire council for approval at its budget-setting meeting next month.

Transport and environment convener Stephen Jenkinson said the new Visitor Levy, which goes into force in July, has created fresh chances to execute essential projects.

He also called George Street as “one of the crown jewels of Edinburgh” and an economic driver not only for Edinburgh but for Scotland as a whole. He stated: “We’ve been discussing George Street for over a decade, and it’s time to be brave.

We’ve never had an opportunity to implement the project in this fashion before, and I believe it’s a fantastic chance to transform George Street. “It is an investment in the future of Edinburgh.”

Other projects proposed for funding by the Visitor Levy include new and upgraded public toilets, improved litter bins, increased graffiti removal, additional street cleaning, footway improvements, accelerated street renewal, upgrading the Cramond foreshore car park, and developing a masterplan for Portobello prom.

The £31.75 million project to transform George Street into a pedestrian and cycle-friendly zone will see the current parking down the centre of the street removed, the central carriageway converted into a “cycle street,” and general traffic banned between 10.30am and 7pm, Monday through Saturday, and 12.30pm to 7pm on Sunday.

The designs also feature trees at both ends of the roadway, raised planters, upscale benches, and anti-terrorism obstacles at all intersections.

There would also be footway widening in Frederick Street and Hanover Street, as well as sett renovation in Frederick Street.

The current timeline calls for construction to begin following the Festival in August 2027, with a completion date of August or September 2030.

Cllr Jenkinson stated, “This street is one of Edinburgh’s crown jewels; it is a World Heritage Site, and I’ve always believed that if we’re going to do something, we should do it correctly.

“It’s a big investment, but ultimately what we’re talking about is the premier leisure/retail street in Scotland’s capital city and a real economic driver for growth not only in Edinburgh but in Scotland’s economy as well.”

We’ve spent countless committees debating how it should appear, but the key question has always been, ‘How are you funding it?’ Now we have the answer. The Visitor Levy unlocks the device to locate the George Street delivery.”

According to a report to the transport committee, the independent Edinburgh Visitor Levy Advisory Forum (EVLAF) “were supportive of Visitor Levy funding being used to fund a specific aspect of the George Street project, such as public realm and planting.” It did say:

“They were, however, opposed to the Visitor Levy funding the George Street project in its entirety.” Cllr Jenkinson stated that he welcomed the forum’s views. “It serves as a crucial check and balance in the system, but the final decision rests with the committee.

We have a substantial public realm project that we want to complete, and I believe the Visitor Levy is the best approach to raise the necessary funds.”