Preserving Edinburgh's Historic WORLD HERITAGE Streets
The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh are designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because of their rich tapestry of scenery, structures and stories. The two distinct areas: the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress; and the neoclassical New Town, whose development in the 18th century had a far-reaching influence on European urban planning.
Tradstocks was proud to play our part in helping preserve Edinburgh historic streets by supplying a range of Natural Stone Products for this major urban improvement project.
Developing Historic Melville Street, in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.
Authenticity and Preservation
It’s vital the authenticity and the preservation of these areas is maintained for present and future generations and Tradstocks played a key role in this, regarding the supply of products that aligns with Environmental Policy and Planning Legislation.
Tradstocks liaised closely with Edinburgh World Heritage Trust – an organisation with a remit and responsibility to maintain the character of the city as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
“Sensitively improving our shared spaces, implementing sustainable practices or recounting tales from our past, we nurture a common sense of belonging while enabling essential repair. ”
Restoring public spaces and creating safe environments.
Melville Street Public Realm Project
Improvements to the historic west end street complement the recently completed City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) scheme, which connects Roseburn to Leith Walk via Haymarket and the West End with a safe and direct cycle route, as well as enhancing streets for those walking and wheeling.
“Not only will the changes create a much more welcoming environment, but they will restore some of the historic features unique to the street’s World Heritage status. As well as street trees and wider sandstone footways, I am delighted the setted street carriageway throughout Melville Crescent will return.”
Tradstocks supplied reclaimed Setts and new Tradstocks Whinstone Heritage Setts.
Supply of Natural Stone Products
Tradstocks supplied a variety of stone products for this project including our new Tradstocks Whinstone Heritage Setts, Reclaimed Setts, Reclaimed Kerbs, New Tradstocks Whinstone Kerbs and Tradstocks Whinstone Channels along with the Edinburgh Yorkstone Paving. The Edinburgh World Heritage Trust approved and signed off on the natural stone products we supplied for the project; helping to ensure the The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh retains there UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Working in Historic CITY CENTRE Sites
Working in city centre and historic sites can be challenging but we overcame the problem by delivering our Tradstocks UK Natural Stone Products on a regular basis.
6 pallets, 3 times per week delivered at exactly the right time when our contractor partner Balbour Beatty required them.
Important connectivity, safe cycle routes and pathways in historic Melville Street.
PRESERVING SAFE AND HISTORIC Public Spaces for Future Generations
We were delighted with the results of the project and are looking forward to supplying more natural stone for other Public Realm projects in the city centre.
“Our new flat top flame textured Tradstocks Whinstone Heritage Setts were the perfect solution, aesthetically and petrographically the same as the existing setts but safer and easier for all to use. The smooth and non-slippy surface are ideal for cyclists, walkers and people who are using wheelchairs. ”
The public realm scheme, which began in the summer of 2024, included wider and resurfaced pavements using sandstone slabs in-keeping with the World Heritage Site and the reintroduction of setts, including the supply of the new Tradstocks Whinstone Heriatge Setts.
An old Edinburgh map, showing the layout of the New Town, with Melville Street at the heart of the city’s West End district.
Extra Resources and Information:
City of Edinburgh Council Press Release
https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/13950/melville-crescent-set-for-major-improvement-project
City Centre West to East Link
https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/ccwel/
Edinburgh World Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage
Want to find out more information about tradstocks scottish stone?
For more information about Tradstocks Scottish Stone and how we can help you source the lowest carbon options for your project, please contact Mark Freedman markf@tradstocks.co.uk
