Public Consultation Draws Over 400 Attendees for Cameron Toll Revamp

Developers have reported substantial public interest in the revitalization plans for the Cameron Toll Shopping Centre, with over 400 attendees participating in the second phase of public consultation. This significant turnout highlights community engagement in shaping the future of the centre, which serves as the largest private sector employer in the area, providing approximately 600 full and part-time jobs.

The initiative seeks to modernize the shopping centre, which has been a fixture since the 1980s. Developers aim to transform it into a “vibrant 20-minute neighbourhood” and a “genuine town centre.” Changes to the initial plans were made following feedback from a previous consultation held in December, demonstrating the developers’ commitment to incorporating local input into their vision.

Plans for Community-Centric Development

The development proposal includes enhancing existing shopping and leisure facilities while maintaining key tenants, particularly Sainsbury’s, a vital component of the centre’s appeal. New retail units will be introduced to attract both existing and new brands.

In addition to retail improvements, the plans include the construction of 500 new family homes, with 175 designated as affordable housing. This initiative aims to address the ongoing housing crisis in the area. Furthermore, the proposal incorporates new student housing to support nearby campuses at King’s Buildings and Peffermill.

If successfully implemented, the project would not only modernize Cameron Toll but also establish a transport hub for a proposed second tram line and potentially revive the Edinburgh South Suburban Railway. A new lit walkway along the Braid Burn will enhance connectivity with Inch Park, contributing to the overall accessibility of the area.

Community Feedback and Future Considerations

Andrew Moffat, managing director of Hunter REIM, expressed satisfaction with the positive feedback from residents. He emphasized the importance of the centre to the local community, stating, “We’ve been delighted to hear the positive comments about Cameron Toll from residents.” Moffat acknowledged the significant challenges facing retail, noting that 91 UK retailers have closed in the past two years, affecting 10,000 stores across the country.

To ensure the revitalization is effective, Moffat highlighted the need for a diverse range of shopping and leisure facilities. He stated, “We need to ensure that Cameron Toll is regenerated in the coming years and that we improve the quality and range of shopping and leisure facilities.” The inclusion of new housing is seen as a crucial step in addressing the “housing emergency” in the region, providing much-needed homes for families while simultaneously returning flatted accommodation to residential use.

Addressing community concerns, particularly regarding parking, has been a priority for the developers. Moffat noted that consultations are ongoing with user groups to strike the right balance between parking for shops, shoppers, and local residents.

The team has aimed to align the development with the City Plan 2030, which prioritizes dense development on brownfield sites to protect the Green Belt. Moffat pointed to the successful regeneration of the St James Quarter and the tram system as models for their ambitions at Cameron Toll, stating, “We’re no less ambitious regarding the scale of improvement we can achieve at Cameron Toll.”

As the consultation roadshow continues, community members remain engaged and hopeful about the future of Cameron Toll. The plans represent an important step towards modernizing the centre while addressing key issues such as housing and transport.