Edinburgh Open Space Strategy

A city-wide open space strategy is being prepared for Edinburgh. The strategy aims to ensure that a coordinated approach is taken to protecting and developing the city’s network of open space. It will set standards of provision that the Council will be expected to meet. The strategy will be accompanied by action plans prepared in participation with the 12 Neighbourhood Partnerships in Edinburgh.  

The first stage of the project, the Draft Open Space Audit, is now complete and available for comment (until 10 Jul 09). Responses will be taken into account in finalising the audit, and will be the basis of detailed analysis which will inform the preparation of the draft strategy and action plans this autumn. There will be further consultation on the draft strategy and action plans early in 2010.

The audit identifies all significant areas of open space within the urban areas of Edinburgh and its western settlements. An interactive map presents basic information about the type, area and quality of open space.

You can give your views  by filling in an on-line questionnaire or by writing to Ben Wilson, Principal Planner, at openspacestrategy@edinburgh.gov.uk.  

An information stand will be at the Meadows Festival on Su 7 Jun and at the Canal Festival at Edinburgh Quay on Sa 27 Jun.  A series of consultation events (.doc) are also being held, including at the Gillis Centre at 18:30 on Th 25 Jun.  

If you would like to take part in a survey of play spaces for children and young people please contact Naomi Sandilands via openspacestrategy@edinburgh.gov.uk.