Management plan for protecting Edinburgh’s world heritage site to be considered
POSTED ON November 7, 2024 BY James Garry
Edinburgh’s old and new towns are exceptional places to live, have a business and visit
A comprehensive management plan aimed at safeguarding the Outstanding Universal Value of the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site in the Capital will be presented for approval to the Planning Committee of the City of Edinburgh Council next Wednesday.
Developed through a thorough process of public and stakeholder engagement, the plan outlines initiatives to address the climate crisis, enhance sustainable visitor experiences, and ensure the conservation and upkeep of buildings and public areas.
The management of the Site is a collaborative effort between the City of Edinburgh Council, Historic Environment Scotland, and Edinburgh World Heritage. These partners work in unison to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the World Heritage Site while ensuring it remains a vibrant city center.
The management plan presented is designed to complement a two-year action plan aimed at ensuring ongoing improvements to the Site. This strategic document is forward-focused, outlining a framework dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the Site’s cultural heritage.
The plan incorporates five key themes that emerged during the engagement process. These themes include raising awareness and appreciation of the World Heritage Site status; addressing the climate emergency; conserving and maintaining buildings and public spaces; and managing the control, guidance, and contributions of new developments to the city center, along with sustainable visitor management.
Councillor James Dalgleish, convener of the planning committee, the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Edinburgh’s old and new towns are exceptional places to live, have a business and visit. It’s the recognition of this that led to the city’s inscription by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in December 1995.
“World Heritage Sites must have strong and robust management plans in place to keep their Outstanding Universal Value. This is what makes them of worldwide importance. This must be preserved and enhanced for future generations to come”.
Image: Pixabay
