Reid Quad / Teviot Place

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn Association does not object in principle to temporary Fringe-related use in this location.

However, while the application address refers to Bristo Square, the site lies within the Reid Quad / Teviot Place forecourt, where it plays a critical role in the setting, movement and functioning of the surrounding civic environment.

The application seeks permission over a three-year period, from 2026 to 2028. In a space of this sensitivity, this raises particular concerns.

The proposal, as submitted, does not yet demonstrate thatcumulative impacts will be adequately controlled over time

• sufficient flexibility exists to respond to year-on-year variation
• the space will retain its role as an open and permeable transitional environment
• the balance between civic space and managed commercial event space will be appropriately maintained
• climate mitigation, waste, surface protection, servicing and public realm resilience have been adequately addressed
• the proposal satisfies the place-making expectations of NPF4 Policy 14 and relevant City Plan 2030 policies

Support could only be contemplated if:

• the scale and layout are demonstrably reduced to retain meaningful open and transitional space
• robust and enforceable crowd, noise, waste, servicing and surface-protection measures are secured
• permission is strictly limited to a single festival season, subject to annual review
• clear safeguards are secured to protect informal public access, pedestrian movement and civic character
• the applicant provides clearer commitments on climate mitigation, material reuse, reinstatement and public realm resilience

Should the application proceed with multi-year consent, expand its footprint, or fail to secure enforceable operational controls, the Cockburn Association would have significant concerns and may object to this or future proposals.