Contractor letter with details of the works...
Our Ref: HG/B62909
Monday 05 January 2026
FAO: Residents and Local Businesses
Dear all,
RE: King’s Theatre Public Realm Improvement Project
Luddon Construction Limited have been appointed by the City of Edinburgh Council to carry out
public realm improvements in your area. This project will deliver elements of the King’s Theatre
redevelopment and the Council-led Meadows to Union Canal projects to improve walking,
wheeling and cycling as well as access to the theatre.
Work will start on Monday 12 January. To safely carry out the work, we will use temporary
local restrictions on both pavements and roads. These will include:
- closing Valleyfield Street at Leven Terrace for the duration of the project
- closing Gilmore Place at Lochrin Buildings when needed during the initial phases, and
for resurfacing work on Gilmore Place.
Signs will show the diversion routes for road users. This will include a diversion for cyclists
using the National Cycle Network route 75.
Monday 12 January - start on the east side of Leven Street (red area highlighted overleaf).
We are planning to finish the pavement work by Monday 2 March 2026.
Monday 2 March to Friday 17 April - pavement work on the west side of Leven Street starts
(blue area overleaf), moving southwards.
We will make every effort to reduce disruption to residents and local businesses. The site team
will keep you updated at each stage and make sure that you still have access to your property.
The works will move along the street so that we are not working outside your property for the
full duration.
Access for emergency vehicles will be provided at all times. Refuse and recycling collections will
continue as normal and will not be affected by the work.
We apologise for any inconvenience these essential improvements may cause and thank you in
advance for your patience and cooperation. We are confident the completed project will provide
lasting benefits to residents and local busin…
Council website page for Meadows to Canal
Meadows to Union Canal
In this section…
Why we are improving walking, wheeling and cycling
More information about the proposals
Improving the area around the King's Theatre
How we are consulting and engaging
You are here:
Next steps
Next steps
We are currently finalising the detailed designs of the route, which have been informed by feedback to the last consultation.
We continue to engage with the local community and stakeholders, and are working closely with other nearby projects
Improving Lothian Road
Dalry Town Centre
Dundee Street to Fountainbridge
Construction is currently planned for the second half of 2026. This is dependent on the statutory orders having been processed by then.
As part of the King’s Theatre refurbishment, we will deliver some parts ahead of the rest of the project, including better pavements and access in front of the Theatre. This is planned to finish in early 2026.
Thank you page from Kings Theatre - picture of actors clapping
A heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped to make the transformation of the King’s Theatre possible.
Map of the eventual Meadows-Canal route, for your interest.
Note: IT IS NOT THE CURRENT DIVERSION ROUTE !! The diversion route will be signed and may vary as the Kings Theatre works proceed.
Meadows to Union Canal
In this section…
You are here:
Why we are improving walking, wheeling and cycling
More information about the proposals
Improving the area around the King's Theatre
How we are consulting and engaging
Next steps
Why we are improving walking, wheeling and cycling
We are improving walking, wheeling and cycling between the Meadows and the Union Canal, following the route of National Cycle Network 75 (NCN75). We are also resurfacing some roads in the area.
Improving the route will provide a safer journey for anyone walking or cycling and for those with restricted mobility. We will also improve public spaces along the route.
We developed the design with significant input from key stakeholders and the local community. The most recent consultation was in 2019. As this was just before the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to pause the project until summer 2024.
Benefits of developing this route
The project will improve the connection between the Meadows and the Union Canal which are two key sections of the city’s active travel network and part of the National Cycle Network Route 75.
It will
provide a safe, direct route between the two cycle friendly destinations for all cyclists
make it a more pleasant area to walk or wheel through
encourage more people to choose walking, wheeling or cycling
#KingsTheatre roadworks start Mon 12 Jan
🙋 Look out for signed 🚲 diversion (may vary at times)
Note: main Meadows-Canal work late 2026
@edi.bike @robbieainsworth.bsky.social @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social
