Edinburgh’s Princes Street will remain closed into festival season following a major fire at the former Debenhams store, the council has confirmed.
Fire crews were called to the blaze in the disused B-listed structure in the early hours of last Thursday and remained on the scene until Friday.
City of Edinburgh Council said “painstaking” work is now ongoing to make the building safe, while ensuring its historic features are preserved as far as possible.
Princes Street remains closed to vehicles and pedestrians between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street, with diversions in place.
Buses are currently rerouted along George Street and Queen Street, with trams to and from the airport terminating at Shandwick Place in the capital’s West End.
The council said with diversions set to continue into August, “alternative arrangements” are being put in place to limit disruption during festival season.
Council leader Jane Meagher said: “While, of course, I’m disappointed that Princes Street is to remain closed for weeks to come, our priority must be on the safety of the public.
“Our focus continues to be on making the building safe while aiming to retain as many of its historic features as we can. This is a painstaking process and will take time.
“I’m acutely aware that we’re now entering the busiest period of the year for Edinburgh, and there will inevitably be disruption in and around the city centre.
“We will continue to work with bus, tram and other transport colleagues to keep the city moving as best we can.
“We’re also in regular contact with festival and event organisers with a view to minimising the impact on our events calendar, while ensuring those attending can easily access the latest information and guidance before travelling.
“This an ever-changing situation and we will provide further updates as and when new information becomes available, including through a dedicated page on the council website.
“I want to thank people for their patience and understanding and have no doubt that we can still look forward to a fantastic summer of festivals here in Edinburgh.”
A dedicated page has been created on the council website, which includes up-to-date information and guidance, with relevant links to partner sites.
This will be regularly updated as and when new information becomes available.
The page can be found at edinburgh.gov.uk/princesstreetupdates.
