Edinburgh’s leading business body, the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, has declared “robust support” for proposed plans to significantly expand the city’s tram network. The expansion would create a new north-south line connecting Granton in the north to the Royal Infirmary in the south, according to a public consultation recently concluded by the City of Edinburgh Council.
The Chamber emphasised the multifaceted benefits of the extension in its submission to the consultation, stating: “The Chamber would like to express robust support for the expansion of the tram network, on behalf of our members, due to the economic, social and environmental benefits that it would bring.”
The organisation further elaborated on the potential for urban development and connectivity, adding: “The proposed extension will therefore be a key enabler for the city, opening up opportunities for new housing developments, creating a more joined-up and integrated city, and linking communities to new employment opportunities. This is in addition to the significant economic impact that can be expected.”
The proposed northern segment of the route would extend from Granton to Crewe Toll, with two distinct options under consideration for its continuation into the city centre: either via the Roseburn Path or the Orchard Brae corridor.
The Orchard Brae route would navigate Crewe Road South, turn onto Queensferry Road, cross the Dean Bridge, and integrate with the existing east-west tram line near Princes Street. Alternatively, the Roseburn Path option would utilise a disused railway line, now a popular route for cyclists and pedestrians, to join the existing tram infrastructure between Haymarket and Murrayfield.
The southern extension is planned to commence from the opposite end of Princes Street, traversing the North and South Bridges before proceeding south through Newington and along Old Dalkeith Roads to reach the Royal Infirmary.
Despite its strong endorsement, the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce tempered its support with several points of caution raised by its members. These include apprehension regarding the “availability of funding for the extension” and the “long timelines involved.” The Chamber stressed the urgency of realising these benefits, particularly to attract investment to key areas such as the Edinburgh BioQuarter.
Furthermore, the business body highlighted concerns about the “disruption from the construction of the route.” While acknowledging this as an “inevitable price to pay,” the Chamber urged the City Council to consider early mitigation strategies and support mechanisms for businesses affected along the construction path.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) adopted a more neutral stance, acknowledging potential advantages such as “improved connectivity, increased footfall for local businesses, and support for greener transport options in the medium to long term.”
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However, the FSB echoed concerns about the “major disruption” that construction would cause for businesses and residents, also pointing to potential operational issues like noise. The organisation concluded that the “clear benefits” must be carefully weighed against “potential drawbacks to ensure a balanced approach.”
The University of Edinburgh also expressed its backing for the tram expansion, noting its support for “investment in public and active travel, improving road quality and cycle network capacity and investment into the tram network in order to unlock areas of the city, reduce congestion and fill the gaps currently identified in active travel networks.”
The institution specifically cited the importance of the extension to major health and innovation hubs.
