Leamington Liftbridge ( Scheduled Monument SM11097)

We are writing to Scottish Canals as both the custodian and promoter of our canals, responsible for their protection and facilitating and encouraging their use by the public and visitors. We support your recognition that the importance of the structures and bridges are " an integral part of the canals’ character and heritage".

Understandably, there has been great concern locally about the closure and future of Leamington Liftbridge due to deterioration of this historic structure - an emblem of the area's industrial heritage.

The concerns are fourfold:

 It represents the loss of a clearly important cross- route over the canal for cyclists and pedestrians

 It means the closure of the Lochrin Basin to boats

 It is about the significance of this Victorian structure at the end of the , an iconic emblem of the industrial heritage around the Lochrin basin. This structure is not in a Museum, it is a rare and functioning demonstration of Victorian engineering ingenuity for the enjoyment, education, and wonder of local people and visitors alike.

 Its importance has been central to the development planning process that has gone on in , making it the key focus in terms of sightlines and the design of public and civic spaces.

The following ten local groups, organisations and businesses therefore call upon Scottish Canals to do whatever it can to ensure the restoration of the Liftbridge and its lattice work footbridge is given the highest priority.

The Union canal was cut to provide transportation of coal from the West Lothian and Lanark coal fields to . Originally the canal was provided with 62 exquisite stone bridges and a few, like Leamington Lift bridge, altered to accommodate heavy steam road trains, carrying tons of coal ( about two canal barge loads ) to the coal yards at Haymarket.

In 1893 the steel built electric lift bridge was installed. This allowed the flow of steam trains on top and the barges below to continue and show the amazing new force of electric power in action but this was not popular with pedestrians who had to wait. So in 1907 the decorative lattice foot bridge was added to allow people to cross when the lift was in operation. In 1922 the main basins were closed and Canal traffic dwindled so that the lift bridge was redundant and was finally moved from Fountainbridge to Gilmour Park to replace another wooden drawbridge. The steel of the time was vulnerable to corrosion unless frequently painted and maintained but with a little TLC was virtually indestructible. In 1965 the British Waterways Board closed the Union canal and locked and welded the lift bridge in the down position removing its engine workings. That could have been the end of the story. But while the canal got dirtier and more run down and there were calls for it to be filled in, Forth Canoe Club saw it as an invaluable resource for their sport, digging out various stretches and using the limited navigable stretches of the canal they proposed a plan to make the bridge work again. The Millennium project in 2000 saw the opening of the canals and the bridge reopened and painted but now with a hydraulic mechanism. It worked, it inspired. It is a monument to the industrial revolution that people could see and use . It is the perfect complement to the wonderful new Falkirk wheel that links the Union to the Forth & Clyde canal for the first time in over ninety years.

FCI has campaigned since 2011 to ensure that development plans for Fountainbridge include the community, and the history of our area, at every step of the way. It is a major reason why the Liftbridge has been central to the master plans for the Fountainbridge site. The popularity of the FCI history panels on the towpath; the beautiful renovation of the Rubber Factory offices by Edinburgh Printmakers; and the living, working Lift bridge has become a source of delight to local people and visitors. It is a working exemplar of Victorian engineering know how and design and most importantly - people like it. That is why FCI chose it as our logo. There has to be urgent action from Scottish Canals to retain and maintain this important landmark. Richard Allen Vice -Chair Fountainbridge Canalside Initiative

"In late 2016, 3DReid were appointed as architects to develop proposals for a large, mixed use development on the land between Gilmore Park and Edinburgh Quay, the Union Canal and Fountainbridge by of Vastint Hospitality BV.

In order to deliver a successful development, for both our client and the local community, we have liaised closely with CEC Planning Department and have been advised to adhere to the Local Development Brief which sets out the key parameters that will ensure that all new development is successfully integrated with the surrounding areas.

Leamington Lift Bridge forms one of two key existing North-South connections through Fountainbridge and is vital to ensure that all new development within the Fountainbridge Development Area is integrated into the local movement network. The Council have set this out clearly within the Fountainbridge Development Brief (extracts attached). We believe that any delay to re-establishing this vital North-South Link across the canal corridor risks further delay to the realising the regeneration of Fountainbridge in accordance with the principles set out by Edinburgh City Council.

On a personal note: As a resident of Leamington Terrace I use the Leamington Lift Bridge as my primary cycle route between home and work. Like me, I’m sure many residents rely on this vital north-south route on a daily basis. Please ensure it is repaired and reinstated as a key priority to safeguard the regeneration of Fountainbridge and continue to serve the residents of Edinburgh Southside who walk and cycle to work on a daily basis. " Neil de Prez 3DReid Architects

"The Leamington Lift Bridge is an iconic structure on the Union canal. The bridge forms an integral part of the new cultural and civic square at the heart of the Fountainbridge Masterplan granted planning consent in 2014.

As a pivotal feature in the urban landscape, and as one of the few remaining markers of Fountainbridge’s industrial heritage, we fully support efforts to preserve this important local landmark for the long term." 7N Architects – Fountainbridge Masterplan

The Leamington Lift Bridge is a reminder of the industrial heritage of the Union Canal and a iconic structure of the past in the ever changing landscape of a modern Fountainbridge. The operation of the bridge as our boat leaves Edinburgh Quay, on our trips, enchants passengers as they see history in action. To lose this structure would be tragic for the Union Canal in Edinburgh as there is so little of historical importance visible to the thousands of canal users. Pat Bowie General Manager Re-Union Canal Boats Ltd

The Community around Leamington Lift Bridge are keen to see the bridge fully re-open as it is a vital crossing point and entry point to Lochrin Basin.

Tollcross Community Council urges Scottish Canals to make repairs as soon as possible to Leamington Lift Bridge. This vital and historic part of the canal - a local landmark is just too precious to let ongoing deterioration go unrepaired. We urge Scottish Canals to make good repairs now before it gets any worse. Andrew Brough Chair, Tollcross Community Council

The Leamington Lift bridge is one of the few remaining historical structures on the Union Canal. As well as a crucial link across the canal it represents for us a well loved, iconic feature of our heritage in this part of Edinburgh. It provides a focus for local events and visitors, and a public, working demonstration of Victorian engineering ingenuity in the industrial canal age. It is tied into the fabric and history of Gilmore Place and its links with the canal and must be preserved at all costs. Simon Armstrong Chair Gilmore Place & Lochrin Residents Association (GPLRA)

The sporadic opening and closing of the footbridge has affected the amount of commuters heading in to work via the canal, which significantly diminishes the amount of passing trade for our coffee boat. It also prevents us from gaining easy access to the facilities on the other side of the canal which adds to the workload of my colleagues and I. We understand that the work on the bridge is essential, and request that a better line of communication is set up during the closure. Several customers has mentioned it would be a good idea to have a Regularly updated Facebook and Twitter feed, which would allow commuters as much notice as possible when planning their walk/ cycle in the work. The Counter -Coffee Boat 'The Leamington Liftbridge provides an important route for the parents and families who come to our Centre. They appreciate the walking route along the towpath and across the canal from the west and south of Edinburgh - many wheeling prams and buggies to access our Centre on the south side of the canal in Lower Gilmore Place. We also enjoy its importance as a marvelous viewing platform and setting during the annual Canal Festival in which we participate most years. We hope it can be restored to use as soon as possible.' Val Innes Co-ordinator Pregnancy & Parents Centre

'The Grove Community Garden are hoping to be part of a group able to utilise the space which will be envisaged for greening on the corner of the new development at Leamington Lift Bridge and Gilmore Park. The bridge is essential to keep the life around that end of the canal vibrant. The flow of cyclists and foot traffic will be vital for the social and community aspects of the space set aside for events and gatherings.' Wendy Lord Chair Grove Community Garden

" The Akva bar has become a thriving business next to Lochrin Basin. The closure of the bridge, with no access for boats arriving in the basin would have a considerable effect on this historic location on the Union canal. We urge Scottish Canals to give this work priority." Anna Christopherson Owner of Boda Bar Edinburgh