Why we're improving the area
We're proposing improvements to Polwarth Gardens and Polwarth Crescent to make the area better for residents and visitors.
Polwarth Gardens and Polwarth Crescent are important routes in Merchiston, and the shopping area is at the heart of the local community. The current roundabout puts cars first and makes it difficult for people walking, using wheelchairs, mobility aids, or cycling to get around safely. We've made some improvements including building out pavements in some areas, and reducing the speed limit to 20mph.
We plan do more to help people shop, relax and live comfortably in this space. A consultation is runnning from Friday 22 August to Sunday 21 September 2025 and gives you the chance to share your views on our plans.
What the community has told us
Merchiston Districts Community Council (MCC) developed a report proposes changes to the area. The report identified several concerns that local people have raised.
- Pedestrian crossings aren't good enough.
- Too many vehicles, especially traffic between Polwarth Crescent and Merchiston Avenue.
- Not enough space for cyclists.
- Pavements that are too narrow or in poor condition.
- Lack of cycle parking, and railings that should be removed.
- Street trees or planting needed.
- Proper loading bays for deliveries.
The report forms the basis of a successful bid for funding from The City of Edinburgh's Local Traffic Improvement Team to develop the project. The Local Traffic Improvement Team focuses on schemes that improve sustainable transport like walking, cycling and bus use, as well as disabled access.
Read the .
Original issues highlighted to us
Using evidence gathered through a community survey, and detailed traffic and pedestrian counts, MCC has identified 4 main issues
- Inadequate and risky crossings for pavement users and the subordination of pedestrians to vehicles, reflected in pavement guardrails and cramped circulation space.
- The volume and speed of vehicles, linked to the increasing use of the Polwarth corridor and Merchiston Avenue as a short-cut for traffic, particularly HGVs.
- Inadequate provision for cyclists on approach to the roundabout (and along the length of the Polwarth corridor, from Yeaman Place southwards) and lack of bike parking facilities.
- Neglect of the footway and carriageways, posing risks to all pavement and footway users, especially to those with disabilities.
Polwarth as it looks now
