![\"George](\"https:\/\/dailybusinessgroup.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/George-Street-wide.png\")
Three business groups have expressed frustration at delays by Edinburgh councillors to make progress on the long-planned project to revamp historic George Street.<\/p>\n
Essential Edinburgh, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and the George Street Association have called for action after a decade of \u201cexhaustive\u201d consultation, time and investment in the proposed pedestrianisation.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, the Labour-led minority administration was forced by the SNP and LibDem to pause the \u00a331.75million funding due to come from the new visitor levy.<\/p>\n
Instead they are seeking a wider approach, taking in Princes Street. The report is due to be considered by the transport and environment committee on 12 November.<\/p>\n In a letter to councillors, the groups stress that funding for the project should come from the visitor levy. <\/p>\n Essential Edinburgh chair Denzel Skinner, one of the signatories to the letter, said: \u201cThe visitor levy enables the upgrading of the New Town public realm to come to fruition after years of consultation. This is an exciting moment, and I would encourage elected members to support the proposals.\u201d<\/p>\n Another signatory, Liz Dalton (formerly McAreavey), of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said the council should follow the visionary leadership of those who built the New Town in the 18th century.<\/p>\n William Duncan, of the George Street Association who also signed the letter, said: \u2018It\u2019s now \u2018make your mind up time\u2019 for the City Council\u2019s ambition to upgrade the City Centre. <\/p>\n \u201cAfter decades of debate, there is a ready to go George Street plan with widespread business support and funding \u2013 there is no rational reason to delay a decision to proceed.\u201d<\/p>\n \t <\/div>\n![\"William](\"https:\/\/dailybusinessgroup.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/William-Duncan-Liz-Dalton-Denzil-Skinner.png\")