Moffat Centre to help transform Edinburgh city centre

Tourism experts from Glasgow Caledonian University are to play a key role in helping to transform Edinburgh city centre.

The Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism, at GCU, will provide analysis on visitor numbers and consumer trends for a historic overhaul of the Scottish capital's streets, public spaces and amenities.

The Edinburgh City Centre Transformation project aims to make the city more accessible for residents, visitors and business, create cleaner transport options, improve air quality and enhance civic centres.

Jacobs Engineering Group has been awarded the contract to develop the strategy, delivery plan and detailed business case, and the Moffat Centre has been selected as one of the key partners.

Professor John Lennon, director of the Moffat Centre at GCU, said: "We are delighted to be providing analysis of tourism impact, consumer trends, and key stakeholders for this central element of the Edinburgh economy."

The Moffat Centre, which is the UK's largest university-based consultancy and research centre for tourism and travel research, has previously worked with Jacobs on some of the largest infrastructure programs in Scotland, including the Queensferry Crossing, which links Edinburgh and Fife, and the A9 improvements programme.

Donald Morrison, Europe Senior Vice-President of Jacobs Buildings and Infrastructure, added: "Our understanding of the city through previous iconic projects will enable us to co-create a plan that ensures a fairer, healthier and thriving capital city fit for the future."

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener at Edinburgh City Council, added: "This is a deeply ambitious and potentially game-changing opportunity to transform the city centre for the benefit of generations to come."