A MAJOR project to improve one of the main entrances to Princes Street Gardens is set to start within weeks.

The £270,000 package of improvements will see a new gate and railings created at the King's Stables Road entrance.

The work was approved in May last year after concerns were raised about the condition of the existing entrance, which has become more of a priority because of the ongoing work to improve the Grassmarket.

New wider pavements will be created around the entrance, while the road into the gardens will also be widened to improve access for council vehicles and pedestrians.

The project will also see specially-commissioned artwork reflecting the area's history used on the stone pillars supporting the gate.

There will be improved directions signs for the public, and an interpretation board describing the history of the area.

The work will also see two pay-and-display parking spaces removed from King's Stables Road, although council chiefs insisted this would not lead to parking problems in the area.

The entrance is one of the most used routes into Princes Street Gardens, as it sits just opposite the Castle Terrace multi-storey car park.

Jenni Brown, city centre neighbourhood partnership manager, said: "The King's Stables Road entrance provides an important link between the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh across Princes Street Gardens.

"This route will acquire additional significance with the completion of the Grassmarket public realm works.

"Currently the entrance is understated and offers little invitation or any directional or interpretive information to users, and fails to do justice to the area."

The work is scheduled to start at the beginning of February, and it is expected it will take about 12 weeks to complete.

City centre councillor David Beckett said the improvements would be welcomed by local residents. He said: "Anything that will improve the look and feel of the area is to be welcomed, and if this also makes it safe for pedestrians to get in and out of the gardens then I think local people would be all for it."

Councillor Robert Aldridge, the city's environment leader, said: "This project will greatly improve the appearance of the entrance, meaning that the gateway to our world famous Princes Street Gardens is fitting of the fantastic green space inside.

"The upgrade will also improve access for visitors to the gardens whilst ensuring that service vehicles can get in and out of the area safely."

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