A leading property firm has thrown its weight behind plans for a business improvement district in central Edinburgh.

GVA Grimley said the scheme, which would see businesses pay extra rates to fund improvements to the area, would help make the city centre "world class".

Although its office at Fountainbridge is well outside the BID zone – between Princes Street and George Street – GVA is to voluntarily invest in the scheme.

Businesses are to vote on whether to accept the BID, branded Essential Edinburgh, in April.

If they accept, every firm in the zone will pay one per cent extra on business rates to fund a series of improvement initiatives.

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