EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order authorises Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (referred to in the Order as Network Rail) to construct, operate and maintain works to improve pedestrian access between Edinburgh Waverley station and Princes Street, Edinburgh. The works comprise new stairs and escalators to replace the existing Waverley Steps; lift shafts for two lifts from mezzanine level within the station to the roof level of the adjoining Princes Mall shopping centre; and a pedestrian walkway across the roof from the lifts to Princes Street. For the purposes of these works the Order authorises Network Rail compulsorily to acquire land and servitudes or other rights in land, to use land temporarily and to impose obligations as burdens on land. The Order also authorises the stopping up of Waverley Steps as a public road and provides that the new steps and escalators are to be operational land of Network Rail.
The Order removes statutory height restrictions on Edinburgh Waverley station and, separately, Princes Mall as affecting the authorised works.
The Order provides for the walkway across the roof of Princes Mall to vest in the roads authority (City of Edinburgh Council) as a public road and contains provision enabling the roads authority, Network Rail and the owner and head lessee of Princes Mall to make agreements concerning the maintenance of the walkway and responsibility for the cost of maintenance so that the roads authority does not incur expense in relation to the walkway. It also contains protective provisions for statutory undertakers and reciprocal protective provisions for the benefit of the three adjoining properties, namely Waverley Steps, the Balmoral Hotel to the east and Princes Mall to the west.
A copy of the book of reference, the Order plans and the Order sections mentioned in this Order and certified in accordance with article 39 (certification of plans, etc.) of this Order may be inspected free of charge during normal working hours at the offices of Network Rail at Buchanan House, 58 Port Dundas Road, Glasgow, G4 0LQ.