Posted on 7 Nov 2008

Primary school pupils in Craigmillar, Edinburgh will take part in a unique celebration on Friday (7 November) to raise awareness of one of Scotland's largest shared space developments.

Around 450 pupils attending Niddrie Mill and St Francis Primary Schools will join activities taking place at the entrance area for the joint schools' campus. The street area, Moffat Way, is one of the first in Scotland to be declared a 'Homezone' which has been designed specifically to allow people priority over cars and other vehicles. Traffic is slowed down through intelligent design, allowing vehicles to give way naturally to people.

It forms part of the wider shared space development linking the schools' campus with new homes created by PARC, the organisation leading the regeneration of the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh. The development of the Homezone at Moffat Way is also supported by the Government-backed Safer Routes to Schools Campaign.

PARC has worked with leading UK architects to develop shared space as an integral part of the regeneration project, following similar successful projects in continental Europe. John Quinn, PARC's General Manager said: "Today's event is all about celebrating Homezones and how they can lead to a better quality of life for everyone - whether they are travelling to school or simply living, walking or playing in the area."

"We are encouraging all kinds of play and activity to take place - from cycling to traditional playground games - which will send out a clear message to car drivers that while they can use the space with care, people have priority."

The City of Edinburgh Council School Travel Co-ordinator added: "We welcome the role Homezones can play in helping children and families to travel safely to school - as well as allowing children to play in and enjoy areas traditionally regarded as the domain of cars and other vehicle traffic.

"Since the school campus opened in August, we have noticed more children cycling to school which is great news and shows the Homezone message is already having an effect."

The Homezone celebration involves primary school children taking part in a range of activities including cycling trails and traditional playground games. Extreme unicyclist James Auld will also performed stunts and tricks as part of the shared space event.

Ends 7 November 2008

Issued on behalf of PARC by Weber Shandwick, public relations consultants. For more information contact Richard Bright or Jenny McMahon on 0131 556 6649 or 07770 886 914 / 925.

Notes to Editor: PARC

PARC is a joint venture company which brings developers The EDI Group and The City of Edinburgh Council together with groups and representatives from the local Craigmillar community. PARC is spearheading the regeneration of Craigmillar, involving a total investment of around £200 million. For Craigmillar, PARC wants to achieve:

• Quality, affordable new homes promoted and sold under the ParcLife name

• New primary schools - including a joint primary schools campus at The Square

• A new community high school and library located in the town centre

• A new, revitalised town centre providing some 300,000 sq ft of space for commercial and retail development

• A network of public parks bringing together 150 acres of green space

• More local job and career opportunities

• Improved learning and leisure facilities for young people

• Better transport linkages and traffic calming measures

For further information on ParcLife, please call 0845 220 5000, email parclife@rettie.co.uk or visit www.parclife.co.uk.

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