Grassmarket - an events space!
Once upon a time we used to live in what seemed to be a village surrounded by a busy city. It was a relatively safe haven of well kent faces predictable routines and gradual, if any, change.
Now we apparently live in an events space!
This a massive culture shock to those of us who, only recently, have been rudely awoken from our apathetic apolitical slumber.
The harsh reality is that CEC, SEAL and others have invested a great deal of money in savaging our environment to create a flagship events venue in the heart of the city.
As one of the more voiferous residents recently exclaimed:
"We MUST change the image of Grassmarket from events space, eateries and bars to RESIDENTIAL -with the rest added on as a tolerated extras, not the other way around!"
It seems that the CEC is determined to market the area as a sports and events arena, forgetting that people live here. They are obviously "selling" that idea to events organisers and can be seen in the following quote from Nocturne's website publicity:
"The Grassmarket is now classed as an events venue making the location perfect for the Nocturne. Within the centre of the Grassmarket there will be plenty of attractions and entertainment to complement the pubs and bars that line the finish straight."
A local resident wrote: "Like others, I found the much publicised markets to be a total let-down. The same old stalls, with very little new or interesting products, and certainly none of the promised "fresh, local produce".
All of these events have happened during the day therefore have had ZERO effect on curbing the drunken louts who plaque the area in the evenings and at night.
I believe there are far too many events happening now. I can't remember when we last had a peaceful weekend here. I wonder how many council officials and elected members would put up with it in their streets?
Finally, the "street furniture" scattered around grassmarket is an eyesore! £6m spent and it's simply UGLY! Lasndscape designers? I don't think so."
This sums up nicely the local feeling regarding the use of Grassmarket as an events space.