Construction work is about to start on the creation of the new Harvesters Link between Westside Plaza and the Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre.
Currently, Morrison Construction has arrived on site, closing off part of the car park in preparation for work to start.
The Link will see the extension of the path from the underpass (by the railway station) into the car park at a slight slope. This will remove the need for stairs and make the western entrance of the Healthy Living Centre much more easily accessible for people with mobility issues or for people with prams or buggies.
The link has long been campaigned for by community groups such as the Health Agency and especially the Wester Hailes Community Council. Speaking to the Digital Sentinel in February chair of the Wester Hailes Community Council John Aitchison said:
The link will let people come from the shopping centre with buggies and wheel chairs, and there will be a smooth run right to the Healthy Living Centre.
The link is not just going to be another tunnel, it’s going to be open, light and friendly, really improve the area and benefit the people. What was talked about for years and was just a pipe dream is happening, it’s worth campaigning for it will make a difference.
I’d like to thank all the people that helped us but especially Councillor Ricky Henderson: he was a huge help and none of this would have happened without his help.
You can read more of this interview and about the campaigning for the link here. You can also see some of the plans for the link as well as information on a consultation for a possible mural here.
