Joint release with SRPLP

3 June 2005

East Kilbride bus station complete

Development partners, The Scottish Retail Property Limited Partnership (a joint venture between British Land and Land Securities), Strathclyde Passenger Transport and South Lanarkshire Council, have today (3 June 2005) held an official opening ceremony to mark the completion of the £6 million redevelopment of East Kilbride bus station and associated public realm improvements. Cllr Alastair Watson, Chair of SPT, David Smith of SRPLP and Cllr Chris Thompson, Chair of SLC’s Enterprise Resources Committee, were joined by Andy Kerr MSP, Minister for Health and Community, to mark the occasion.

The project has almost doubled the station’s capacity, with a spacious, modern travel centre, electronic passenger information systems at central points and at each bus stance, enhanced waiting areas and a brand new Citizens Advice Bureau. These improvements support the development and growth of the economy of west central Scotland by ensuring the facilities provided can cope with improved routes and services to core areas of employment.

SPT Chair Alistair Watson comments: “This remarkable achievement is great news for people in East Kilbride and the surrounding area. Significant effort has gone into designing a bus station which meets the requirements of passengers in terms of up-to-the-minute information, personal security and social inclusion. Our overriding aim was to make East Kilbride an easy place to get to and enjoyable place to visit, which is why we made comfort, convenience and advanced technology a priority.

“Another key aim of the development team was to enhance the attractiveness of travelling to East Kilbride by public transport, providing a serious alternative to the use of private cars. This is directly in line with the Scottish Executive’s move to reduce traffic congestion in town centres and improve the environment.”

David Smith, spokesperson for The Partnership, agrees: “This collaboration illustrates the development team’s philosophy of how transport is essential to the sustainability, success and future growth of any town centre. In practical terms, the substantial financial backing, quality of design and delivery to deadline illustrates the strong commitment to East Kilbride.

“Not least, the development has improved integration with Scotland’s largest shopping centre. It is expected to increase passenger numbers, footfall for the centre and customer spend in a particularly competitive retail environment – something which will also support the local economy.”

The integrated design approach also incorporates urban realm improvements, such as upgrading worn out paving materials to footpaths and enhancing the quality of finishes outside the malls. Stainless steel street furniture is positioned at key pedestrian routes while soft landscaping complements the striking glass and steel design of the bus stance enclosures and landmark travel centre building.

Personal security issues have also been addressed, with high priority given to the introduction of CCTV cameras, 24 hour surveillance, clearer signage and high levels of lighting. There is now a ‘help point’ for out-of-hours emergency assistance for those using the night time services, while the open-plan, drive-through design provides a safer, more passenger-friendly environment which in turn will minimise waiting times.

The development was completed on time and within budget.

ends