15 February 2008
New SPT studies show big benefits for Motherwell
A new report which highlights Motherwell Transport Interchange as a strategic investment opportunity has been approved for further development work by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.
SPT members agreed that the positive research should encourage key stakeholders, including Transport Scotland and Network Rail, to make Motherwell Interchange a transport funding priority.
The findings build on SPT’s existing studies showing that the interchange project would meet key government transport objectives – to promote the economic development of Motherwell, improve access to public transport and encourage modal shift.
The £41m potential development consists of three key components: a new railway station building and forecourt; a Park and Ride car park with 500 spaces, adjacent to the Heritage Centre and a new ring road in the town centre. The options can be delivered individually but SPT has recommended that the project should be developed to include all of them.
SPT Chair Alistair Watson believes the studies prove that the project is viable and says it should be considered as a priority for future investment.
He said: “SPT has long viewed Motherwell station as a key location in the public transport network. It serves as a major rail station for both local and long distance rail services and provides interchange opportunities between rail and other transport. However, the current facilities at Motherwell are not good enough and the needs of passengers with mobility problems are simply not being met.”
Despite Transport Scotland and Network Rail not currently recognising Motherwell Transport Interchange as a funding priority, SPT has pledged to do more work to develop the proposals and seek support from Partners to identify the necessary funding.
Councillor Watson added: “SPT has a strong track record of delivering large scale strategic projects like Motherwell Interchange. We will continue to work with Transport Scotland, Network Rail and other interested parties to convince them to advance these proposals. I’m sure we can deliver a fantastic integrated transport solution at the heart of Motherwell which will bring big benefits to the area.”
ends
Notes to Editors
1) In 2002, SPT appointed Atkins to undertake a study of interchange solutions across Strathclyde. Motherwell Interchange was identified as strategically important due to its key position in the rail network and the potential to radically improve the transport infrastructure within the town centre and as a gateway to Scotland.
2) Since then, SPT has commissioned a series of studies, including a Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) part 1 and 2 to develop Motherwell Transport Interchange and also to look at a Park and Ride facility. Following various stakeholder meetings with Transport Scotland, North Lanarkshire Council, Network Rail, First ScotRail, resident groups and business organisations, transport planning objectives were agreed. They range from improving the ease of interchange between rail and other modes to open up employment, travel and leisure opportunities, to improving the public and staff facilities within the Motherwell Transport Interchange building.
3) The construction cost of the recommended three part development proposal is estimated between £25 and £41 million. SPT’s preferred solution contains:
(a) New Motherwell Town Centre Ring Road including:
- A new rail bridge between Farm Street and Muir Street.
- A new rail bridge realigning West Hamilton Street to the west with a traffic signal junction at High Road/Hamilton Raod/West Hamilton Street.
- And, Muir Street traffic management proposals.
(b) A new Motherwell rail station building and forecourt layout including:
- A new rail station building at Motherwell Rail Station in place of the existing building which will meet DDA and revenue protection requirements.
- A new forecourt with drop off facility, disabled parking spaces and a taxi rank.
- A four-bay bus stop lay-by with a continuous sheltered walkway and traffic calming measures.
(c) 500 Space Multi-Storey Park-and-Ride Car Park.
- Following a demand-forecasting model, a site capable of accommodating 500 car park spaces with a building up to five-storeys near to the Heritage Centre was proposed. There is potential to develop that further as a ‘Parkway’-type station for Anglo/Scottish rail services.