15 August 2008
Covered walkway for ferry passengers
Passengers travelling by rail to and from the Arran ferry mainland port of Ardrossan can look forward to improved weather protection this winter.
SPT members have approved a £65,000 grant – half of the £130,000 required – towards building a covered walkway linking the rail station and ferry passenger terminal.
The other partners in this project are harbour owner Clydeport Ltd and North Ayrshire Council.
They are contributing £40,000 and £25,000 respectively to improve the transport interchange facilities at Ardrossan.
Clydeport Ltd will be responsible for managing the construction of the new walkway.
With about 70,000 passengers each year arriving by train to catch the ferry to Brodick on the Isle of Arran, the walk from the station platform to the ferry passenger terminal can be a challenge if the weather is bad.
The walkway construction will be 115m long, steel framed with a curved roof. It will be glazed with 10mm safety glass, on the side of the prevailing wind with lighting installed throughout its entire length.
SPT Chair Alistair Watson said: "Until now, rail passengers heading for the Arran ferry have had to contend with exposure to the elements and their complaints have been registered with us by the local councillor.
"We’ve listened to their concerns and I’m pleased that we’ve come up with a solution to the problem by working in partnership with Clydeport Ltd and North Ayrshire Council.
"The covered walkway will benefit island residents making short trips to the mainland with onward rail connections.
"It’s also important to support the island’s tourism industry. If we‘re to help this grow, then investing in transport infrastructure at the ferry port is vital."
Margaret MacKay, Managing Director of Clydeport Operations, said: "We’re delighted to be able to provide this much needed covered walkway for passengers.
"It’s been made possible through our three organisations working in partnership and as project managers, we’re keen to get on with the building work as soon as possible."
Margie Currie, North Ayrshire councillor for the Isle of Arran and member of the Clyde Ferry User Group, said: "I am not only pleased, but relieved that the covered walkway now looks like a reality.
"Ardrossan Harbour is exposed and has lacked any form of weather protection, all the more noticeable since the terminal building with its appropriate facilities was built.
"I am indebted to SPT and Clydeport for supporting North Ayrshire Council by funding this much needed shelter."