Linlithgow MSP, Fiona Hyslop, invited the Scottish Transport Secretary, Michael Matheson, to visit the new Winchburgh Development.
There she heard from Transport Scotland, Scottish Canals, Scotrail Alliance, Sustrans, First Bus, Winchburgh Community Council, Winchburgh Community Development Trust and West Lothian Council.
Mr Matheson was taken on a site tour around the development by John Hamilton, CEO of Winchburgh Developments Limited and Sweco the transportation engineers working on this project, prior to meeting with the various transport organisations. The development, once completed, will include a new four-way motorway junction on the M9, a marina on Union Canal, and a new railway station.
Fiona Hyslop said: “Following the tour of the proposed transport site, the transport organisations gave a presentation to Mr Matheson and a discussion took place with particular emphasis on the potential of this significant development.
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“The Winchburgh Development in West Lothian is one of the biggest in Scotland. As well as increasing transport links and housing, this development will bring more jobs to the area, unlocking economic opportunities and growth.”
John Hamilton, CEO, Winchburgh Developments Limited added: “The M9 junction will attract potential investors by opening up prime land for business and retail use, while the brand-new canal marina will provide a range of leisure activities for both locals and visitors to the town, as well as providing a link between the new town centre and Daisy Park.
“Discussions are also ongoing with Network Rail on delivery of a new train station for the town, which forms part of the wider planning permission in principle.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson, said: “This is an exciting development and it has been very interesting to hear how improved transport links can support the ambitions of the community in Winchburgh.”
Engineering, environmental and design consultancy Sweco has delivered a range of multi-disciplinary services for the project including core infrastructure design, transport planning, flood risk management and construction management.
Alastair Lewis, technical director at Sweco, said: “Winchburgh is one of the most significant housing growth projects in Scotland, delivering 3450 new homes, new schools, a new marina, a 75-acre district park and 35 acres of employment land. Creating efficient and sustainable infrastructure for the development will be key to its future success.”
