This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Plans for development at Haymarket
21/01/2005
A £750,000 feasibility study examining the potential of
Haymarket Station in Edinburgh as a major transport hub
linking train, tram and bus services, was announced
today.
Transport Minister Nicol Stephen provided the funding
for City of Edinburgh Council to look at options for
improving facilities and linking up public transport
choices at the station as part of an integrated transport
system.
Haymarket Station is currently the third most used
station in Scotland. It is a key element in the upgrade of
Waverley station, the Edinburgh Trams project and the
Edinburgh Airport rail link creating an important transport
interchange.
Mr Stephen said:
"Haymarket station already plays a vital role for those
travelling to the West of the city. It also has the
potential to be a major hub linking train, tram and bus
services.
"This funding of £750,000 will allow City of Edinburgh
Council to look at the options for redeveloping the station
to ensure it meets the needs of those who use it and to
encourage more people to use public transport.
"The upgrading of Waverley Station will also focus
attention on Haymarket as it will have to cope with more
passengers. This makes it even more vital that we get
moving with this work."
An estimated 450 trains per day use Haymarket Station.
Many people interchange there with bus services serving a
wide catchment in West Edinburgh.
The purpose of the two year feasibility study is to
design a public space at Haymarket which allows for the
creation of an efficient and attractive transport
interchange.
The study will be led by City of Edinburgh Council and
tie, First Scotrail, Network Rail and the Strategic Rail
Authority will all be involved.
The study will include a robust analysis of the existing
and expected problems; identified opportunities for
improved interchange; analyse the costs, benefits and risks
of the various options and identify potential funding
sources, including potential contributions from any
associated property redevelopment.
The UK Railways Bill devolves additional
responsibilities for railways in Scotland to the Scottish
Ministers.
This includes powers to determine Scottish railway
strategies; to let, monitor and manage the Scotrail
franchise; and to specify rail infrastructure needs in
Scotland.
The Bill is currently before the Westminster Parliament
and the Scottish Parliament will shortly begin to debate
the associated Sewel Motion.