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Application form
Please make sure you have read all the notes carefully before you start to fill in the application form. This application form can either be completed by hand or electronically - it is available on the Planning homepage at www.scotland.gov.uk/planning. Please complete all five sections. The deadline for submitting applications is 27 August 2008. An acknowledgement letter will be sent to the person who has completed this form.
1 Please provide a name and contact details of the lead organisation responsible for this work.
Name | Julie Hamilton |
Job title | Strategy and Support Manager |
Organisation | Clackmannanshire Council, Development and Environmental Services |
Address | Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB |
Telephone | 01259 452657 |
Fax | 01259 727453 |
Email | jhamilton@clacks.gov.uk |
2 If this is a joint application, please list the other partners who had a key role. You should also inform your partners that you are nominating the project for an award.
1 Transport Scotland | 2 Jacobs |
3 First Nuttall | 4 Network Rail |
5 First Scotrail | 6 EWS - Freight Train Operators |
3 Tick one nomination category
4 Title of entry | Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine Rail Line Re-opening |
Please complete the form on the following pages by providing a brief summary of the piece of work you have entered. You must also conclude with a key reason as to why you think this work merits an Award. Only the two A4 pages supplied here can be used and your text must fit within the boxes. The font size should be no less than 12pt.
The judging criteria are set out below. Please tick only the key criteria relevant to your entry:
You must describe how the project relates to the criteria which you have ticked.
Description of project
The project was the largest expansion of the railway network in Scotland for many decades and crossed over three Council areas. It involved re-opening of 21kms of abandoned and disused railway line between Stirling Station and Longannet Power Station to provide passenger services from Alloa and freight services to Longannet. A new station was built in Alloa, a number of level crossings were closed including Hilton Road and Grange Road in Alloa, a new Eastern Link Road crossing the railway was constructed and a new pedestrian bridge provided. The other major "first" was the first private Bill to be promoted through the Scottish Parliament to reopen a railway. |
Describe the background to the project
The Development Plan has sought, since 1980, to protect the rail line for potential re-opening. Initially focussing on a passenger rail link from Stirling to Alloa with potential for extension eastwards and related safeguarding, in 1999 the position was much clearer and the entire route was safeguarded through Clackmannanshire for a proposed passenger service from Stirling to Alloa and a freight service from Stirling through Alloa and Clackmannan eastwards. By March 2002, plans were being developed for the re-opening of the rail line and this was reflected in the text of the Development Plan. The Council introduced a Bill to the then Scottish Parliament for the re-opening of the rail line which received Royal Assent on 10th August 2004. Recent Plans have safeguarded station sites at Cambus/Alloa/Clackmannan. |
What are the aims and objectives of the project?
Reconnect Alloa to the rail network to assist economic and environmental regeneration of Clackmannanshire and provide improved access to education and labour markets. Provide a more efficient route for coal from the west of Scotland to Longannet avoiding the Forth Rail Bridge which allows modern large coal wagons to be used resulting in a reduction in the number of train journeys from 3,750 per annum to 2,300. Free up capacity on the Forth Rail Bridge for improved passenger services by removing coal trains. Reduce the number of lorries on the road delivering coal to Longannet. Improve flexibility on the central Scotland rail network by reducing congestion on the Edinburgh - Glasgow main line. |
Over what timescale has the project been developed?
2002 - Preliminary design and environmental assessment
2003 - Private Bill submitted to Parliament
2004 - Royal Assent to Bill received
2005 - Construction contract awarded
2008 - Open to traffic |
Explain the process and action taken
Since 1980, the Development Plan consistently safeguarded the rail line from development which could prejudice its re-opening, ensuring that the potential was always recognised and ultimately the project was able to proceed. Significant approaches beyond the previous traditional consultation methods were introduced to enhance public awareness/involvement. Objections to the rail line were received, but there were even more expressions of support. By the time the Clackmannanshire & Stirling Structure Plan was approved in March 2002, plans were being developed for the re-opening of the rail line and this was reflected in the Plan. With the Bill which the Council promoted receiving Royal Assent in August 2004, the project could finally commence. |
Explain the role of the key partners
Clackmannanshire Council "Promoters" of the Rail Bill and Employer of the commercial parties involved as well as part funders and approving authority of road infrastructure and station building. Transport Scotland - Major funders, Jacobs - Construction Project Managers, First Nuttall - Design and Build Contractors, Network Rail - Approving authority for rail infrastructure, First Scotrail - Passenger Train Operators, EWS - Freight Train Operators |
What results were achieved?
The railway opened to passenger services on 19th May and in the first 8 weeks has carried 74,000 passengers which is around four times the forecast level of usage. This has given added impetus to Council proposals for an additional station at Cambus, midway between Alloa and Stirling. Traffic congestion on the A907 between Alloa and Stirling has decreased, particularly in the morning peak hour. Freight services are scheduled to commence at the end of September when the benefits will become evident. The new station has been successfully integrated into the town centre with a new superstore adjacent as well as a new housing development. A new high quality walkway links the station with the town centre and the bus stance and the areas environment has been significantly enhanced. |
In summary, why does this piece of work merit an Award?
Clackmannanshire Council is the smallest mainland authority in Scotland but was determined that the railway would reopen. Railtrack were in administration and were not in a position to promote the project. Despite the route covering three Council areas Clackmannanshire Council took on the role and successfully promoted the first major rail Bill through the Scottish Parliament and followed that up by delivering the project on the ground. There has been very positive reaction to the high quality of the station building, surrounding public realm works and pedestrian linkages to the town centre, which the Council project managed, and businesses and the public have commented on a general raising of pride and confidence in the area since the day the project was announced through to completion. |
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