A new railway station in Winchburgh could be given the green light

In brief:

• A new railway station is included within the original masterplan for the Winchburgh Core Development Area. However, there has never been an agreed funding source to pay for the train station
• Funding remains to be secured for this project, but a potential funding solution has been identified
• In an effort to move the delivery of a new railway station forward, Winchburgh Developments Ltd (WDL), the lead developer of the Winchburgh expansion scheme, has agreed, in principle, to adopt the role of Promoter. Any significant public infrastructure project in Scotland requires a Promoter. A promoter does not have to be the funder of the project - but is accountable for the project budget. The Promoter of the project has a role in ensuring that the project remains on track including overseeing the project budget. WDL has a responsibility to deliver much of the infrastructure required to support the expansion of the settlement and own the land around the location of the station and as such are well placed to adopt the role of Promoter.

Latest:

• WDL has invited West Lothian Council to be Co-Promoter with them - with the council's main role to oversee a funding application to the City Region Deal or to any other public funding source which may be identified through the work of a project Steering Group - which has been set up to oversee progress with delivery of the station. The Steering Group includes, Transport Scotland, National Rail, Edinburgh & South East Scotland City Region Deal, WDL and West Lothian Council along with others
•  A report by the council's Head of Planning, Economic Development and Regeneration sets out the details and recommends that councillors agree (next week) to proposals that the council should adopt the Co-Promoter role for a limited period up to the point that a funding bid or bids covering the cost of the station have been submitted
• All stakeholders have confirmed their commitment to the railway station project for Winchburgh. The report is being discussed at next week's Council Executive and we will provide an update then. The committee papers are on the council's website if you want to find out more