Winchburgh railway station

The meeting noted the council's recent decision to assume the role of Co-promoter for the project jointly with Winchburgh Developments Ltd, the main developer for the area. The developer is now working with Network Rail on the design work required to develop a Business Case, which is required to apply for funding for the station. The expectation is that the Business Case will be submitted to the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal to apply for funding via its Strategic Sites Investment Programme, or through an application to any other public funding source which may be identified within the work of the project Steering Group.

Lawrence Fitzpatrick, Leader of West Lothian Council said: "It is very encouraging to see the work which has been undertaken to date on this important project. The benefits of a railway station in this town will be significant in terms of increased access to employment, education and leisure, as well as the decongestion benefits and carbon emission reductions. The joint working between these organisations has been extremely productive and will ensure that progress is made as quickly as possible on delivering a railway station for the people of Winchburgh". 

John Hamilton, Chief Executive of Winchburgh Developments Ltd, added: "We are delighted that the council has accepted the role of Co-promoter on this project. This is a very positive step forward for the delivery of the railway station, which has always been included as part of the masterplan for the Winchburgh Core Development Area."

Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie MSP said: "The Scottish Government welcomes the decision by West Lothian Council's Executive Committee to co-promote the station proposal with Winchburgh Developments Limited. This decision is evidence of the progress being made through the collaborative efforts of the Station Steering Group members andTransport Scotland, in its advisory capacity, shall continue to share its considerable experience in developing plans for new rail infrastructure".

Background:

A move aimed at helping to deliver a new railway station in Winchburgh was given the green light last month.

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.

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.

Last month: council agreed to 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.