West Edinburgh is the principal gateway to Scotland’s capital city.
Within easy reach of central Edinburgh, the western outskirts already serve as a base for a number of international brands and global headquarters for the Royal Bank of Scotland, providing hundreds of jobs. Edinburgh Airport – the country’s largest airport by passenger volume, and growing – is within the area’s boundaries.
The region has been earmarked for substantial expansion, with the west Edinburgh planning framework setting out a long-term vision – to 2020 and beyond – for the A8 transport corridor.
Halcrow assessed the effect future growth might have on the existing transport network and identified alternative travel options to serve the area. Using comprehensive modelling techniques we were able to show these outcomes in detail, supported by an evidential base. The end result was a formal transport appraisal to support the development.
The development strategy is premised on providing sustainable travel and access options. Halcrow set modal share targets and produced a core sustainability package to achieve these goals. As well as general themes such as safety, integration and environmental impact, the appraisal considers area-specific issues. These include delivering development without adversely affecting the local transport network and enhancing the airport’s effective operation and transport links.
The western development is managed by a multi-partner project board and part of the success of this project hinged on our ability to engage with a number of parties. We worked closely with the project board to ensure all objectives were clearly defined from the outset. This engagement meant all members of the diverse group had a strong sense of ownership as the project evolved.
A wide range of stakeholders also had to be kept informed and involved at different stages. Stakeholders’ input and opinions informed and helped to shape the study, resulting in positive feedback for Halcrow on our inclusive approach.