“It is good to see progress being reported on Winchburgh Rail Station from the Stakeholder Group which I helped to set up at the local MSP.
“A route to additional funding has been identified, as I suggested, through the City Region Deal and design and location plans are ready to be submitted for planning permission.
“This has been possible due to constructive co-operation between Winchburgh Developers Ltd and Network Rail and this news is an important step forward.
“There is still more to do to deliver the Winchburgh Rail Station, and I look forward to meeting Winchburgh Developers later in June.”
ENDS
Notes
Joint Statement: Progress Continues on Winchburgh Rail Station
A meeting of the Winchburgh Station Steering Group, involving West Lothian Council, Winchburgh Developments Ltd, Transport Scotland, ScotRail and Network Rail, was held on Wednesday 28 May to review progress on the proposed new railway station for Winchburgh.
The Steering Group noted a number of key milestones now achieved. Network Rail submitted a full planning application to West Lothian Council on Friday 30 May, on joint behalf of Winchburgh Developments Ltd and Network Rail. The council has indicated that the application will be determined within a target of eight weeks of submission. In parallel, WDL’s transport consultants have prepared a draft outline business case, which is dueto be submitted to Transport Scotland for review imminently. This will support the forthcoming funding application to the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, with further funding routes also under active consideration.
The station design is now complete to planning stage, with construction cost estimates prepared and benchmarked against comparable projects. Further work continues to explore opportunities for innovative construction techniques to support efficient and low-disruption delivery.
A stakeholder meeting with Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP, is scheduled to take place in Winchburgh on 18 June. This will offer the minister the opportunity to see first-hand the progress made by the project partners.
Lawrence Fitzpatrick, Leader of West Lothian Council, said: “It’s extremely encouraging to see this project continuing to move forward at pace. With the planning application submitted and business case prepared, we’re entering an important phase, which reflects the positive collaboration between all parties. The station will bring lasting benefits to Winchburgh and surrounding communities – increasing sustainable travel options, supporting the local economy and connecting people to opportunities.”
John Hamilton, Chief Executive of Winchburgh Developments Ltd, added: “We are pleased to see momentum building behind this vital infrastructure. The work carried out to date reflects a strong and effective partnership across the Steering Group. This station will be a key piece of infrastructure, improving daily journeys and unlocking economic opportunities for Winchburgh and the wider Edinburgh/Southeast Scotland City Region. We are committed to continuing to work together to deliver a station that not only connects people but also supports jobs, investment, and the long-term growth of the community.’