Appointment marks major milestone in station redevelopment

An important point has been reached in the circa £5 million redevelopment of Stirling station and adjacent area.

ScotRail has announced the appointment of Luddon Construction to carry out the work.

The work is due to begin in June 2022 and when finished, in April 2023, the project will provide safe pedestrian and cycle-friendly areas that deliver improved environments for sustainable transport choices.

The project is in line with the Scottish Government’s target of net zero emissions by 2045, with opportunities for walking, wheeling, and cycling for both active travel and recreation aligned with travel by public transport.

It also ties in with Stirling Council’s ‘Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling’ scheme, which aims to achieve an active travel culture that is sustainable and provides better accessibility for all users by walking, cycling, and wheeling.

Funding is being provided by the Scottish Government, delivered through Sustrans, and Stirling Council. Network Rail Scotland and Serco Group have also contributed to the funding.

The design includes:

• The creation of a Cyclepoint with 150 additional cycle parking spaces and a small maintenance area. This will also enhance the ebike offering on the station forecourt, which is already very popular.
• Improvements to the setting of the station by creating a pedestrianised plaza.
• Refurbishment of the station entrance canopy.
• Improved customer waiting facilities on platforms 2 and 3 and new public toilets.
• Pedestrianisation of the current station forecourt, replacing the roundabout on Goosecroft Road with a T-junction and a new car park entrance created from Burghmuir Road.
• Existing bridge top deck waterproofing works in advance of the forecourt works.
• Taxis being relocated out with the station area to the city centre, also managed by Stirling Council.

Benefits to customers and the local area will include a reduction of traffic in front of the station and improved active travel links to the city centre and wider Stirling area, such as the University campus, through proposed new cycle routes.

These active travel links will encourage pedestrians and cyclists to travel by train and the project will build on the City Centre streetscape improvements previously delivered by Stirling Council.

And there will be improved safety with the removal of taxis and general traffic around the station entrance area with better customer facilities in the station building to enhance the experience for passengers.

David Lister, ScotRail safety, engineering & sustainability director, said: “The appointment of Luddon Construction is a key milestone in the project to redevelop Stirling station and the area around it.

“Once completed, the work will make a hugely positive contribution to providing safe pedestrian and cycle friendly areas.

“It will also help promote train travel as we continue with our commitment to delivering better environments for sustainable transport options.”

Transport minister, Jenny Gilruth MSP, said: “I’m pleased the construction contract has now been awarded for the redevelopment of Stirling Station which will allow this remarkable project to get underway.

“We have provided substantial funding for this scheme so the people of Stirling and surrounding areas can benefit from better active travel links, a new and improved facility including additional cycle parking, pedestrianised plaza, upgraded customer waiting area and much more.

“I look forward to seeing this station project develop in the coming months.”

Michael Melton, Sustrans Scotland grant manager, said: “The Stirling Station Gateway will be a truly transformative project, creating a more people-focused entrance to the station.

“There will be additional planting with integrated seating, improvements to the junction to reduce the number of crossings as well as larger undercover cycle storage facilities.

“Stirling Station Gateway will also be the missing link to the city centre for the new cycleway being developed by Sustrans and Stirling Council in the ‘Walk Cycle Live Stirling’ project with construction due to start shortly.

“All of this will make meeting family and friends and using the train station more comfortable and convenient for active travellers.“

Allan Randall, Luddon Construction joint managing director, said: “We are delighted to be appointed on this Stirling Station Gateway project and to continue our working relationship with ScotRail.

“Our focus is on creating an enhanced space for pedestrians and cyclists and an improved environment for sustainable transport options.

“With over 45 years of experience undertaking similar projects in a challenging environment, our team will deliver the works whilst maintaining a fully operational station.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the local supply chain to deliver this key project in the redevelopment of Stirling Station.”

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