Winchburgh Railway Station: an update

At the most recent full council meeting, it was revealed that the although the steering group for the Winchburgh railway station has now been reconvened, many crucial aspects of the project have not yet been completed.

In fact, it turns out that there is no complete design spec, no complete business plan, and no agreed ‘promoter’ for the project – the promoter being the body that will drive the project forward.

West Lothian Councillors had been under the impression that this work was completed and had been for many years.

It was also confirmed that the Scottish Government won’t contribute to the project financially, and nor will Transport Scotland. Transport Scotland have also categorically refused to act as the promoter.

Winchburgh Development Ltd have agreed to provide infrastructure such as a car park and park & ride facility in kind.

The best estimate for the project – including design and build – is between £12-18million.

A reminder that back in 2012, West Lothian Council applied to include funds for a railway station for Winchburgh as part of the Section 75 planning obligations for the new development. This application was refused by Transport Scotland.

There is the potential to apply for money from the City Region Deal, but in order to make an application, there needs to be a complete design spec, a complete business plan, and of course a promoter.

This vital public transport project is now under real threat of not happening at all – Winchburgh Development Ltd have a finite number of years left in operation, when the second phase of building is complete, their work will essentially be done. Without their active involvement, it is unlikely that this project, which would alleviate so much pressure on our roads and help us push on towards Net Zero, will happen at all.

Councillors, including Lib Dem Councillor Sally Pattle, are continuing to press for urgent action to get this project off the drawing board and back on the rails.