| First ScotRail and Forward Scotland, with the support of the Railway Heritage Trust, have appointed Gaia Architects, of Edinburgh, to conduct a three-month feasibility study into the possible conversion of vacant accommodation at Arbroath station into a new home for the Angus Transport Forum and other groups within the Arbroath community.
Local organisations and residents are being invited to attend an open day at the station on Wednesday, March 5, between 7am and 9pm.
Gaia, Forward Scotland and Angus Transport Forum will be available to discuss issues and also establish what the local community would like to see to maximise the use of vacant rooms and facilities.
Those attending will be able to see the rooms that can potentially be redeveloped. The main object of the study is to improve the experience for those people using the station, and at the same time maximise the site’s ability to promote Arbroath and its heritage.
Brian Masson, projects manager with Angus Transport Forum, explained that the opportunity to consider the project started over a year ago.
“Meetings have taken place over the past twelve months with Railway Heritage Trust and ScotRail,” he said.
“This resulted in Forward Scotland commissioning a feasibility study to fully examine all the options. With regard to Angus Transport Forum, we have been looking for a ‘public’ office to aid the promotion of the organisation’s work and research.
“The station is the ideal location given its close proximity to the bus station and taxi ranks.”
John Yellowlees, First ScotRail external relations manager, added, “Our Adopt a Station scheme seeks to put stations at the heart of their communities, by encouraging local individuals or groups to put forward proposals on uses for vacant accommodation, or through the introduction of floral displays, beds and planters.
“We look forward to the study coming up with exciting, vibrant ideas for housing the Angus Transport Forum and other community activities at the station.”
Keith Anderson, chairman of Forward Scotland, commented, “We are delighted to be involved in this exciting collaboration, which can transform unused buildings into hubs for community facilities and services.”
Jim Cornell, executive director of the Railway Heritage Trust, stated that the project would fulfil one of the trust’s key objectives by conserving an important building through regeneration. |
