Work begins on ‘new vision’ for Edinburgh Waverley

Network Rail is working to improve the long-term future of Edinburgh Waverley.

It has appointed Arup to shape a masterplan for the station, which is Scotland’s second busiest.

A partnership between NR and City of Edinburgh Council is leading the plans, which will take shape over the next 12 months. Future growth, urban planning trends and enhancing the station to encourage further growth will all be considered, with short, medium and long-term objectives due to be assessed.

Arup will use expertise from architects, real estate experts, cost consultants, heritage professionals and consultation specialists.

Work begins in the autumn, with the aim of publishing recommendations in mid-2019. These will then be used to establish a vision for the station’s future.

ScotRail Alliance Managing Director Alex Hynes said: “Waverley has seen its footfall more than double from 10 million to over 24 million within the last ten years and estimates suggest that it will almost double again, to 40 million, by 2024. Such a steep increase is a positive indicator of the railway’s economic influence on the city and a clear sign that further investment will be required.”