Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure South

The project

Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure South (RAIS), as part of our City Deal Programme, critically supports the regeneration of Ravenscraig. The infrastructure works create the road and public transport network required to support the development of a further 3,300 homes (in addition to the 900 already completed or under construction/approved) alongside over 160,000 square metres of civic/community, office, retail, and employment development.

The project will be delivered in two phases:

• Phase 1 – Windmillhill St to Ravenscraig
• Phase 2 – Airbles Rd Improvement

What's happening now?

In November 2025, we undertook consultation on an updated design for the Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure South (RAIS) project. This offered members of the public an opportunity to provide feedback on the revised design proposals.  A summary of the consultation feedback received as part of this consultation can be found below.

See what we propose to do

You can view the most recent designs for the project which were part of the consultation, at the link below. 

Previous engagement

We have engaged and consulted with the public and stakeholders as the designs for RAIS and related adjacent projects have been developed since the approval of the Ravenscraig Masterplan in 2018.

Public comments on earlier design proposals were first sought in 2021, ahead of planning permission for Phase 1 being granted in September 2022 and a Certificate of Lawfulness for Phase 2 in June 2022, which removed the need for a further planning application. Since then, we have continued to engage with individual residents and businesses on specific aspects of the scheme.

Engagement approach

The purpose of the consultation for the RAIS project was to inform the local community and stakeholders about the developing proposals and to gather feedback that would help shape the next stage of detailed design. The consultation was delivered online, supported by a letter drop to directly affected businesses and residents. Additionally, a dedicated phone line was set up for the public to call and leave survey feedback as an alternative to completing online, to enable widespread participation.

Survey structure

The consultation survey sought feedback on key aspects of the proposals, including the perceived benefits of each phase, potential community impacts, and any areas where respondents felt further consideration was required. The survey was promoted through our communication channels and remained open for the duration of the consultation period. 

Survey responses 

The consultation was active from 17 November 2025 to 14 December 2025 and asked people for their views on updated design proposals after a value engineering review. 

A total of 105 responses were received: 103 through the online survey, one submitted by a paper form, and one additional response was provided by email. A summary of the 103 online responses is provided below. 

Are you supportive of the revised proposals for Phase 1 - Windmillhill Street to Ravenscraig? 

Overall support for the Phase 1 proposals was high. Written comments highlighted some areas where respondents had a desire for refinement to ensure safe and effective operation. Concerns were raised by some respondents regarding the proposed concept cooling tower artwork and the potential for reduced roundabout visibility. Others highlighted the importance of ensuring safe traffic flows and active travel, whilst coordinating with wider road network improvements. 

Are you supportive of installing any concept art on the Windmillhill Street roundabout?

There was moderate support for a concept art installation on the roundabout, with respondents emphasising heritage and placemaking benefits, but some raising concerns about potential cost, maintenance and driver distraction. 

Are you supportive of the steel cooling towers concept art proposal for the Windmillhill Street roundabout?

Overall sentiment toward the cooling towers concept was mixed. While some feedback noted that the concept design reflected local industrial heritage, the prevailing concerns related to visibility, aesthetics, and anticipated cost and maintenance.

Would you like to see any changes made to the revised proposals?

Those seeking changes generally framed their responses around specific aspects of the proposals, reflecting a desire for minor changes rather than a lack of support for the scheme. Respondents who did not wish to see changes tended to express satisfaction with the revised proposals in principle and support for their progression. 

Common Themes on Phase 1

The following points outline the key recurring themes from the survey respondents. The concept art was the most frequently mentioned theme, followed by roundabout safety/visibility concerns and spending on maintenance of existing infrastructure.

Safety, Traffic Flow & Junctions

Some respondents expressed concerns that proposed changes could increase traffic in adjacent residential streets. 

Some respondents expressed strong concerns about the decision to keep Manse Road open to through traffic. There were concerns that this could encourage drivers to divert through the residential areas to avoid congestion on the main road network. Some highlighted that increased shortcutting could heighten safety risks for children, pedestrians, and pets, particularly given the road’s proximity to schools and local amenities. 

Speeding, Traffic Calming and Road Safety

Many respondents stressed the importance of improving overall road safety. Suggestions were made for traffic calming along Windmillhill Street and surrounding corridors, alongside requests for reduced speed limits to manage driver behaviour.

There were also concerns about how large vehicles (HGVs) navigate the new road layout. 

Concept Art and Roundabout Visibility

A recurring theme within the feedback related to the cooling tower inspired public art concept, with respondents noting that such structures could have the potential to affect driver sightlines and overall road safety.  

Some respondents suggested alternative approaches, including relocating the artwork within the Ravenscraig site, incorporating planting or landscaping, adopting lower‑profile sculptures, or selecting designs that reflect natural rather than industrial heritage.

Active Travel - Walking, Wheeling and Cycling

Feedback on active travel was wide-ranging, with respondents expressing both strong support and some reservations. Many respondents welcomed the ambition to improve safety and provide more coherent routes for walking, cycling and wheeling. Some questioned whether the proposed infrastructure would be fully effective without addressing broader network constraints.

Several respondents highlighted the need for safer, better segregated routes, particularly where busy roads, gradients, or turning movements currently create conflict between modes of travel. Supportive comments emphasised the benefits of clearer separation and continuous provision.

Some respondents also stressed the importance of better linkages across Ravenscraig, seeking clearer, more direct active travel routes connecting parks, colleges, service roads and the wider walking/cycling network.

Some respondents were concerned that proposed changes might not function as intended. Several questioned the practicality of delivering continuous, safe active travel routes in the context of current road layouts and large traffic flows. 

Network Connectivity and Access

Some respondents raised concerns about connectivity around Orbiston Street and Enterprise Way. Some felt that restricting traffic on Orbiston Street could have potential to affect local business access, and others emphasised the need to deliver the Enterprise Way link alongside the new dual carriageway to prevent additional congestion on already busy routes.

Are you supportive of the revised proposals for Phase 2 – Airbles Road Improvements?

Overall support for the Phase 2 proposals is high. Supportive respondents tended to link their “Yes” to the expectation of improved flow on a constrained corridor and the need to improve a busy section of Airbles Road. Those who were less supportive focused mainly on concerns about the number and spacing of new signalised junctions, and how these changes might affect traffic on a steep and busy HGV route. Others highlighted concerns such as increased noise, vegetation loss, and the practicality of delivering safe active travel connections. 

Would you like to see any changes made to the revised proposals?

Most respondents didn’t want any further changes made to the revised proposals for Phase 2 - Airbles Road improvements. Additional feedback from respondents is summarised below.  

Common Themes on Phase 2 

The following points outline the key recurring themes from the survey respondents.

Junction Strategy and Design

A common theme across the submissions was concern about how the revised proposals manage movement through key junctions at Tinkers Lane, Greenacres, Hamilton Road and Airbles Farm Road. Some respondents felt the number and proximity of signalised junctions could restrict traffic flow, create queues on steep gradients, and could worsen peak time congestion. 

Some respondents raised concerns about turning movements at minor junctions, suggesting left only layouts or limiting right turns, to reduce conflict and improve flow.

Some respondents preferred the earlier concept with one signalised junction (Airbles Farm Rd) rather than multiple new traffic signals.

Active Travel - Walking, Wheeling and Cycling

Feedback on active travel provision was wide ranging, with supportive comments and some concerns raised. Most emphasised the need for high quality, continuous routes for walking and cycling, especially for connections to Strathclyde Park, Ravenscraig and local neighbourhoods. Supporters emphasised the health benefits of providing safer, segregated cycling infrastructure, while others expressed concern about whether the proposed designs offered consistent separation and whether gradients or traffic volumes might limit their use.

Environmental, Noise and Amenity Impacts

Some respondents raised concerns about environmental and residential amenity impacts.  Some respondents were worried about the removal of trees and vegetation behind properties, citing the presence of wildlife, a loss of visual screening, and reduced neighbourhood character. 

Noise and vibration were also sometimes referenced. Some respondents highlighted that additional traffic signals, especially on steep gradients used by HGVs, could increase engine noise, idling emissions and disturbance for homes along Airbles Road. Some respondents referenced noise barriers or alternative layouts to minimise stop‑start conditions.

Traffic Speeds, Safety and Enforcement

Some respondents raised concerns about the speed of vehicles currently using Airbles Road. There were concerns that the widened road may encourage higher speeds. Suggestions included clearer signage and traffic calming.

Broader Concerns

Some respondents provided broader reflections on the scheme. Some were supportive, describing the proposals as much needed to ease congestion. Some had concerns about value for money, environmental trade‑offs, and whether the plans were too vehicle‑focused.

Some respondents commented that the proposals may not provide the long‑term benefits intended. 

Next steps 

We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to provide feedback during this consultation period. All feedback will be used to inform the further design development of the scheme. 

Phase 1: Windmillhill Street to Ravenscraig

• The detailed design of Phase 1 has started and will be complete by December 2026. As we progress the design, there will be further engagement with residents and businesses that are directly impacted by the scheme.
• The new road will require some changes to traffic operations on adjacent streets. This will involve the promotion of new Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO’s), which will be developed during the detailed design and subject to a separate public consultation.
• To minimise the risk of delays and disruption ahead of the main construction works, we are presently undertaking some enabling works. These include utility diversions, drainage improvements and ground stabilisation works. It is expected that the enabling works will continue into early 2027.
• The main construction works are expected to commence in summer 2027 and take around 12 months to complete.

Phase 2: Airbles Road Improvements

• The detailed design of Phase 2 is expected to commence in summer 2026 and be complete in early 2027. As we progress the design, there will be further engagement with residents and businesses that are directly impacted by the scheme.
• The new road layout will require some changes to traffic operations on adjacent streets. This will involve the promotion of new Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO’s), which will be developed during the detailed design and subject to a separate public consultation.
• To minimise the risk of delays and disruption ahead of the main construction works, we are about to commence the planning and design of some enabling works on Airbles Road between Greenacres and Hamilton Road. These will include utility diversions, drainage improvements, and some limited road and footway widening on Airbles Road between Greenacres and Hamilton Road.
• It is expected that the initial phase of enabling works will commence in late 2026 and continue into early 2027.
• The main construction works are expected to commence in summer 2028 and take around 9 months to complete.

Future updates

Further updates will be provided as the scheme progresses.