A new transport hub at Muir Street, Motherwell is open and providing improved facilities for residents, visitors and businesses.
It includes a new access road and path between Hamilton Road and the railway station, with a rank for eight taxis, parking for blue badge holders, and drop off spaces.
An expanded bus stop next to station has space for four buses, and real time information signs will be installed soon. Cycle parking is also available.
The transport hub project has been funded by the council, through the Glasgow City Region City Deal and complements significant investment by Transport Scotland, SPT, and ScotRail in redeveloping Motherwell Rail Station.
Councillor Paul Kelly, Deputy Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “The new transport hub is a key development for Motherwell town centre and surrounding communities, making it easier to travel across North Lanarkshire and beyond for work and leisure. It creates strong connections between public transport, walking and cycling and will be the centre of an increasing network of active travel links.
“With £2 million of funding from the council and Glasgow City Region City Deal, we have delivered practical improvements which will benefit residents, commuters, businesses and visitors.”
The station and transport hub was formally opened by Scottish Government Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop on 20 June.
Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “This £20 million Scottish Government investment in Motherwell Station and support for Muir Street through the Glasgow City Region City Deal is a great example of how partners can work together to deliver vastly improved transport hubs that truly encourage seamless and integrated end-end journeys.
“Muir Street is a better gateway to, and key part of, the regeneration of Motherwell town centre.
“Through these improved links we will encourage more people out of their cars onto public transport and active travel means to get to and from Motherwell. This will open-up more opportunities to access educations, business and leisure.
“It is our commitment to transformational projects such as this that will help deliver our ambitious Net Zero targets.”
UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said: "This new transport hub will greatly improve the experience of residents, visitors and commuters travelling to and from Motherwell town centre.
"This is one element of a broader package of City Deal funded transport improvements spanning from the M74 to the M80, bringing new jobs and further investment to North Lanarkshire.
"The UK Government is investing £500 million in upgraded infrastructure throughout the Glasgow City Region, part of our £2.3 billion support for levelling up across Scotland."
The work in Muir Street was co-ordinated with Scotrail redevelopment of Motherwell railway station which includes an expanded new station concourse and enhanced forecourt with improved ticket retailing facilities and enhanced retail environment with food and drink offering. Customer waiting facilities at platform level have also been refurbished.
Project contractor Balfour Beatty have delivered significant support to local organisations through the community benefits element of the contract.
Staff provided career advice and training to pupils at Dalziel and Our Lady’s High Schools, including an environmental garden project and a week-long work experience opportunity both of which allowed pupils to complete bronze industrial cadet award.
The company held a Meet the Buyer event for the local supply chain companies and supported Windmills Lanarkshire Ltd, a local social enterprise that supports young people.
Five community groups also benefitted:
- Craigneuk Tenants and Residents Association received a donation of £1,000 of supermarket vouchers;
- FAMS (Families Affected by Murder and Suicide) were supported to create a tranquil reception area and small garden for service users;
- volunteers from Balfour Beatty provided and installed a new shed for an outdoor community space at the Health and Wellness Hub;
- new benches were supplied and installed at Welfare Park for Newarthill Community Council; and
- new benches and paving slabs were supplied at installed at Dalziel St Andrews Parish Church in Bellshill.
As part of the contract, ScotRail also held a site visit and careers event at the station and participated in the Primary Engineer programme which provides training for primary school teachers to deliver railway engineering type projects with their pupils. ScotRail worked with Alexander Peden Primary School in Harthill to run a one-day practical CPD course as well as providing tools and consumable to deliver projects in the classroom and access to online resources.
“The community benefits delivered by Balfour Beatty and Scotrail have made a real difference to local communities,” Councillor Paul Kelly said.
“They offered an insight into career opportunities for young people, supported local businesses, and given practical help to community groups who support vulnerable people in our neighbourhoods.”