Integrated waterfront

the scheme:

• East Pier EventSpace: Explore using available powers to take the East Pier into community ownership. Launch a design competition to revitalise the space to create a promenade, piazza and open space for walking, cycling, learn-to-cycle park, circular routes and paths, events space for the Oyster Festival, the Shows (visiting fair), an iconic beacon sculpture and green pockets.

• Lorry parks: Work with Stena on their plans to site proposed lorry parks on the pier and move them to the industrial estate or periphery. This would avoid bringing 70-80 vehicles into town daily with harmful environmental impact, limited economic benefit and a clash with the new Kirkpatrick Coast to Coast Cycle Route. This route projects that Stranraer, as it’s kick-off point, might welcome up to 400 cyclists daily. We want to avoid them crossing their path with lorry traffic on an already busy route with no cycle path.

• Station: flip the shame of the station to be a visitor attraction: showcase Scotland’s oldest signal box currently protected but hidden from view at the end of the pier, creating a railway enthusiasts visitor attraction, with occasional steam trains tooting all the way down the track. Otherwise explore the cost-benefit of moving the station/platform towards the town end of the Pier at Port Rodie or revive the old station at Station Street, aligning with the new Transport Hub.

• Transport Hub: create a safe hub for rail, bus, car, cycle, pedestrians with timetables, public information, water point, charging points for phones, bikes and cars. Embrace the opportunity to be the starting point of the new Coast to Coast Cycle Route - a muchcoveted pole position. Factor into transport review the projection of 70,000 cyclists - 400 a day in the high season - setting off on the 250 mile Coast to Coast Kirkpatrick Cycle Route to Eyemouth, launching June 2023. Align to Active Travel strategy and Transport Review. Keep our ‘Green’ value in check.

• Welcome: design arrival, wayfinding routes and digital visitor information from Transport Hub to Enterprise Zone, One Waterfront, Uptown and Sanctuary. Considering new visitors attracted by the town’s new Quarters offer and the thousands of cyclists attracted by the Cycle Route, ensure the infrastructure supports and directs their stay, with spending in the town before setting off, staying in hotels, B&Bs and The George bunkhouse.