Work is continuing to explore the potential extension of the Borders Railway to Hawick and Carlisle.
Working with project manager, Turner & Townsend, we have been engaging with key partners, including Transport Scotland and the Department for Transport to agree the next steps in developing the Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC). This is the first stage in the business case process and is designed to assess the transport options and potential benefits that would best serve this part of the South of Scotland and Northern England.
Constructive feedback has now been received from both governments, confirming support for the overall approach and allowing the Council to progress to the next phase of work. This will include testing interest from specialist consultants to help shape the development of the SOBC in line with national guidance and best practice.
This work will also provide opportunities to engage with local partners, stakeholders, and communities to help shape the work as it develops.
Any future procurement activity will take place in line with agreed governance processes and in close coordination with funding partners. Further updates will be provided as this work progresses.
The Borders Railway extension project is being supported through funding from the UK and Scottish governments via the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
We will provide future public communications on the progress of the Borders Railway Business Case process on a new webpage on the Scottish Borders Council website, including outlining the expected timescales for the work. Details on the new webpage will be provided in due course.