We have completed the tendering process to appoint specialist consultants to support the first stage of business case work for the proposed extension of the Borders Railway to Hawick and Carlisle.
Following an evaluation process that has taken place over the past few weeks, we can confirm that the consultancy group WSP has been successful in winning the two packages of work that were recently advertised.
This work includes:
- A transport appraisal which will help us to develop a shortlist for a preferred option for the corridor and some high-level associated feasibility work; and
- A growth prospectus which will look at other economic related opportunities in the area that will help to develop the strongest case possible.
This work will contribute to the first stage of the business case process, the Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC). This is the first of three stages which will help to evaluate the potential benefits of developing better transport provision in Southern Scotland and Northern England.
The SOBC work will take approximately 18 months to complete and is funded by both the UK and Scottish Governments through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders
“This appointment marks another important step forward in the work to develop the case for extending the Borders Railway. The support from WSP will help ensure the Strategic Outline Business Case is thorough, evidence-led and focused on the long-term benefits for communities and economic growth across the region.”
Jake Cartmell, Project Director at WSP
“We’re pleased to be supporting Scottish Borders Council on this important next stage of work to explore future transport enhancements in the corridor between Tweedbank and Carlisle, including the potential extension of the Borders Railway.
“Our focus will be on providing robust, evidence-led advice to help inform the Strategic Outline Business Case, considering the transport, environmental and economic factors that will shape the long-term case for investment. This is an important opportunity to look carefully at how improved connectivity could support communities, businesses and sustainable growth across the Borderlands region.”
For more information visit Borders Railway