Clyde Gateway - Rutherglen Station Access and Environment Study by GCV Green Network Partnership

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy August 2008

Gillespies

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy August 2008

Gillespies

Contents

Executive Summary

Page 1

Introduction

Analysis of the Wider Area

Analysis of the Immediate Vicinity

Development of Strategies

4. Improving Links within Rutherglen

5. Improving Links to Future Areas of Development

Conclusions /Prioritising

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Executive Summary This is one of four studies commissioned by Clyde Gateway URC and Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership for the Clyde Gateway area. Gillespies were commissioned to prepare proposals for the development and improvement of access routes to and from Rutherglen Railway Station. The purpose of such proposals is to identify streetscape improvements in order to encourage use of the railway station. The other studies are for environmental improvements to industrial areas (tgp landscape architects), for access to the River Clyde itself (Aedas) and for environmmental improvements to Bridgeton (Austin-Smith: Lord).

Chapter 3 is a linking chapter which explains how the conclusions of the site analysis were used to generate a set of strategies for improving access to the station, incorporating the feedback from a stakeholder workshop which was held at Rutherglen Town Hall on 3rd June 2008. Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 present a number of proposals including a description of the scope of the works, an estimate of likely costs and an evaluation of any legal or practical hindrances to be overcome in order for that proposal to become a reality. Chapter 4 contains proposals concerned with improving links between the station and existing areas of Rutherglen. Chapter 5 contains proposals to improve links between the railway station

Additionally, the study aims to promote the creation of more

and future areas of development north of the railway. These

positive links to new centres of employment at Shawfield and

proposals would be implemented in step with the progress of

Farme Cross, to the River Clyde and the wider Clyde Gateway

regeneration, but it would be good if the proposed links could

area. These areas are likely to see considerable regeneration

be established in anticipation of the Commonwealth Games.

both leading up to, and following on from the Commonwealth Games, which will take place in Glasgow in 2014. The building

Finally Chapter 6 evaluates and prioritises the proposals to

of the long awaited extension to the M74 will also have a major

provide the Clyde Gateway URC with a template for how to

impact. Construction work has already started on the motorway

proceed. The proposals are reviewed in the context of the

and the link is due to be completed in 2012.

results of the original analysis and cost -effective combinations of the proposals are suggested. The report recommends that

The combination of the Commonwealth Games and the M74

the following are pursued as a priority:

extension provides a unique opportunity to improve the links within and between communites, which have either failed to

a) public realm improvements to Castle Street , providing a

develop or disappeared. Communities need good links in order

clear, pedestrian friendly route from Rutherglen Main Street

to thrive.

to the Railway Station.

Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 present an analysis of the existing

b) a new bridge link over the railway line between Farme

situation, and the changes resulting from the construction of

Cross and Shawfield providing an access to the railway

the M74 extension, which will cross the station area on a bridge

Station from the north.

structure. Chapter 1 is an analysis of the station within the Clyde Gateway area (roughly within a radius of 1 mile). With

c) It is also recommended that the public realm improvements

the construction of the motorway, the station area is one of

to Farmeloan Road have priority, given the current level of

very few viable links between Rutherglen and the areas to the

interest in regeneration in this area.

north. It is therefore important to look at access requirements at a larger scale and also over a longer timescale. Chapter 2 focuses on analysis of the immediate vicinity of the railway station in Rutherglen. 1

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Introduction Rutherglen

Rutherglen Railway Station

Rutherglen is a town in South Lanarkshire of about 25,000 inhabitants,

The original Rutherglen railway station was on the main west coast line

which is less than two miles from the centre of Glasgow. In fact,

into Glasgow Central station. A further platform (the current one) was

Rutherglen’s status as a royal burgh slightly predates that of Glasgow –

added in 1895 to serve the Glasgow (low level) Central Line. However

it was founded by David I in the first half of the 12th century. The name

this was closed in 1964 as a result of the Beeching cuts. When the line

derives from the Gaelic “An Ruadh Gleann” – the red valley. The town

was revived in 1979, a new station building was constructed and the

most recently regained its ”independence” from Glasgow in 1996, when

original main line station was closed. The disused platform of the original

it was returned to South Lanarkshire.

station is still visible.

Perhaps as a result of the separate jurisdictions, but also because of

Access to the station is by a covered footbridge from Victoria Street,

geographical and historical considerations, there has been a lack of

over the main line railway (where the original platform was located) to

connections between Rutherglen and Glasgow. The river and its flood

stairs down to the island platform and ticket office. In 2008, a lift is being

plain, then the growth of industry along the river and the railway have

installed between the platform and the footbridge as part of the Scottish

separated Rutherglen from areas to the north of the Clyde.

Government’s commitment to improving disabled access. There is a level crossing at the northern end of the platform, which is solely for use of staff accessing the First Engineering Training Centre. Trains take between five and eight minutes to Glasgow city centre (Argyle Street or Central Station), depending on whether they stop at Bridgeton and Dalmarnock. Total annual footfall at Rutherglen station is about 600,000.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Analysis of the Wider Area

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Chapter One Analysis of the Wider Area

Rutherglen is located south of, and in close proximity to the river Clyde. Rutherglen station is indicated by the red circle. The satellite image shows the high proportion of green space both within the Rutherglen area and surrounding areas, considering the close proximity to the major city of Glasgow. Also visible is the triangular woodland within the junction of railway tracks at Rutherglen station.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposed New Traffic Routes

Rutherglen will see significant changes in the near future with the

However, Rutherglen Railway Station will be in a position to become a

developments associated with the M74 extension. The East End

key link between areas to the north and south of the M74 extension. The

Regeneration Route, which has yet to get the go-ahead, is also shown.

new roads will also benefit Rutherglen by taking through traffic away

Rutherglen is relatively isolated from areas north of the river due to the

from Main Street, the principal shopping street in the town.

limited number of river crossings. The new motorway will aggravate this situation. The embankments to the motorway will effectively be a barrier between Rutherglen and areas to the north, with openings only to accommodate existing roads. Views from Rutherglen to Glasgow and the Campsie Fells will be obscured in places by the motorway.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Masterplan Areas

The diagram shows the Clyde Gateway Area. The Clyde Gateway Urban

Three development areas which are currently under consideration are:

Regeneration Company (URC) is a multi-agency project set up to tackle

• The South Dalmarnock & Shawfield Strategic Study & Implementation

the physical and economic decline of a large part of the East End of Glasgow and South Lanarkshire. The Clyde Gateway URC is made up of Glasgow City Council, South Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Enterprise National, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire

Plan • “Cuningar - a River Runs through” development and implementation strategy for Farme Cross & the Cuningar Loop Area. • The Commonwealth Games Masterplan.

and Communities Scotland. The area stretches between Bridgeton Cross, Parkhead Cross, Rutherglen and Shawfield.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Future Uses

Currently, the uses south of the station are largely residential and mixed

North of the station, there has been a reduction of employment uses on

use, and uses north of the station are employment. The area of mixed

some sites due to the construction of the M74 extension. However, the

use shown in Rutherglen town centre approximates to the Conservation

new Rutherglen Park has replaced this to a certain extent. Rutherglen

Area, which contains a variety of residential, retail, employment and

Park also includes a large retail facility.

other uses.

Future uses as indicated by the development strategies currently under consideration include: • Business and employment uses in the Shawfield area. • Residential and mixed uses in the Farme Cross / Cuningar Loop area. • Residential and mixed uses on the Commonwealth Games site. • “Imuya” animal based visitor attraction - a large, national / international scale visitor attraction which is being considered by the Royal Zoological Society and which is currently seeking funding.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Public Transport

Future uses from the various development strategies are likely to increase

The principal bus routes to central Glasgow are also shown. There is no

the use of Rutherglen station significantly, with new customers from areas

provision for taxis near the station at present.

to the north west and north east of the station. Currently the railway station is used for local trains stopping at Rutherglen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; services from Larkhall/ Hamilton to Glasgow Central (low level) and through to Helensburgh/ Milngavie. Local trains from Glasgow Central (high level) pass through the station to Mount Vernon, Baillieston and Whifflet, but do not stop at Rutherglen. There are currently no plans to reinstate a stopping service. Express trains pass through Rutherglen on the West Coast Main Line between Glasgow and London.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Pedestrian and Cycle Routes

Glasgow City Council have issued a Core Path Network Plan, a basic

There is an existing pedestrian and cycle route along the north bank of

network of paths around Glasgow to link and support the wider network

the river called the Clyde Walkway. The opportunity exists for a path on

of other paths around the city. Core paths are the most popular paths and

the south side of the river, stretches of which are partially completed. It

/or key routes that link communities or provide access to local facilities

is suggested that an alternative route be considered for the south side

as well as parks and greenspaces. South Lanarkshire Council is in the

as indicated. Pedestrian and cycle routes to the station are also shown,

process of developing a draft Core Path Plan. This core path network is

indicating the current difficulties of access to the station from areas to the

supported by Sustrans, the national cycle network charity.

north, (requiring significant detours).

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Green Space Network

Riverside Green Links Existing Parks /Open Spaces Potential Green Links

The Clyde Gateway Green Network Strategy, by Land Use Consultants,

Aspirational links are shown where relevant to Rutherglen station. These

proposes a vision for the integration of the Green Network within the

would link Rutherglen station with Burnhill Open Space/ Richmond Park

regeneration of Clyde Gateway. It describes ways in which the Green

to the west and the Clyde to the north.

Network will contribute to the Gateway’s future environmental quality, community vitality and economic success. It highlights the opportunity to create a unique, distinctive and high quality urban environment close to the centre of Glasgow. The core of the strategy is the Clyde Riverside Corridor which forms a spine into which other green spaces should be linked. Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Structure Plan identifies the River Clyde as a strategic element of the Green Network and a key contributor to regeneration by providing a continuous and high quality green corridor, drawing on the river’s recreation and biodiversity potential.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Analysis of the Immediate Vicinity

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Chapter Two Analysis of the Immediate Vicinity

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Topography

Rutherglen is on a glacial ridge, consisting of river terraces and glacially

Areas of potential flooding are identified in the Clyde Gateway Integrated

deposited hills, called drumlins. In the West End of Glasgow housing

Water Plan (Hyder Consulting). The principal areas affected are

was typically built on top of these to exploit the views. Rutherglen town

between Farme Cross and the river. Construction of the Rutherglen Park

centre is on higher ground than the industrial areas to the north, near

development has included appropriate flood defences.

to the Clyde and the ground descends gradually down to the river. This change in height is particularly apparent at the Railway Station, with a steep wooded bank down to the level of the platforms.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

M74 Extension Land-Take

The coloured areas show the land that has been acquired for the construction of the motorway.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

M74 Extension

The diagram shows the latest planning drawings for the motorway, including the junction at Cambuslang Road and the embankment for

QUEEN STREET

Track to Bridgeton Bank Sidings

the six lane motorway. Bridges are shown over Farmeloan Road, the railway station and Glasgow Road. A significant alteration to the local road network is the replacement road for the existing Quay Road, a road to access the employment area north of the motorway. A visualisation shows the bridge over the railway station itself. The bridge crosses not only the railway lines and platform but also Queen Street to the west of the station, and also the track leading from the station to the Bridgeton Bank Sidings along the side of the railway tracks.

Visualisation of motorway bridge from the design guidelines for the M74 extension.

RO AD

Post M74 Extension Station Circulation

FA R

ME LO AN

BRIDGETON BANK SIDINGS

N EE

MORAY COURT VICTORIA STREET

KING STREET

Existing Car Parks Pedestrian Routes

MAIN STREET

The current pedestrian circulation on the south side of the train lines

The car parking spaces on Victoria Street are used by visitors to the town

is currently unsatisfactory. Moray Court poses a significant barrier on a

centre of Rutherglen, but also as an unofficial park and ride facility for

very useful route between the station south entrance and Queen Street.

commuters using the train. Two alternative locations for car parking could

Pedestrian and cycle traffic is required to take a longer route around this

be considered:

development. Currently the private car park of Moray Court is separated by a high fence from the public car park on Victoria Street. The motorway proposals do not improve the pedestrian circulation.

1) on the triangular area between the railway lines, however the impractical shape and difficulty of access to this plot makes this option less attractive

All routes from the north east and north west of the railway station are at a disadvantage in terms of good access to the station.

2) on empty sites north of the railway line â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this could be considered as temporary uses as the area is regenerated.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Bus Circulation

Buses are well used in the Rutherglen and Cambuslang area. The 2001 census revealed that 10% travelled to work by rail and 19% by bus. However there is a lack of clear routes between the bus stops and the station.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Green Space Network

In the context of the Clyde Gateway Green Network Strategy areas in

Given that the use of the triangular space between the railway lines is not

the vicinity of the station are shown which could serve to form strategic

seen as feasible for car parking, there would be much to recommend a

green links. Current planning policy recognises the importance of waste

policy of securing this area as part of the green network.

ground in urban areas. Large areas of waste ground in urban areas have frequently been colonised by a range of species which have exploited the varied substrates to produce valuable ecosystems. Disused tracks and embankments can support diverse habitats and serve as corridors with recreational potential.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Development of Strategies

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Chapter Three Development of Strategies As a result of the site analysis an aspirational network of improved routes was developed and presented to stakeholders at Rutherglen Town Hall on the 3rd June 2008. The aim of these routes/ options can be summarized as follows: • to cater for future uses • to encourage the development of public transport • to establish an effective pedestrian and cycle network • to develop the strategic green network Following the workshop it was felt that a distinction should be made between strategies which improve the links to existing areas and strategies for the creation of key links in connection with urban regeneration and with the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. Therefore the rest of the report has respected this division: a) Improving links within Rutherglen (Chapter 4) b) Improving links to future areas of development (Chapter 5) Indicative costs are provided for each option, which includes preliminaries, contingencies and professional fees. The indicative costs exclude the following: • VAT • Legal fees • Local authority planning and road consent application fees • Site investigations and surveys • Finance charges during the construction • Project insurances • Site acquisition fees / costs • Agent’s fees • Increased costs beyond 3rd quarter 2008 • Abnormal ground conditions • Allowance for any costs arising from ground contamination • Utility services diversions • CCTV installation • Artwork

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

lyde C r e Riv

E B Shawfield

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Farme Cross

C 7

6 1

5 4

Rutherglen Main Str eet

This diagram shows the desired footpath and cycle network as a blue dotted line. The numbered circles represent proposals that are illustrated in the following pages. These

Aspirational Routes

Short Term Strategies

Medium Term Strategies

include new links to complete this network, and improvements to existing links.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Improving Links within Rutherglen

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposals 1 -7

lyde C r Rive

Dal n mar ock d Roa

et e r t Queen S

Fa r

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Ro a

Shawfield

5 3

6 1

Rutherglen Main Str eet

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal 1 Improvements to Castle Street Benefits: Rive

r Cly

User groups that will benefit include station users from Rutherglen itself and visitors by rail to Rutherglen from elsewhere. The proposal will increase the attractiveness of Rutherglen as a shopping area and also as a potential location for employment. This will encourage an increase in commuters to Rutherglen as well as an increase in numbers of commuters from Rutherglen. An upgrading of the Conservation Area would produce economic and environmental benefits for residents and business users. Improvements

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to Castle Street can be seen as part of this overall strategy. Potential Legal/ Practical hindrances: • Current car parking arrangement at the corner of Castle Street and King Street.

1 Rutherglen Main Str eet

The necessary alterations to traffic priorities to create a pedestrian friendly street. The use of vacant lots within the conservation area as car parking should not be seen as a permanent arrangement, because originally these would have been building facades. Therefore over the long term

This is the principal route between Main Street and Rutherglen Station

the building lines to the street should be restored with appropriate

and as such it is well used. The pedestrian environment on this important

development, or at the very least with high quality walls or fencing.

route is visually incoherent and it is not clear that the route leads to the

Although redevelopment of vacant plots is outwith the scope of this

station. Traffic barriers obstruct pedestrian flow. Poorly placed highway

study, some marking of the desired building line by low walls or surface

signage blocks views of existing railway station signage and the railway

treatment of the pavement should be undertaken as part of the public

building itself is not visible on this approach. Therefore the station should

realm works. In the case of Castle Street the edge of the Salvation

be announced from Main Street, at the station entrance and also at the

Army car park would need treatment (e.g. a low wall) to establish a

junction with King Street.

coherent edge to the street.

Recommendations: “Beacon” Structures At the junction of Main Street and Castle Street a “kiosk” type structure. At the junction of King Street and Castle Street a “totem” type structure. At the junction of Victoria Street and Castle Street a “pavilion” type structure. Street Surface Improvements: Northern section: New high quality shared surface, with appropriate bollards and street furniture. Southern section: The quality of the existing street surface of this section is acceptable. Existing pedestrianised street surface retained. Lighting: Remove highway lighting and replace with more closely spaced pedestrian scale lighting. Trees: Small crowned street trees Other Improvements: Removal of barriers and superfluous signage Indicative Cost Estimate: £892,000. 32

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal 1

Salvation Army

Beacon Tree Light Street Edge

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal 1

Castle Street looking from the junction with Victoria Street towards Rutherglen Main Street.

Entrance to Castle Street from Main Street

Salvation Army Car Park

Corner of Castle Street and King Street

Castle Street looking from the junction with King Street towards the Railway Station.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal 1 The aim of the proposal is to provide a pedestrian-friendly street between Main Street and the station. This will mean reducing the current dominance of vehicular traffic in the upper part of Castle Street in favour of pedestrians and cyclists. Vehicular access will be maintained but overall traffic speed reduced to give priority to pedestrians. This is following current Scottish planning guidance (PAN 76) and the contents of The Manual for Streets. The Manual for Streets, and the forthcoming Scottish version, provide guidance for practitioners involved in the planning, design, provision and approval of new residential streets, and modifications to existing ones. They aim to increase the quality of life through good design which creates more people-orientated streets. The Manual for Streets contains the following principles of inclusive design: • places people at the heart of the design process • acknowledges diversity and difference

Examples of successful Beacon structures

• offers choice where a single solution cannot accommodate all users • provides for flexibility in use • provides buildings and environments that are convenient and enjoyable to use for everyone

The Manual for Streets can be downloaded at:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/manforstreets/

Shared surface not requiring signage

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal 2 Improvements to Green Road Benefits: Rive

de r Cly

Although this proposal is a secondary route from Main Street to the station serving the Town Hall and Library the beneficiaries will be similar to proposal 1. As in proposal 1, improvements to Green Road will produce economic and environmental benefits to residents and business users in the immediate area.

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Potential Legal / Practical hindrances: â&#x20AC;˘ Current car parking arrangement at the corner of Green Road and King Street. â&#x20AC;˘ The necessary alterations to traffic priorities to create a pedestrian

2 Rutherglen Main Str eet

This is a secondary route between Main Street (leading from behind Rutherglen Town Hall) and Rutherglen Station. The pedestrian environment on this important route is visually incoherent and it is not clear that the route leads to the station. Traffic barriers and other obstacles obstruct pedestrian flow. Recommendations: Street Surface Improvements: Northern section: New high quality shared surface, with appropriate bollards and street furniture. Southern Section: New high quality pedestrianised surface. Lighting: Remove highway lighting and replace with more closely spaced pedestrian scale lighting. Tree Planting: Small crowned street trees Other Improvements: Removal of barriers and superfluous signage. New pedestrian signage to and from Main Street and Station. Indicative Cost Estimate: ÂŁ516,000.

friendly street in accordance with current planning guidance/ good practice.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal 2

Looking down Green Road towards Victoria Street car park

Looking back to Main Street from King Street

Library

Lane leading from Main Street to King Street beside library

Tree Light Street Edge

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal 3 Improvements to Regent Drive Benefits: Although this option is a secondary route from areas to the west of Rive

de r Cly

Rutherglen to the station, the beneficiaries will be similar to proposal 1. As in proposal 1, improvements to Regent Drive will produce economic and environmental benefits to residents and business users in the immediate area. Potential Legal/ Practical hindrances:

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• Current car parking arrangement at the corner of Regent Drive and King Street. • The necessary alterations to traffic priorities to create a pedestrian friendly street in accordance with current planning guidance/ good

practice. • Implementation of improvements to Victoria Street (proposal 5) is necessary to complete the link to the station. Rutherglen Main Str eet

This is a secondary route between Queen Street and Rutherglen Station. Although the pedestrian environment on this important route is not so visually incoherent as Castle Street and Green Road in Proposals 1 and 2, it is not clear that the route leads to the station. Recommendations: Street Surface Improvements: New high quality shared surface, with appropriate bollards and street furniture. Lighting: Remove highway lighting and replace with more closely spaced pedestrian scale lighting. Tree Planting: Small crowned street trees. Other Improvements: Removal of superfluous signage. New pedestrian signage. Indicative Cost Estimate: £369,000.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal 3

Regent Drive looking toward King Street and Rutherglen Town Hall

Regent Drive looking toward Victoria Street car park

Tree Light Street Edge

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal 4 Improvements to King Street Benefits: de r Cly Rive

This will benefit cyclists and pedestrians who wish to access the station avoiding the busy Main Street. Improvements to King Street will produce economic and environmental benefits to residents and business users in the immediate area.

Potential Legal/ Practical hindrances: â&#x20AC;˘ The necessary alterations to traffic priorities to create a pedestrian friendly street in accordance with current planning guidance/ good

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practice. â&#x20AC;˘ Implementation of improvements to Castle Street (proposal 1) is necessary to complete the link to the station.

King Street

Rutherglen Main Str eet

Potentially highly used route to Rutherglen Station by cyclists and pedestrians from east and west (avoiding Main Street), which at present is

Green Road

dominated by one way vehicular traffic. The pavements are very narrow in places and the pedestrian environment is generally poor. Recommendations: Street Surface Improvements: New high quality pavement surface to match shared surface materials as in Proposals 1-3 with appropriate street furniture. New raised crossings. Lighting: Remove highway lighting and replace with more closely spaced pedestrian scale lighting. Other Improvements: Removal of superfluous signage. New pedestrian signage. Indicative Cost Estimate: ÂŁ1,987,000.

King Street at junction of Green Road

Library

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal 4 Castle Street

King Street at junction of Castle Street

Beacon Light

Note: Beacons are not included in the cost estimate for this option.

They are shown for information only because they are costed in Proposal 1.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal 5 Improvements to Victoria Street Benefits: This will benefit users of the station who and pedestrians who wish to de r Cly Rive

access the station avoiding the busy Main Street. Improvements to Victoria Street will produce economic and environmental benefits to residents and business users in the immediate area by upgrading the car parking environment. Potential Legal/ Practical hindrances: • The necessary alterations to traffic priorities to create a pedestrian friendly street in accordance with current planning guidance/ good

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practice. • It may be possible to relocate parking on the other side of the railway

Victoria Street

lines restricting the car parking areas on Victoria Street to local users. • The reconfiguration may entail a reduction in the number of car

Rutherglen Main Str eet

park spaces. This may be compensated by provision of parking on the other side of the railway lines. This could be accessed in two ways, by construction of access to the station north of the motorway (see proposal F) or by one of the two links shown through Moray

This street is the main urban space at the entrance to the station. However,

Court. It would be preferable to create Route A, which would simply

it is currently used as an overflow car park for Main Street. Reconfiguration

involve the removal of a small section of fence allowing pedestrians

of the parking arrangements and landscaping could allow the space to be

and cyclists to use the street in front of Moray Court. This would

reinvigorated by creating a tree lined shared surface area and exploring

provide a much needed short cut for access from many parts of west

options to reduce the number of car park spaces.

Rutherglen. If this simple solution was not possible it is conceivable

The link from Queen Street is currently obstructed by a high fence to the private residential car park of Moray Court. Recommendations: Street Surface Improvements: New high quality pavement surface to match shared surface materials, as in Proposals 1-3 with appropriate street furniture. Lighting: Remove highway lighting and replace with more closely spaced pedestrian scale lighting. Tree Planting: Small crowned street trees Other Improvements: New pedestrian signage to and from station. Indicative Cost Estimate: £2,150,000.

that another option, Route B could be provided on the railway embankment outwith the Moray Court perimeter. Agreement with Network Rail would be necessary.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal 5

Tree Light Street Edge Possible Access

Route B

Route A

Car parking in Moray Court

Car parking in Victoria Street between Castle Street and Green Road

Car parking in Victoria Street

Victoria Street between Railway station and Farmeloan Road

Fence forming barrier between Moray Court and Victoria Street

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal 6 Improvements to Station Entrance Benefits: This will benefit all users of the station as well as economic benefits to de r Cly Rive

the areas surrounding Rutherglen. The aim is to create a welcoming environment, clearly navigable. The benefit to all users would be greater if the station forecourt could be enlarged. However, this would involve alterations to the existing Reuther Hall, which is a community building used by several local organisations. Refurbishment of Reuther Hall could incorporate the Beacon structure from proposal 1 as part of the Reuther Hall building or boundary treatment. If funds were available for relocating Reuther Hall it would be possible to provide a generous

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station forecourt with a wide range of facilities including provision for taxis.

Potential Legal/ Practical hindrances: â&#x20AC;˘ Agreement with Network Rail would be necessary.

Rutherglen Main Str eet

To improve the visual surroundings of the station this option proposes to upgrade the immediate entrance area of the station. The site of Reuther Hall is owned by SLC but leased to private organizations .Recommendations: Street Surface Improvements: New high quality shared surface, with appropriate bollards and street furniture. Lighting: Remove highway lighting and replace with more closely spaced pedestrian scale lighting. Tree planting: Small crowned street trees. Other Improvements: Improvements to Reuther Hall. Indicative Cost Estimate: ÂŁ319,000

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal 6

Existing station forecourt looking towards station entrance

Castle Street

Beacon

Existing station forecourt looking towards Castle Street

Tree Light

Note: Beacons are not included in the cost estimate for this option. They are shown for information only because they are costed

Reuther Hall building

in Proposal 1.

Looking from Castle Street towards Reuther Hall building

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal 7 Improvements to Access from Queen Street Benefits: This will improve the environment and safety of this sub optimal access de r Cly Rive

route from areas to the west and north of the station, however, proposal 5 with access through Moray Court would provide a better access route. Proposal F would also provide a preferable route allowing this current unsatisfactory route to be closed. As has been shown in the discussion of the Green Network Strategy the triangular area between the railway lines would be unsuitable for parking use (difficult access) and is a potential valuable environmental resource. Recreational and educational uses of the triangular area between the railway tracks

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are not recommended due to the difficult access and lack of natural surveillance.

Potential Legal/ Practical hindrances: • Agreement with Network Rail would be necessary. Rutherglen Main Str eet

• Lack of natural surveillance would continue to be a disincentive to using this route.

The existing route is underused and feels threatening. The interventions suggested would produce a “second best” access route, however, at present it is the most direct access route from areas to the north/west of the station. Recommendations: Street Surface Improvements: Existing pedestrianised surface retained with a new high quality fence relocated along one side of whole length to produce a more generous route. Lighting: Replace existing lighting with more closely spaced pedestrian scale lighting. Landscaping: Clearance of existing vegetation next to path to create good sightlines and areas for sitting. Low level ornamental planting. Indicative Cost Estimate: £163,000

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal 7

Light Grass & Low Ornamental Planting

Station Entrance

Existing pathway looking towards station entrance (hidden)

Entrance to station

Existing pathway looking back to stairs and railway bridge

Existing fence

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Improving Links to Future Areas of Development

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposals A-F

lyde C r Rive

ma Dal

c rno

d Ro a

et e r t S Queen

Fa r

M 74

Farme Cross

A oa

Shawfield

ad k Ro

Rutherglen Main Str eet

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal A Improvements to link from Farme Cross /Rutherglen Park Benefits: Existing residents and business users of Farme Cross and areas to Rive

the northeast of the station will benefit from this proposal, providing

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that that there is access to the station (see proposal B). This area is experiencing high levels of redevelopment interest and is likely to see significantly higher levels of pedestrian & cycle traffic. Potential Legal / Practical hindrances:

A Alley

Lloyd

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â&#x20AC;˘ Agreement with property owners would be necessary in order to Road

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acquire rights of way over the unused strip of land. Creating the link to Farmeloan Road would require the acquisition of currently underused employment land, however the redevelopment of the frontage of Farmeloan Road for residential purposes would be an opportunity to establish this link. Alternatively routes using Lloyd Street and Alleysbank Road could be used, which would require the acquisition of small strips of land that are currently in employment use.

Rutherglen Main Str eet

The creation of this route would benefit Farme Cross and the Rutherglen Business Park. Alternative routes could be created along Lloyd Street and Alleysbank Road but this would require acquisition of existing or proposed employment land. The option shown uses existing underused land, with alternative access either from Farmeloan Road or Lloyd Street. Recommendations: Surface Improvements: New footpath/ cycleway, with appropriate bollards. Lighting: New pedestrian scale lighting at close intervals. Landscaping: Clearance of existing vegetation along length of path, retaining the best of the trees. Low level ornamental planting/ hedge, grassed area. Indicative Cost Estimate: ÂŁ198,000.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal A

Beacon Tree Grass & Low Ornamental Planting

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Aerial View

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal B Extending existing pedestrian /cycleway to river Benefit: Rutherglen inhabitants will benefit from improved access to the river. Rive

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Leisure users of the long distance Clyde route will benefit by being easily reached from the station. Users of Rutherglen Park retail/ business park will have easier access to the station. Future developments in

Rutherglen Park

connection with regeneration projects and the Commonwealth Games will have better links to Rutherglen station and Rutherglen itself. The proposal also establishes an ecological corridor in accordance with principles in the Clyde Gateway Green Network Strategy. Planting of this area would provide the environmental link. However, the opportunity

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to create a useful pedestrian and cycle link would be lost. Potential Legal/ Practical hindrances: • Acquisition of rights over land currently owned by Network Rail would be necessary. • Security issues related to the adjacent Bridgeton Bank sidings would need to be addressed. Rutherglen Main Str eet

The creation of this route would plug Rutherglen into the Clyde Gateway riverside corridor and long distance cycle route. This would be a leisure route and link Rutherglen with the Commonwealth Games site. The land is currently owned by Network Rail and fencing will be required to secure the continued use of the freight sidings. An alternative route is shown to the west of the railway line. Recommendations: Surface Improvements: New /upgraded footpath/ cycleway and new high quality fences to both sides of entire length. Lighting: New pedestrian scale lighting at close intervals. Landscaping: Clearance of existing vegetation to small area to the north, retaining the best of the trees, including planting of new woodland trees. New grass and ornamental planting along length of path. Indicative Cost Estimate: £400,000. Indicative Cost Estimate (without lighting): £291,000

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal B

Existing path beside Bridgeton Bank sidings

Bridgeton Bank sidings looking towards Dalmarnock Bridge

Tree Light

Bridgeton Bank sidings looking back to railway station

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal C Improvements to Farmeloan Road Benefits: Existing residents and business users of Farme Cross and areas to Rive

the northeast of the station will benefit from this proposal. This area is

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experiencing high levels of redevelopment interest and is likely to see significantly higher levels of pedestrian & cycle traffic. It is in the long term interests of Farme Cross residents and business users to be linked to the town centre of Rutherglen particularly after

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the construction of the motorway extension. A high quality urban streetscape will encourage active frontage development along this street and help reintegrate Farme Cross into Rutherglen and provide a catalyst to regeneration activities in Farme Cross and beyond towards the Commonwealth Games village. Potential Legal / Practical hindrances: It would have to be considered whether the relatively new highway lighting would be capable of being integrated into a high quality urban streetscape and whether the costs of replacing them with more suitable Rutherglen Main Str eet

Farmeloan Road is the principal route between Rutherglen/ the railway station and Dalmarnock/ Farme Cross/ new developments on Cuningar Loop. The process of re-urbanisation has already started with new developments at Farme Cross and on Farmeloan Road. A high quality boulevard with cycle lanes would provide good access to the station and Rutherglen. Recommendations: Street Surface Improvements: New road surface, new high quality pavements and cycle lanes with appropriate bollards and street furniture. Lighting: New lighting combining highway and pedestrian scale lighting. Tree planting: Small crowned street trees. Indicative Cost Estimate (with lighting): ÂŁ2,151,000 Indicative Cost Estimate (without lighting): ÂŁ1,707,000

lighting could be borne.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal C

Farmeloan Road looking towards Rutherglen

Farmeloan Road looking towards Farme Cross

Tree Light Street Edge

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal D Improvements to Station Entrance from Farmeloan Road Benefits: Existing residents and business users of Farme Cross and areas to de r Cly Rive

the northeast of the station will benefit from this proposal. This area is experiencing high levels of redevelopment interest and is likely to see significantly higher levels of pedestrian & cycle traffic. In the absence of proposal A this entrance would be the only access from areas to the

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north east of the station, (as in the current situation).

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Potential Legal/ Practical hindrances: • Issues surrounding the increased use of this route adjacent to Network Rail communications building. • Landscaping of the embankment and/ or boundary treatment would require coordination with the motorway construction. • Approval required from Network Rail.

Rutherglen Main Str eet

The upgrading of an underused existing entrance from Farmeloan Road. The construction of the M74 extension will mean that the approach will be directly next to motorway embankment. In order for this route to function properly as a station entrance the visibility and quality of the route will require to be considerably improved. Recommendations: Surface Improvements: New footpath / cycleway, with appropriate bollards. Lighting: New pedestrian scale lighting at close intervals. Landscaping: Incorporation of sculptural landscaping and treatment of new motorway embankment to enhance environment of path. Ornamental planting and grassed area. “Beacon” Structure: At the junction to Farmeloan Road a “totem” type structure. Indicative Cost Estimate: £342,000.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal D

Beacon Tree Light

Land acquired for motorway construction

Existing access to railway station from Farmeloan Road

View of existing railway station from Farmeloan Road

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal E Bridge Connection to North Bank Cycleway Using Existing Structure Benefits: • The principal benefit of this proposal is that it ties together Rutherglen de r Cly Rive

and South Lanarkshire to Dalmarnock. Not only does it open up new routes for cyclists and pedestrians but it also links Rutherglen

and its station to areas north of the Clyde, Dalmarnock and the Commonwealth Games village. • As the aspirational cycleway on the south side of the Clyde remains only partially complete, the bridge connection links the areas Farme Cross

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surrounding Rutherglen to the national cycle network. • The existence of the original bridge structure would mean that a new lightweight structure could be suspended between the existing supports to provide this link. • Users that will benefit will be existing residents of Farme Cross and Dalmarnock but also the users of future regeneration developments in Shawfield, Dalmarnock and Farme Cross.

Rutherglen Main Str eet

• The bridge could be the subject of a design competition to achieve an iconic structure to achieve a high technical solution and provide a striking feature at a focal point for The Clyde Gateway.

Bridge connection to north bank cycle way using existing unused bridge supports (old Dalmarnock railway bridge) to create link between south

Potential Legal/ Practical hindrances:

bank of river and existing footway on north bank of river.

• Issues related to using the tunnel underneath the railway line may

Recommendations: Bridge: New pedestrian bridge to cross river. 65m approx. span Footpath: Existing footpath link upgraded to serve as cycle way, new signage. Lighting: New pedestrian scale lighting to bridge. Landscaping: Clearance of existing vegetation along length of path to provide better sightlines Indicative Cost Estimate: £4,980,000.

need to be addressed to replicate the situation on the north bank, where the cycle route uses the existing arches below the railway viaduct. This would allow completion of the link to areas east of the railway line (Proposal B). • Load bearing capacity and condition of the existing structure would have to be investigated.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal E

Structure of old Dalmarnock Bridge

Aerial View of Old & New Dalmarnock railway bridge

Light

New pedestrian bridge using existing structure (Sheffield)

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Proposal F New Pedestrian Bridge Benefits: • Provides connections between the Shawfield and Farme Cross Rive

residential and business areas, both of which are receiving

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considerable

regeneration

interest

anticipation

the

Commonwealth Games. • Allows access to the station from the north and could replace the unsatisfactory access routes from Queen Street (proposal 7) and from Farmeloan Road (proposal D).

Shawfield

Farme Cross

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• The bridge could be the subject of a design competition to achieve an iconic structure to achieve a high technical solution and provide a striking feature at a focal point for Rutherglen. • The proposal allows the dangerous and highly disruptive level crossing for users of the First training centre to be removed. Potential Legal / Practical hindrances: • The structure in the position shown would have to be large enough to span several railway tracks and their overhead electric lines.

Rutherglen Main Str eet

• The option of attaching the bridge to the motorway construction should be investigated; however it is likely that a much larger bridge would be required with difficult access to the platforms. Furthermore the M74 construction has already commenced and therefore a

Bridge connection provides link between Shawfield and Farme Cross, as recommended in the South Dalmarnock & Shawfield Strategic Study and Implementation Plan. It can potentially provide access to the central platform of the railway station from both these areas. Recommendations:

separate pedestrian/ cycle bridge may well be preferable. • Acquisition of rights over land and air rights currently owned by Network Rail would be necessary. • Security issues related to the adjacent railway lines would need to be addressed.

Bridge: High quality steel/ glass construction, including stair towers on both sides and potential stair access to central platform. The bridge must be high enough that it avoids the overhead electric supply to the railway lines and construction would have to be programmed so that the normal running of the rail services is not disrupted. Lighting: New pedestrian scale lighting to bridge and approaches. New pedestrian signage. Indicative Cost Estimate: £9,821,000

Birdseye view

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Existing level crossing for use of railway personnel Dalmarnock Bridge

View from railway platform towards Dalmarnock bridge

Beacon Light

New pedestrian bridge over railway at Stirling

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Conclusions / Prioritising

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Conclusions The conclusion is divided into three parts. The first part discusses how successfully the strategic aims established in the analysis are addressed by the individual proposals. These aims were as follows: • to cater for future uses • to encourage the development of public transport • to establish an effective pedestrian and cycle network • to develop the strategic green network. The second part of the conclusion explores how different proposals can effectively be combined to achieve these aims. Finally, recommendations are made as to which proposals should be pursued as a priority.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

1 ) Addressing the Strategic Aims Do the proposals cater for future uses?

Do the proposals encourage the development of public transport? Proposals 1-7 are directly concerned with improving the use of Rutherglen

Proposals 1-7 can be seen as contributing to the regeneration of the

town centre as a public transport interchange, providing better routes

northern part of the Rutherglen Conservation Area, between Main Street

between bus stops and the railway station. The construction of the M74

and the railway. Although the area may be subject to increased noise

extension and the reduction of through traffic in Rutherglen Main Street,

pollution from the new motorway, an improvement in the public realm

should make it easier to cross the main traffic arteries, and improve the

combined with excellent public transport links together with a policy of

permeability of the Conservation Area for pedestrians and cyclists.

urban repair to fill in the gaps in the urban fabric could generate new residential and mixed uses in this area. Proposals A-F cater for future development north of the railway station: • new employment uses in Shawfield, • new employment uses, mixed uses, and residential development at

Farme Cross and beyond,

• a proposed visitor attraction (“Imuya”) on the Cuningar Loop. This is a large, national / international scale visitor attraction which is being considered by the Royal Zoological Society and which is currently seeking funding.

The introduction of real time information systems at bus stops (and coordination with information in the railway station) would ensure a better coordination of rail and bus timetables. The proposed beacon structures could be serve as real time information points for both buses and trains. Proposals A-F are concerned with improving access to the railway station from the regenerated areas to the north of the motorway (Farme Cross, Shawfield and Dalmarnock). They also serve an increased demand for leisure uses (cycling/ boating along the river).

Proposals A to F also link Rutherglen to temporary or permanent

Do the proposals establish an effective pedestrian and cycle

developments associated with the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

network?

Currently the proposed developments include: • 1000 homes for 7000 athletes - a mix of apartments, townhouses, detached and semi detached houses to be marketed for sale and rent after the games. • provision for a hotel, conference suites, security pens, media zones,

Proposals 1–7 are concerned with improving the existing pedestrian and cycle routes to the railway station within Rutherglen. Proposals A-F are concerned with linking Rutherglen Station to the wider network of pedestrian and cycle routes within the Clyde Gateway area and beyond.

shopping and entertainment facilities, • a new stadium with two arenas under one roof, the 5,000 seat National Indoor Sports Arena and a 2,000 seat velodrome.

Do the proposals develop the strategic green network? The aspiration to create green network links between Rutherglen and the River Clyde and between Rutherglen and Richmond Park via the Burnhill Open Space, is addressed in Proposal 7 and in Proposal B. Proposal 7 considers alternatives for the triangular island between the railway lines. Proposal B enhances the strategic green network link between Rutherglen and the river by introducing planting along the route next to the Bridgeton Bank sidings site. Other proposals involve planting which could be seen as additions to this network.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

2) Effective combinations of the Options

2) Proposals A-F Proposal A depends on acquiring land between Lloyd Road and

Proposals1-7

Alleysbank Road, as well as the use of a strip of the siding land owned

Proposal 1 Improvements to Castle Street, as the most direct route from

by Network Rail. Combined with Proposal B and F it would provide a

Main Street is an obvious priority.

network of pedestrian links north of the railway line/ motorway, and be a stimulus to development in this area.

Proposals 2 and 3 are perhaps of secondary importance, but are useful additional links providing better permeability and regeneration opportunities

If a pedestrian bridge could be established to the cycleway on the

within the Rutherglen Conservation Area.

north bank of the Clyde (Proposal E), the network could be linked up to Dalmarnock and the Commonwealth Games developments. Proposal

Proposals 4 and 5 involve cross routes. They probably do not make sense

E would allow the network to be linked into the Sustrans system and

without Proposals 1, 2, & 3. The realisation of proposals 1- 5 would allow a

allow for a slower, potentially piecemeal development of the route along

comprehensive rethinking of the entire area between Main Street and the

the south bank of the Clyde. Combining Proposals C and D would be

railway station.

an effective alternative to Proposal A, in terms of providing access

Proposal 6 involves improvements to an existing hall which is not owned by

between Farme Cross and the station area. However Farme Cross and

the Council, (although it is built on council owned land). Although Proposal

Shawfield would be less well linked by this solution.

1 would improve links between the station and Main Street, the station forecourt itself would continue to be a let down without this option. Proposal 7 recommends improvements to the existing path access from Queen Street. Even with the suggested improvements, this route will probably continue to be rather unsatisfactory. However an effective implementation of proposal 5 (or proposal F, see below) would mean that this link could be abandoned, in favour of safer ways into the station. The triangular island between the railway lines could then be redesignated as an urban wood as part of the strategic green network.

demolitions and downtakings/ vegetation clearance

links within Rutherglen Proposal 1 £3,150 Proposal 2 £3,000 Proposal 3 £2,000 Proposal 4 £18,000 Proposal 5 £24,650 Proposal 6 £2,100 Proposal 7 £7,000 links to future areas of development Proposal A £6,000 Proposal B £6,875 Proposal C £17,500 Proposal D £5,050 Proposal E £3,200 Proposal F

Overview of Costs

Pavement/ Road Surface £126,000 £180,000 £120,000 £540,000 £443,700 £126,000 £47,000 £48,125 £630,000 £48,500 £44,800

fencing /landscaping

£67,000 £20,000 £103,000 £44,100 £28,600

street lighting £50,400 £48,000 £32,000 £288,000 £394,400 £33,600 £22,000 £37,500 £68,750 £280,000 £32,500 £32,000

surface water drainage £31,500 £30,000 £20,000 £180,000 £246,500 £21,000

£175,000 £16,250 £16,000

working around existing traffic surfaces management £18,900 £18,000 £12,000 £108,000 £147,900 £12,600 £6,600

£24,000 £24,000 £24,000 £60,000 £60,000 £6,000

£11,250 £20,625 £105,000 £19,500 £19,200

£3,000 £5,000 £150,000

works to create allowance for straight line to new raised street crossings £9,000 £22,500 £22,500

new bridge

totem/kiosk /pavilion £300,000

£60,000 £40,000

£3,000,000 £6,200,000

£50,000

total

incl.preliminaries 20%

incl. contingencies 10%

total incl.allowance for professional fees 20%

£562,950 £325,500 £232,500 £1,254,000 £1,357,150 £201,300 £102,600

£675,540 £390,600 £279,000 £1,504,800 £1,628,580 £241,560 £123,120

£743,094 £429,660 £306,900 £1,655,280 £1,791,438 £265,716 £135,432

£891,713 £515,592 £368,280 £1,986,336 £2,149,726 £318,859 £162,518

£124,750 £252,375 £1,357,500 £215,900 £3,143,800 £6,200,000

£149,700 £302,850 £1,629,000 £259,080 £3,772,560 £7,440,000

£164,670 £333,135 £1,791,900 £284,988 £4,149,816 £8,184,000

£197,604 £399,762 £2,150,280 £341,986 £4,979,779 £9,820,800

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

3) Recommendations for immediate action priority for network a) public realm improvements to Castle Street , providing a clear, pedestrian friendly route from Rutherglen Main Street to the Railway Station

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

b) a new bridge link over the railway line between Farme Cross and Shawfield providing an access to the railway Station from the north.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

It is also recommended that the public realm improvements to Farmeloan Road have priority, given the current level of interest in regeneration in this area.

These three proposals are recommended as priorities for action.

Although they might have

higher cost implications than some other proposals, as stand alone proposals they would cover a lot of the strategic aims described above. They are the â&#x20AC;&#x153;pivotalâ&#x20AC;? options which by stimulating the regeneration of the conservation area /future development and linking Rutherglen to the Farme Cross area, would establish a solid base line for the implementation of other proposals.

Rutherglen Railway Station Access Strategy

Gillespies

21 Carlton Court, Glasgow, G5 9JP Tel: 00 44 141 4208200 Fax: 00 44 141 4298796 E-mail: info@gillespies.co.uk