A new masterplan is set to be developed to outline the longer term vision for Edinburgh’s Waverley Station. The masterplan, which will be led in partnership by City of Edinburgh Council and Network Rail, will future proof the station and surrounding area for future growth.

The City of Edinburgh Council will be presenting about the City’s expected growth and the developments they’ll look to be championing around the City at the Edinburgh Development Plans Conference – where we’ll also hear from some of Scotland’s biggest developers such as Murray Estates, Artisan Real Estate, Springfield Properties and Sanctuary Group Scotland.

The masterplan will also be developed alongside a group which will comprise of Transport for Scotland, VisitScotland, Scottish Enterprise, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and other neighbouring property owners to make sure their is a true alignment in the finalised masterplan and collaboration across all sectors and industries.

The aim of the plan will be to ensure that the station is ready for the future – with expected growth in terms of population, student numbers and jobs through economic growth. As Edinburgh’s economy grows the station will be put under more pressure as commuters and tourists visit the City – and the masterplan is set to counteract this to ensure the smooth running of both the station and surrounding areas.

Alex Hynes, Managing Director of ScotRail Alliance (Network Rail Scotland), said: ”Waverley has seen its footfall more than double from 10m to over 24m within the last ten years and estimates suggest that it will almost double again by 2024. Such a steep increase is a positive indicator of the railway’s economic influence on the city and a clear sign that further investment will be required. We are creating additional rail provision within Waverley at present and will continue to seek new ways to create the best railway that Scotland has ever had. However, more trains means more people and that inevitably adds to the pressure on station infrastructure and the surrounding streets. The masterplan will help us to coordinate our approach and to tackle some of the issues that an increasingly busy Waverley Station raises. One organisation cannot manage this in isolation, so it is a welcome step forward to be working with City of Edinburgh Council and our other partners in the development of this plan.”

Lesley Macinnes, Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee at City of Edinburgh Council added: ”Waverley Station’s location in the heart of our city centre means it plays a crucial role in the city’s transport system. With population and visitor numbers forecast to grow over the coming years, we need to work with partners to ensure we manage these increased numbers both in the station and in the city centre as a whole to deliver the best possible experience for all residents, commuters and tourists.”

Make sure you’re part of the Edinburgh Development Plans Conference to hear about these and many other exciting plans for infrastructure, housing, mixed-use development and more in the region.