PROPOSALS for the creation of new cycling and walking routes through Ravenscraig are being published to gain public opinion.
North Lanarkshire Council is working alongside Sustrans and Ravenscraig Limited on improving connections between the town and neighbouring communities and also to expand the overall active travel network.
The local authority said that the two key elements of the project are:
- A south-north link to connect Craigneuk via The Castings housing development, off Meadowhead Road, with the Regional Sports Facility (RSF) and new public park.
- An east-west link to connect Craigneuk, via The Castings housing development, to New College Lanarkshire Motherwell Campus.
Proposals show that paths will have lighting, seating, landscaping with wildflower areas and woodland planting, play features along the route, fencing and CCTV.
Jonathan Speed, senior project manager at North Lanarkshire Council, said, “As the Ravenscraig site develops with new housing, business, retail, schools and leisure, we want the area to be accessible for everyone for walking, cycling and wheeling.
“These active travel routes will provide direct, off-road links from the south to the facilities within Ravenscraig, as well as connecting to a wider network of paths to Motherwell, Wishaw and Carfin.
“The project is an important part of the Ravenscraig masterplan, and we would like to hear from as many people as possible during our consultation to ensure the proposals meet the need of residents.”
Nick Davies, director of Ravenscraig Ltd, added, “Ravenscraig is already a thriving community and these proposed cycling and walking routes are the next step in making it an even better place to work, live and play.
“Active travel has proven benefits, and improving connections between Ravenscraig and neighbouring communities will underpin the continued success of the site as we deliver on the masterplan.”
The project is being funded by Transport Scotland and Sustrans, through their places for everyone’ programme.
Michael Melton, interim infrastructure manager for Sustrans Scotland, commented, “We are pleased that walking, wheeling and cycling are set to be a key part of developments within Ravenscraig. We hope the local community will come together with their ideas and feedback on the designs for new spaces for exercise, essential journeys and leisure.”
An online consultation will run from today (February 8) until February 22. The consultation can be accessed by clicking here.
The council said that feedback from the consultation will be used to inform the final plans for the project Subject to the necessary approvals and securing funding, it said that it is anticipated work to construct the first of the two active travel routes would start later this year.
