A new junction for the M9 has been approved, which will pave the way for new access to the development at Winchburgh in West Lothian.
The development has already delivered over 650 new homes, shops and business space, as well as parks, recreation space and a canal-side marina. Three new schools are also well advanced in a large campus next to parkland.
The new junction has been described as unlocking the final delivery of the Winchburgh masterplan which, when complete, will see at least 3,800 new homes, improved transport links, and a minimum of 40-acres of employment land created.
The government is processing the ‘Made Road Orders’, which is the final administrative step in allowing the motorway junction work to proceed.
The news comes as Winchburgh announced a sixth housebuilder has commenced work on site. Taylor Wimpey has joined Bellway, CALA, Barratt, Robertson and J Smart & Co.
Construction on the M9 is expected to begin in February 2022 with the junction due to open at the end of 2022. It will be formed by constructing four new slip roads centred around the existing underpass below the motorway. Served by an upgraded core road, it will connect the town centre with the southern roundabout at the new M9 junction.
John Hamilton, chief executive, Winchburgh Developments Ltd, said, “The new junction has been a core element of the Winchburgh masterplan since its inception. Historically, transport connectivity has been heavily constrained by a motorway network that completely bypassed the village. This development will be transformational in improving journey times to and from Edinburgh and the Lothians for residents, businesses and visitors.”
As part of the planning conditions, no more than 1,000 residential units could be occupied in Winchburgh until the new M9 junction was complete. Now it has been given the go-ahead, the final phases of the masterplan can progress.
Kirsty McGill, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, commented, “With the new M9 junction, the properties built in Winchburgh will be extremely well connected across the central belt. The demand we have already seen for new homes in Winchburgh is only expected to rise now that the junction has been approved.”
