(rshsdepot) (Haymarket Station) Edinburgh, Scotland

[I95BERNIEW_@_aol.com]

From The Herald
 
Bernie Wagenblast
 
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
 
 
Historic Station Could Be Demolished in Radical Plans for  Transport Hub 
Council Looks at Redeveloping 164-Year-Old Landmark Site
 
By ROB ROBERTSON
 
ONE of Scotland's most famous railway stations could be  demolished as part 
of a redevelopment plan to improve transport links in the  west end of 
Edinburgh.  
The 164-year-old Haymarket Station sees almost four million people passing  
through it each year, with the figure set to more than double in the next 20  
years.  
A new transport hub, including shops, offices and private housing could be  
built to cope with the extra usage. Edinburgh Council chiefs originally had 12  
redevelopment proposals which they have whittled down to three. They went out 
to  public consultation yesterday and the preferred option will be announced 
by the  end of the year.  
If funding can be found from public and private sources, work would start in  
seven years. The three redevelopment schemes vary in size and cost, with the  
most expensive coming in at around GBP350m and the cheapest pitched at 
GBP30m.  
The plans aim to create better transport links for trains, trams, buses and  
taxis. There would also be improved pedestrian links and a glass roof put on 
the  station concourse.  
A survey of more than 1200 passengers at Haymarket found nearly all rated the 
 facilities as poor. Their reaction spurred council chiefs to redevelop the 
site,  although privately they realise any attempt to demolish the historic 
station is  likely to be opposed by conservation groups.  
There are further developments planned for the Haymarket area which would  
place extra demands on the area as a transport hub, including the redevelopment  
of Morrison Street car park, the continued growth of the nearby Exchange  
financial district and the introduction of trams.  
Andrew Holmes, director of the council's city development department, said:  
"Edinburgh's Haymarket is already a key local and national transport hub.  
"The station is getting busier and busier, and changes are needed to ensure  
that this space can accommodate the growing demands and that it is compatible  
with the proposed tram scheme.  
"The three proposed options cover a wide spectrum, from the limited  
development of the transport interchange to the full redevelopment of the whole  site. 
I would urge people to get involved and let us know how they would like  the 
area to look, and how to get the best use from it in years to come."  
The consultation period will last until June 22, with briefings for local  
residents and businesses. Public exhibitions will be shown at Haymarket from May 
 31 to June 4 to get the views of thousands of commuters passing through 
every  day.  
Three proposals for Haymarket  
OPTION A  
Estimated cost GBP150m-GBP200m  
It would see the transport interchange built alongside new shops, offices and 
 homes to the south and west of the station. The listed station, alongside 
Ryries  Bar, which is also listed, would be retained. A covered ground-level 
concourse  with a glass roof would form the focal point of the interchange. The 
glass roof  would extend over the rail tracks and also enclose the platforms.  
Option A would be constructed in several phases.  
OPTION B  
Estimated cost GBP250m-GBP350m  
This would see the whole site cleared enabling a purpose built multi-modal  
transport interchange to be built as the focus of a much wider and larger  
development which would extend over the entire site and existing rail tracks.  
This option would involve the demolition of both listed buildings and the most  
substantial level of redevelopment. A new station, enlarged covered concourse  
and glass office block would be built. A glass office and retail block would  
dominate the Haymarket junction to the north. Shops, offices and homes would  
also have to be built.  
OPTION C  
Estimated cost GBP30m-GBP50m  
The low-cost option. A new transport interchange would be built on its own  
without the extensive offices and shops outlined in the other options. The  
station would be refurbished but with no new shops and offices included. This  
would see Haymarket Station refurbished, including creating a lowlevel glass  
covered concourse to provide access to the tram, bus and taxi stops. The  
station's existing facilities would also be upgraded to ensure they comply with  the 
Disability Discrimination Act. 




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End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #1546
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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org