In July 2019, the Scottish Government announced that funding under the Sustrans Places for Everyone programme had been awarded to Angus Council to develop the detailed design phase in conjunction with local community interests and Sustrans, and to support future development.

The Arbroath project is amongst the most ambitious projects being funded by the Places for Everyone programme, with Arbroath the first of Scotland’s towns to receive the highest level of funding available through the scheme.

The project will make areas within Arbroath more accessible for all by improving pedestrian, wheeling and cycling provision, making better use of green spaces and developing path networks. Links from railways and bus stations to the town centre will be improved while the main dual carriageway that runs through Arbroath will be redesigned to better share the available road-space.

Councillor Mark Salmond, communities convener, said: “’Arbroath, A Place For Everyone’ is exactly what we are aspiring to achieve through this project. We want the town to flourish and be a place where people want to live, work and stay.

“I am delighted to have Arcadis on board to assist the council and Sustrans to deliver the best possible outcomes for the town. But we can’t do this without your input. We need the citizens and community groups from Arbroath to take part and have their say to help shape the delivery of the project. People participation is vital in support of our ambitions for a cohesive Arbroath, where places are accessible, healthy travel is both promoted and supported, and green spaces can contribute to everyone’s wellbeing.

“I would encourage you to please join us for upcoming virtual events, which will be publicised in due course and take time to explore and contribute to the Social Pinpoint site. We need your contribution to help ensure the project delivers what our citizens and community groups need and want.”

When completed, Arbroath, A Place For Everyone will provide an exemplary walking, wheeling and cycling route, accessible to all, connecting destinations throughout Arbroath and improving accessibility in the town by restoring those areas and facilities disconnected by the current road, creating a seafront people will increasingly want to use.

The project also aims help to improve the local economy through increased footfall to shopping areas and attractions for locals and visitors.

Karen McGregor, director of Scotland for Sustrans, added: “We are delighted to be supporting Angus Council in the creation of the new walking, cycling and wheeling route through the centre of the town. The plans put people back at the heart of Arbroath, making it easier to get from one side of town to the other, and to access the seafront, harbour and other destinations using Route 1 of the National Cycle Network.”

Colin Walker, project director, Arcadis, commented: “Improving quality of life for the people of Arbroath is a priority for this project and our team will be working closely with Angus Council and Sustrans to enable people to participate in the development of the scheme design and to create a route that meets their needs and aspirations.”

New branding has been developed for the project: Arbroath, A Place for Everyone that features Arbroath Abbey.

Over the next few months, a series of virtual engagement events will take place to allow citizens to give feedback on the proposals. Face-to-face meetings will not be available due to COVID-19 restrictions to keep us all safe.