Spanning 352 hectares, the development will bring 3,450 new homes, improved transport links, employment opportunities, state-of-the-art schools and new outdoor spaces to the historic West Lothian town.

Mr Matheson was taken on a site tour around the development by John Hamilton, CEO of Winchburgh Developments Limited, and Sweco, the transportation engineers working on the project, prior to meeting with Transport Scotland, Scottish Canals, Scotrail Alliance, Sustrans, First Bus, Winchburgh Community Council, Winchburgh Community Development Trust and West Lothian Council.

The development will also include a new four-way motorway junction on the M9, a marina on Union Canal, and a new railway station.

Commenting on the visit, Fiona Hyslop MSP said: “I am delighted that the Transport Secretary was able to accept my invitation to join me and Winchburgh Developments Limited to hear first-hand about the many transport links that will become part of the ambitious Winchburgh Development.

“Following the tour of the proposed transport site, the transport organisations gave a presentation to Mr Matheson and a discussion took place with particular emphasis on the potential of this significant development. He also heard first hand from the representatives of the Winchburgh Community about their expectations and ambitions for the next stages of the development.

 “The Winchburgh Development in West Lothian is one of the biggest in Scotland. As well as increasing transport links and housing, this development will bring more jobs to the area, unlocking economic opportunities and growth.”

John Hamilton, CEO at Winchburgh Developments Limited, added: “The investment in the transport infrastructure in Winchburgh will be crucial to the success of this masterplan. The M9 junction will attract potential investors by opening up prime land for business and retail use, while the brand-new canal marina will provide a range of leisure activities for both locals and visitors to the town, as well as providing a link between the new town centre and Daisy Park.

“Public transport is also an essential element, ensuring that commuters and families can travel without the use of the car. Discussions are also ongoing with Network Rail on delivery of a new train station for the town, which forms part of the wider planning permission in principle.”

Michael Matheson said: “This is an exciting development and it has been very interesting to hear how improved transport links can support the ambitions of the community in Winchburgh.

“It is encouraging to see so many organisations working together to deliver a cohesive strategy for connectivity which will support the economy and help make this a great place to live and work.”

Engineering, environmental and design consultancy Sweco has delivered a range of multi-disciplinary services for the project including core infrastructure design, transport planning, flood risk management and construction management.

Alastair Lewis, technical director at Sweco, said: “Winchburgh is one of the most significant housing growth projects in Scotland, delivering 3,450 new homes, new schools, a new marina, a 75-acre district park and 35 acres of employment land.

“Creating efficient and sustainable infrastructure for the development will be key to its future success and we look forward to helping deliver a new thriving town centre in West Lothian.”