Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Ellon Corridor Place Based Connectivity Assessment

Description

The North East of Scotland is entering a decade of profound social and economic transition. Whilst the energy sector continues to shape the regional economy, the future of communities such as Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Ellon will increasingly depend on wider economic diversification, and evolving policy commitments around net zero, inclusive growth and climate resilience. Changing population trends and regional movements will also affect these towns. These changes will directly influence how people and goods travel, how communities and businesses operate, and what forms of connectivity are needed in the future to ensure that the principal towns on this vital corridor are attractive, competitive and sustainable, effectively contributing to this regional economic and social transformation. Focussing on the three towns, the Consultant is expected to deliver a proportionate and evidence led assessment of current and future connectivity requirements across the Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Ellon corridor, consistent with the objectives set out in the Invitation to Tender. The work needs to capture the personal and business experience and impacts of connectivity, moving beyond an approach purely based on quantitative modelling. Lot 1: Nestrans is the Regional Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. The Partnership develops and delivers the long-term Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) to 2040 and takes forward strategic transport improvements that support the economy, environment, and quality of life across the region. The RTS sets priorities including improved journey efficiency, road safety, cleaner air, significant carbon reduction to support net zero, accessibility for all, and a step change in public transport and active travel to achieve a 50:50 mode split between car driver and sustainable modes. The study will be supported by funding provided by the Aberdeen City Region Deal, Strategic Transport Appraisal The North East of Scotland is entering a decade of profound social and economic transition. Whilst the energy sector continues to shape the regional economy, the future of communities such as Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Ellon will increasingly depend on wider economic diversification, and evolving policy commitments around net zero, inclusive growth and climate resilience. Changing population trends and regional movements will also affect these towns. These changes will directly influence how people and goods travel, how communities and businesses operate, and what forms of connectivity are needed in the future to ensure that the principal towns on this vital corridor are attractive, competitive and sustainable, effectively contributing to this regional economic and social transformation. Significant analytical work has already been undertaken through the Strategic Transport Appraisal (STA), including detailed examination of the A90(N)/A952 corridor and the strategic gateways that support both personal mobility and freight movement to key ports. Complementary studies currently underway include: - A region‑wide assessment of the impacts that transformational investment may have on the North East’s strategic transport networks; and - The Cumulative Transport Appraisal informing the emerging Local Development Plans (LDPs) for Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. Previous work on this corridor is also particularly relevant and includes: - The Campaign for North East Rail (CNER) and Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) have brought renewed attention to the possibility of reinstating rail connectivity to Buchan towns. Working alongside Nestrans, a Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance study funded by the Just Transition Fund considered medium to longer term investment on the corridor focussed on the opportunities provided by rail line re-investment. Outcomes of this work pointed to the need to more fully consider the potential impact of freight movement on the corridor, but also the importance of considering how current connectivity challenges significantly impact the realisation of wider social and development objectives. - A parallel study considering shorter term investment was undertaken at the same time which focussed on improvement of the existing road corridor led by Nestrans. This work focussing on shorter term outcomes has led to ongoing work on designs for junction and safety improvements on the route. This study will build upon these foundations, ensuring alignment with National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), the Regional Transport Strategy (RTS), and both Councils’ LDP processes, supporting the development of future investment cases. The study must move beyond an approach based solely on quantitative transport modelling. It should explicitly capture personal, community and business experience and the impacts of connectivity on daily life, operational decision making and opportunity, drawing on qualitative, behavioural and place-based evidence alongside proportionate quantitative analysis.. The procurement will be conducted using the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) portal. All documentation, clarification and tender submissions will be managed electronically via PCS, including use of the Postbox facility.