Kilmarnock Infinity Loop
A New Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Network
Welcome to our StoryMap for the Kilmarnock Infinity Loop
This StoryMap contains interactive maps which allow you to explore the study area. Although you can use handheld devices, we recommend using a desktop/laptop for the best experience. If you have joined this page on a mobile or tablet device, you can follow the link below to access the webpage via a desktop/laptop if you have one available: https://shorturl.at/iknI2
Project Update
Following the October 2023 Engagement on the Stage 3 Developed Designs the Kilmarnock Infinity Project is moving into Stage 4 Technical Design. The technical designs will be progressed through Summer and Autumn 2024. Throughout the Stage 4 process the design team will take on board the feedback received through the stage 3 consultations and continue to liaise with key stakeholders.
A public exhibition will be held in late 2024 to showcase the final layouts for the Kimarnock Infinity Loop. Further information and updates will be made available through 2024.
If you are unfamiliar with the project please scroll down to find out more.
Background
Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) is working in partnership with East Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Leisure and Sweco to create a circular network of walking, wheeling and cycling routes within and around Kilmarnock.
The project will develop a 26km ‘figure of eight’ circular network of pathways around the town.
Project Goals
- Provide access to safe walking, wheeling and cycling throughout Kilmarnock.
- Increase the number of people using sustainable modes of travel.
- Reduce congestion on roads within Kilmarnock.
- Provide walking, wheeling and cycling connections between residential areas and key retail, leisure and employment areas.
- Promote health and wellbeing for residents and visitors to East Ayrshire.
- Provide walking, wheeling and cycling connections to local businesses.
- Ensure route designs will meet the needs of planned residential and employment developments in Kilmarnock.
The project will be undertaken in phases. There are four route sections; Route 1 and Route 2 will be developed first.
- Route 1 (purple line) will celebrate the life and work of one of Kilmarnock’s most famous brands, Johnnie Walker. Our hope is the route will encourage residents and visitors alike to explore culturally significant sites and places of interest within the town. The route will be 6.5 kilometers long.
- Route 2 (orange line) will run along the east of Kilmarnock into Dean Castle Country Park, before continuing south to Shortlees, where it connects onto Route 4 (light green line). The route will be 8.7 kilometers long.
If you require assistance, please let us know how we can help you participate. The project team are here to support you, so please contact us using the details listed below:
Email: KIL@sweco.co.uk
Postal address: Sweco Transport Planning, City Park, 368 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow, G31 3AU
Need for Change
East Ayrshire Council have set out an ambitious plan to become a net zero council by 2030, with their wider communities being net zero by 2045, helping to end contributions to climate change within a generation. Net zero means cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions re-absorbed from the atmosphere, by oceans and forests for instance.
Sustainable transport modes, such as walking, cycling and public transport, will play a huge role in helping us achieve net zero. As such, the Kilmarnock Infinity Loop is driven by the vision outlined below:
Creating a culture change that will see sustainable transport as the mainstream choice for everyday and essential journeys, encouraging communities to thrive and businesses to invest.
The Benefits
Health
Physical inactivity costs the UK £7.4 billion annually and results in poor mental and physical health. Walking, wheeling, and cycling are great ways to increase and improve physical and mental wellbeing, and are accessible to the majority of the population.
A decrease in the numbers of vehicles on the roads also reduces air pollution and the risk of traffic related injuries and fatalities. Find out more by visiting the UK Government website here .
Wealth
Walking, wheeling and cycling (known as 'active travel') is estimated to generate an annual benefit to the UK economy of £36.5billion. Find out more by visiting Sustrans website here .
Active travel infrastructure combined with a community engaged in walking, wheeling and cycling can benefit businesses. For example, cycle parking delivers five times higher retail spend than the same area of car parking. Find out more by visiting Transport Scotland's website here .
Community
Active Travel is a social and inclusive way to travel and the infrastructure along new routes can foster a sense of community and create enjoyable places to exercise, socialise, and relax.
It's often quicker than you think! On average, you can walk a mile in around 15 minutes or cycle a mile in five minutes.
Environment
Road transport, such as cars, vans, lorries and buses, accounts for approximately 66% of greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland. Cars release the largest amounts out of all road-based transport options. Find out more by visiting Transport Scotland's website here .
Changing to active travel can have significant carbon emission benefits. The largest benefits come from switching from car use to active travel for business, social and commuting journeys (Paths for All)
Work So Far
Funding for the project was awarded by Sustrans through the Places for Everyone programme. Places for Everyone is an active travel infrastructure programme supported by the Scottish Government and administered by Sustrans.
The below core design principles will be taken forward throughout the project:
- Develop ideas collaboratively and in partnership with communities.
- Facilitate independent walking, cycling, and wheeling for everyone, including an unaccompanied 12-year old.
- Design places that provide enjoyment, comfort and protection.
- Ensure access for all and equality of opportunity in public space.
- Ensure all proposals are developed in a way that is context-specific and evidence-led.
- Reallocate road space, and restrict motor traffic permeability to prioritise people walking, cycling and wheeling over private motor vehicles.
All designs will be assessed against how well they achieve the design principles.
The project is currently at Stage 3, Developed Design. An overview of the design stages is shown below:
Current Stage - Developed Design
We Asked, You Said, We Did
Stage 1 and 2 Engagement
In April and May 2021, we sought the views of communities within and around Kilmarnock on the project vision and concept designs. Thank you to those that contributed to this public engagement.
The findings are published on the East Ayrshire Leisure website: Concept Design Study. Below are some of the issues you raised and their outcomes:
Route Proposals
To help bring our Kilmarnock Infinity Loop proposals to life, we have created 3D visualisations of sections of the route.
This video highlights the type of active travel infrastructure you can expect to see along Glasgow Road and Grassyards Road.
Along Glasgow Road this includes a kerbed bi-directional cycle track, pedestrian crossings with tactile paving, and a signalised crossing for cyclists.
Along Grassyards Road this includes a kerbed bi-directional cycle-track, separated from a footway, with plenty of crossing opportunities.
To see the full design, continue onto our interactive maps below. Navigate around the area to see the proposals near you.
The illustrations in this section show each of the design options that we are proposing across the entire Kilmarnock Infinity Loop.
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Route 1
Route 1 delivers key active travel connections throughout the spine of Kilmarnock, encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore culturally significant sites and places of interest within the town. A large proportion of the route follows Kilmarnock Water, providing a scenic and more direct route through the centre of Kilmarnock.
The below map shows an interactive map of route 1. Zoom in to make the map more detailed. This will help you explore the active travel designs and landscape improvements. The legend explains what the different symbols mean.
Travelling north to south, Route 1 begins at the Southcraig Drive / Glasgow Road roundabout. It continues next to Glasgow Road, travels past the Tesco Superstore and then enters Dean Castle Country Park. Crossing over Kilmarnock Water near Bonnyton Thistle Football Club's ground, it then travels down High Street before connecting into King Street; a major retail street in Kilmarnock town centre. Kilmarnock Train Station, Kilmarnock Bus Station and various shops and businesses, including Burns Shopping Mall can all be reached within a short journey of Route 1.
Travelling through Howard Park, the Galleon Centre and Tesco Extra can all be reached within a short detour over Kilmarnock Water. Route 1 continues along the banks of Kilmarnock Water and then alongside the River Irvine, going underneath the A71, before ending at Holmes Road. This last stretch allows for connections into the residential areas that are bound by McLelland Drive and Dundonald Road.
Proposed Linear Park East
This existing green open space provides an opportunity to promote the infinity loop principles of improving green infrastructure, creating sustainable links between communities, enhancing biodiversity and providing opportunities for play and relaxation.
This section of the route is divided into a series of activity and biodiversity spaces accessed by informal paths off the main route. The zones created are sculpture trail, natural play, wellbeing area and a foraging area with fruit trees and bushes.
Route 2
Route 2 connects key locations in the east of Kilmarnock. This route provides safe and direct access between residential areas, places of education and some major green spaces.
The below map shows an interactive map of route 2. Zoom in to make the map more detailed. This will help you explore the active travel designs and landscape improvements. The legend explains what the different symbols mean.
Starting at the northern extent, Route 2 begins in Dean Castle Country Park. The route then meanders its way through the park, utilising a new footbridge to cross over the Craufurdland Water and then emerging at Kennedy Drive before linking to Grassyards Road. A combination of Mackellar Place and off-road routes will then bring you out at Deans Pharmacy on Macphail Drive. This allows for connections to St Andrew's Primary School, St Joseph's Academy, Kilmarnock Academy, James Hamilton Primary and Kilmarnock Cemetery.
From Dean's Pharmacy the route goes south through Piersland Park, Scott Ellis Recreation Ground, Kilmarnock Academy Recreation Ground and Ayrshire Athletics Arena before bringing you out at Queen's Drive. From here shops at Queen's Retail park, such as the Asda Superstore, can be reached within a short journey from Route 2.
From Queen's Drive, Route 2 goes south through Bellfield Estate and then traverses the eastern boundary of the residential areas of Bellfield and Shortlees. It ends where Craigie Road passes underneath the Kilmarnock Bypass.
MacGregor Drive
The shape of the route as it navigates the steep slope creates spaces for planting and natural play. At the lower section of the route there is an area of terraced seating within informal grassy slopes providing spectator seating overlooking a central activity space.
Seating points are positioned along the route with cycle parking provision. The planting will include meadow planting and tree and shrub planting to provide year round seasonal interest.
The multicoloured line represents a tracing of the River Irvine, which would be incorporated into the paving and planting areas as a linking artwork feature.
MacNichol Gardens
The landscape proposal enhances the existing green space with additional tree planting, wildflower meadow and ornamental planting.
Amenity grass areas for recreation are also retained whilst improving the park as a whole for nature.
A new path is created through the centre of the park to maximise the experience of travelling through the improved green space.
Rest points with seating and natural play are also included within the proposal.
Community Engagement
UPDATE - Community Engagement has now closed for Stage 3.
We are now running a six week community engagement period to understand the level of support for the proposals along Routes 1 and 2.
Stage 3 Engagement (current stage)
We are inviting members of the local community to share their feedback on the proposed designs for Route 1 and 2 of the Kilmarnock Infinity Loop, as well as seeking feedback on any missing links, accessibility considerations, and existing barriers to walking, wheeling and cycling in the area.
The engagement will run from Monday 2nd October to Sunday 12th November 2023.
Keep scrolling to find out how you can get involved.
Survey
We welcome your views on the proposed designs and suggestions related to the project via our online survey, please click the link below to take part.
You can collect and drop-off a paper copy of the survey at the following locations near you:
- Ayrshire Athletics Arena
- Galleon Centre
- Dick Institute
Alternatively, you can scan your completed survey to us at KIL@sweco.co.uk or post it to the below address:
Sweco Transport Planning, City Park, 368 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow, G31 3AU
Public Drop-in Events
You can meet the project team, find out more about the project, and detail your feedback on the technical designs by attending one of the following drop-in sessions:
- Burns Shopping Mall - Saturday 7th October (11:00am to 5:00pm)
- Shortlees Community Centre - Monday 30th October (1:00pm to 7:00pm)
- Burns Shopping Mall - Saturday 4th November (11:00am to 5:00pm)
Public Webinar: Tuesday 24th October from 7pm to 8pm on Microsoft Teams. Register for the webinar by clicking on the button below.
If you have any trouble registering for the webinar, email us at KIL@sweco.co.uk
Workshops
Throughout the community engagement period, we will be running a number of workshops. If you would like to attend any of the following workshops, please let us know us by emailing us at KIL@sweco.co.uk
Business Workshops
These workshops are for any businesses that have an interest in the project:
- Online via Microsoft Teams - Thursday 12th October (9am to 10am)
- Online via Microsoft Teams - Wednesday 25th October (6:30pm to 7:30pm)
- Centre Stage, Circle Lounge - Thursday 26th October (5:30pm to 6.30pm)
Seldom Heard Group Workshops
These workshops are for representatives of seldom heard groups; these groups are typically underrepresented in the decision making process. Examples of seldom heard groups include, but are not limited to, mobility, sensory or learning disabilities; ethnic minority groups; and gender and sexual orientation groups.
- The Park Hotel - Wednesday 11th October (6pm to 7pm)
- Centre Stage, Circle Lounge - Thursday 26th October (2:30pm to 3.30pm)
Key Stakeholder Workshops
This workshop is for elected members and technical stakeholders (such as transport, environment and heritage organisations).
- Centre Stage, Circle Lounge - Wednesday 11th October (2:30pm to 4pm)
Next Steps
Upon completion of this stage of engagement, the design team will refine and update the existing proposals, which will be shaped by the outcomes of this engagement.
The project will then progress onto Stage 4 (Technical Design), where we will continue to engage with the public and technical stakeholders to gather your views on the updated designs.
Get in Touch
If you have questions about this project or would like to sign-up for updates on future engagement opportunities, please email:
FAQs
Based on our experience on similar projects, we have outlined our response to frequently asked questions (FAQs) below. As the project progresses, we will update the questions received and our corresponding responses here.
How will the project benefit local residents, businesses and commuters?
The Kilmarnock Infinity Loop will create a safe and attractive environment for walking, wheeling and cycling for all. Enabling low cost access to sites of education, employment, key services and leisure sites.
Research found pedestrianised areas generally outperform non-pedestrianised areas in terms of retail turnover and that cycle parking delivers 5 times higher retail spend than the same area of car parking ( Sustrans ).
Who is leading on the project?
Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) is working in partnership with East Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Leisure and Sweco to create a circular network of walking, wheeling and cycling routes within and around Kilmarnock.
How is the project being funded?
Funding for the project was awarded by Sustrans through Places for Everyone. Places for Everyone is an active travel infrastructure programme funded by the Scottish Government through Transport Scotland and is administered by Sustrans.
What are the different Sustrans stages?
Places for Everyone funding is awarded across the year in groups of project stages for Concept (Stages (0-2), Design (Stages 3-4), and Construction (Stages 5-7). Stage 4 is currently underway for Routes 1 and 2.
0. Strategic Definition - Complete
1.Preparation and Brief – Complete
2. Concept Design – Complete
3. Developed Design - Complete
4. Technical Design – 2024
Who will maintain the routes?
The appointed contractor for the Kilmarnock Infinity Loop will be responsible for the maintenance of the routes until a year after completion. Following on from this, Ayrshire Roads Alliance will adopt and maintain the routes.
Why are there no detailed proposals for King Street or Foregate Square?
The design options for King Street and The Foregate / Foregate Square are being developed.
King Street is the main retail corridor for the entire town centre. We are currently exploring the ways in which King Street and associated units along its length can be repurposed to enhance the use and character of the area.
The Foregate is to the north east of the Town Centre and is centred around Foregate Square. The ambition is to establish this space as a destination for residents and visitors alike to enjoy, including but not limited to providing access to shops, socialising spaces, public art.
As part of this consultation, we are asking for you to provide any initial thoughts or suggestions in relation to improvements or changes you would like to see along King Street and within Foregate Square. Please provide your initial thoughts and suggestions via the survey or via email at KIL@sweco.co.uk
There will be separate public consultations for The Foregate Civic Space and King Street in during 2024, which will allow you to provide your views on a number of the design options.
Are all routes going to be constructed?
No final decisions have been taken on what will and will not be constructed. Through the ongoing community engagement process, views are being sought on the level of support for the project.
What is 'wheeling'?
Wheeling refers to an alternative means of travel to foot/pedestrian-based mobility, such as travel by wheelchair, mobility scooter or wheeled walker.
What are 'Quiet Streets'?
'Quiet Streets’ or Mixed Traffic Streets are those where conditions allow for cyclists to mix with motor traffic. Traffic calming measures, such as speed humps, raised tables and road markings, are included in the design throughout the Quiet Streets to increase cyclist safety.
What is a bi-directional cycle track?
Bi-directional cycle tracks are sections of track where people are travelling on bikes going in two directions on one side of a road.
What are segregated cycle tracks?
Segregated cycle tracks incorporate a degree of separation between general traffic and a dedicated space intended for cycling.
Who can I speak to if I have a question about the project?
If you have a query or comment about the project please email: KIL@sweco.co.uk
How will my information be used?
Information provided will be treated confidentially and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 2018. Our privacy notice, which explains how we will process your personal information, how long we will retain it and your rights as a data subject, are available at: https://www.ayrshireroadsalliance.org/About-this-website/Privacy-policy.aspx
