Members of the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust team recently joined partners and local representatives in Arbroath to celebrate completion of a major new project making walking, wheeling and cycling possible for more people in the town.
Walk Wheel Cycle Trust representatives and partners at the launch of Arbroath A Place for Everyone
The launch marked the completion of the Arbroath A Place for Everyone project, which has delivered new and upgraded paths, crossings and public spaces, making it easier and safer for people to get around without relying on a car.
Delivered by Angus Council in partnership with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, the project was funded through the Scottish Government-backed Places for Everyone programme.
Re-connecting communities in Arbroath
The new routes will help people move around Arbroath more easily, while improving access to local businesses, green spaces and public transport links.
They have been designed to give everyone more freedom in how they choose to travel, by making traffic-free walking, wheeling and cycling journeys through the town possible for more people.
Communities Convener Cllr Tommy Stewart said:
“The project aligns closely with Angus Council and Scottish Government priorities, including tackling climate change, promoting health and wellbeing, improving accessibility, supporting tourism and strengthening town centre regeneration. It also contributes to Angus Council’s wider ambitions to expand active travel infrastructure across the region.
“In addition to its long-term social and environmental benefits, the project provided a significant economic boost, contributing more than £5.6 million to the local economy and supporting local businesses and suppliers throughout delivery.”
Residents enjoying use of a bike with bench seat on a new section of path through Arbroath
Years in the making
Work on the project first began back in 2015, when local people were asked to share their views on the plans to improve routes across Arbroath.
Funding was then awarded in 2019 through the Places for Everyone programme.
Since then, Angus Council, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and other partners have worked closely with the local community to develop and deliver the improvements across the town.
The improvements include:
- A new 1.5km route between West Links and Arbroath Abbey, including a connection to Brothock Bridge
- Upgraded crossings and redesigned junctions
- New seating and landscaping
- Improvements to National Cycle Network Route 1, creating more traffic-free sections through the town
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said:
“I’m pleased to see the completion and opening of this significant and innovative investment in Arbroath, reflecting the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to making it safer and easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.
“These improvements are already making a real difference to how people move around the town, while also supporting a more attractive and accessible town centre that benefits local businesses and communities.
“With over £10 million of Scottish Government funding as part of a wider £15 million investment, this work demonstrates how sustained investment can transform places and improve everyday journeys for people across Scotland.”
The wider project received £10.8 million through the Scottish Government-backed Places for Everyone programme, delivered by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
A further £154,000 of Scottish Government funding managed by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust was awarded to support improvements to National Cycle Network Route 1.
A new section of path through Arbroath, designed for walkers, wheelers and cyclists to use in tandem.
Projects like this show the difference that long-term investment and partnership working can make for local communities.
From getting to the shops or train station to simply enjoying time outdoors, the new routes have reconnected communities to the town and will help more people move around Arbroath safely and comfortably for years to come.
