Frequently Asked Questions
The Study
The Proposal
Developing Haymarket
Transport Hub
Cost & Funding
Project Timetable
Environment & safety
Car Parking & Vehicle Access
Consultation
The Study
What is the Haymarket Interchange Feasibility Study?
The City of Edinburgh Council commissioned a major feasibility study into how the Haymarket area can be improved over the next thirty years - The Haymarket Interchange Feasibility Study (HIFS).
This study investigated the re-development of Haymarket Station and the surrounding area to create a contemporary, multi- modal transport 'hub' within Edinburgh. The study was funded by Transport Scotland and there are a wide variety of other organisations involved, including Network Rail, First ScotRail and Bus operators. The study's aim was to deliver proposals for a regenerated Haymarket area which will ensure the city keeps moving as it continues to grow.
It involved:
1. a feasibility study to consider proposals for a transport interchange at Haymarket to service public transport and the redevelopment of Haymarket Station and immediate surrounding area
2. an investigation into the related improvement opportunities in the wider Haymarket area with a view to formulating a master plan to inform and guide future development
Why was the Haymarket Interchange Feasibility Study being undertaken?
Haymarket is already an important and busy area within Edinburgh's West End. It is a key gateway through which the city centre, residential areas and the new financial district can be accessed by many modes of transport.
The area is forecast to become significantly busier over the coming years as new rail services are introduced and development takes place. Changes in the area are already evident. There is investment to fund improvements at Haymarket station and Waverley station. Work on the city's tram network has started and expansion of the financial services sector, the West End and the Exchange District continues. All of these will place a greater strain on the Haymarket area as the numbers of trips by pedestrians and public transport users increases.
View a graph on the anticipated passenger growth at Haymarket
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Currently the station is of modest size; congested and inaccessible for many users; the pavements and public areas in the area are inadequate and in poor condition. Bus users, pedestrians, cycle and road traffic continually fight for space - especially at peak times.
To ensure this busy interchange for public and private transport can cope sustainably with the needs of our growing city, the City of Edinburgh Council, with funding from Transport Scotland, commissioned this major investigation.
Who commissioned the study?
The City of Edinburgh Council, with funding from Transport Scotland, commissioned the study into the development of the Haymarket area in December 2005 to Halcrow Group Limited (Planning, Transportation and Engineering Consultants) with support from architects, quantity surveyors and property agents). The reports from Stage 1 and Stage 2 of this study can be viewed on The Study page of the website.
topWhat were the objectives?
The principal objectives of this study were:
1. to provide an attractive multi-modal transport interchange facility at Haymarket that will accommodate forecast levels of demand to 2031 from all transport types and related pedestrian trips
2. to treat the transport interchange as a vital western gateway to Edinburgh, while creating a sense of place that contributes to the public realm, property development and economic regeneration of the wider area
Sub Objectivies
In addition to the principal key objectives an early task of the Haymarket Interchange Study was to identify a range of sub-objectives. These sub objectives are summarised below and can be viewed in full in the Haymarket Stage 1 report, Volume 1.
- to create a transport hub to enable efficient travel for all
- to create a high quality of public realm that enables safe pedestrian interchange between modes
- to invite buy-in from stakeholders and secure support from the public
- to maximise the opportunity for private sector funding
- to identify opportunities for wider development in the area
The Proposal
What is the Haymarket Interchange Proposal?
Click here to view the proposal
What was the 'preferred option'?
The preferred option was based on Option A from Stage 3. This has been developed into the Haymarket Interchange Proposal. The HIFS Study is now complete.
Developing Haymarket
What would be the benefits of developing the Haymarket area?
Some of the benefits of developing the Haymarket area are:
- an improved transport hub allowing better access to and from the city from the west and north, for all users of all modes of transport
- co-ordinated and integrated train, tram, bus and taxi facilities
- enhanced pedestrian access, including direct, covered pedestrian links between different transport modes and key developments
- a redeveloped station area which is compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act, with safe and comfortable waiting areas for all station users
- an efficient, attractive and dynamic area accessible to the travelling public of which the city of Edinburgh can be proud
What other development is happening in the Haymarket area?
There are several planned developments - including development of the Morrison Street goods yard site; the continued growth of the nearby Exchange financial District; and new railway services stopping at Haymarket such as the new Airdrie-Bathgate line - thus significant further growth in rail passengers over the coming years will place greater strain on Haymarket. The study's aim is to deliver robust proposals for a regenerated Haymarket area which ensure that the city keeps moving as it continues to grow. An essential part of this redevelopment will be a key interchange for public transport, pedestrians, and other transport users.
How would the development of Haymarket be affected by other transport schemes?
The project takes into account other known transport and development projects within the area, including the tram project and the station accessibility project and is working closely with these projects. The Project will build upon these other schemes - as a 'base case' - to develop into its final configuration.
For more details on the other projects planned in the Haymarket area, please view the
A summary of plans for the Haymarket area (base case):
Transport
What effect would the development of Haymarket Interchange have on the current Station?
The project will aim to minimise disruption to services within the area during construction although there may be a number of weekend shutdowns of part or all of the station. Once the interchange is completed, it is intended that the level of service and the efficient interchange between rail, tram and bus services will be much improved.
How would the development of Haymarket affect the Edinburgh trams project?
The project team are working closely with the trams project team. The tram project is undertaking the design of the road junction at Haymarket and the Interchange Study incorporates the tram project designs.
For more information on Edinburgh trams visit
How would developing Haymarket affect the current bus services?
The project will not directly change or modify bus routes. However it may reposition some bus stops so that they are more conveniently located to the interchange with improved access to other modes.
How would developing Haymarket affect private car users?
The Haymarket Junction will be modified as a result of the trams project and the current project will aim to minimise disruption to the road network and car routes in the area. Some of the existing car and passenger drop-off areas may be repositioned to improve interchange for all users.
How would developing Haymarket affect cyclists?
Cyclists will have improved facilities around the interchange including security racks and lockers.
What pedestrian access will there be if Haymarket is developed?
Improvement to pedestrian access to and through the interchange will be critical to its success and this factor has been central in design considerations. Improvements are to enable pedestrian access via Distillery Lane, Dalry Road, Haymarket Terrace and the Interchange Core.
Cost & funding
How much would it cost to develop the Haymarket Interchange Proposal?
Broad cost estimates have been carried out for the Proposal, whereby up to £77 million of public sector funding would be required.
In developing the Proposal, a detailed Business Case (inclusive of funding and procurement) has been prepared.
Who would fund this development?
Since the core of the development is the public transport interchange, it is expected that the transport core will be funded principally by the public sector. It is probable that the private sector would be keen to invest in the planned development of the wider area outwith the interchange either by themselves or as part of a joint venture with public sector interest.
Project timetable
The timeline below shows the schedule for the Haymarket Interchange project and the timing for proposed work at Haymarket. This timeline gives an indication only at this stage and may be subject to change.
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Environment & safety
Have you carried out an assessment of the environmental implications development at Haymarket?
Yes, the Haymarket Interchange project team have carried out a detailed appraisal of the key environmental issues of the Haymarket site.
As part of the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) Part 2, an Environmental Appraisal has been undertaken in order to make an in-depth assessment of the proposals which have passed through STAG 1. The report details Noise & Vibration; Air Quality; Soils, Geology, Ground Conditions & Contamination; Water Quality, Drainage & Flood Defence; Ecology & Nature Conservation; Landscape & Visual and Cultural Heritage.
Has the study investigated the safety of train users if Haymarket is developed?
Passenger and user safety in and around the interchange at both platform and concourse level is a paramount consideration. Design work will apply formal guidance and best practice in this regard.
If the project goes ahead, what safety measures will be in place during construction?
Details of the construction programme have yet to be worked up, however industry standard safe working practices will be applied at all terms to safeguard transport sector employees, construction staff and the traveling public.
Car Parking & Vehicle Access
What level of car parking will be provided at the station after the area is developed?
Preliminary design is allowing for the provision of 138 car parking spaces following completion of both Phase 2.
What provisions will be made to reduce congestion in the surrounding area after the Haymarket Interchange is developed?
With the introduction of trams and the station accessibility project plus an increase in public transport options and improvements to the quality of the public realm, traffic volumes are expected to be reduced and the quality of urban space increased as by-products of these initiatives.
Consultation
How did you consult with the general public?
Prior to and in May and June 2007, the project team consulted with the public in the four ways outlined below.
1. User survey
The project team have already undertaken a User Survey of public transport users and pedestrians at Haymarket Station and the surrounding area. The survey questioned over 1,200 people on their reasons for using Haymarket and attitudes towards the area and its facilities. Participants were also questioned on what they thought were important station attributes and were asked to rate the current facilities at Haymarket. With few exceptions, most participants rated the current facilities poorly.
To view a copy of the User Survey, please visit the Background Information page of this website
2. Public Exhibitions
The project team carried out a series of public exhibitions to inform the public on the process and progress and enable the public to feedback their thoughts on the study and the three options that were considered for the development of Haymarket in Stage 3.
3. Leaflets
Leaflets were distributed in the Haymarket area and to key stakeholders. The public fed-back by returning the leaflet's freepost tear-off reply slip.
4. This Website
Visitors to this website were also able to feedback on Haymarket Interchange.
How was the feedback from consultation used?
The results of the consultation process, including feedback from previous user surveys, public exhibitions and from this website on the three study options, were fed into the design development and assessment process and helped to form the preferred option.
How were the main outcomes from consultation incorporated into the Proposal?
The feedback received during the period of public consultation in May and June 2007 informed the development of the preferred option. In addition to other measures which test viability of the options, consultation highlighted the following issues that were incorporated into The Proposal:
- Is there demand for such a large scale development in the west end?
- The listed Haymarket Station building should remain
- Keep the 'Edinburgh charm' with existing buildings and setting
- The War Memorial at Haymarket should not be removed from the area
- Pedestrian priority is essential with any redevelopment
- There needs to be more provision for cycle facilities…parking, leasing etc.
- The station is in need of lifts and better access for disabled travellers is necessary
- More soft/green landscaping is necessary in the area
- Improve station facilities (such as real time passenger information, luggage storage, recreational facilities etc.)
- The neighbouring development proposal for the Morrison Street Goods Yard needs to complement the Haymarket Interchange proposal and vice versa.