Contract awarded for Inshes Park all-abilities path
The construction of a new all-abilities path for Phase 3 of Inshes Park is due to start on site late March/early April.
The construction of a new all-abilities path for Phase 3 of Inshes Park is due to start on site late March/early April. The £358k contract has been awarded to Pat Munro Ltd and will see the construction of a surfaced footpath linking the pedestrian bridge on Inshes Road with Milton of Leys. The path forms the final link to the earlier phases of footpath provision and will provide an attractive and more protected off-road route for both cyclists and pedestrians.
The new path will meander through 12.7ha of parkland consisting of natural birch woodland and open rough grassland providing a more natural and informal park for users to enjoy. The earlier phases, north of Inshes Road, have been completed as part of a phased programme since 2012 and have become an important recreational asset for the area.
Ward councillors are delighted that the contract has been awarded and work is due to start soon.
Cllr Ken Gowans said: “Inshes Park is a fantastic amenity for all, and I am pleased we have been able to take this further step forward with this latest development. At this time in particular, when we are encouraging greater use of the outdoors, I am sure it will be widely welcomed. There are ambitious plans to develop the park in future, we are also adding seating and benches to enhance how everyone can experience the park.”
Cllr Carolyn Caddick said: “As a member of the Community Association and a local Councillor for this area, I am delighted to see the work on this final phase of the park get underway. It is particularly important that local residents can access local shops, school, parks and services without having to resort to a car. This extension will finally join up the 3 phases of the park and allow mums with prams, disabled residents, commuters and youngsters on bikes to stay off the roads and enjoy this fantastic park.”
Inshes Park has been funded through developer contributions collected over the past number of years from adjacent housing developments. Sustrans Scotland have provided a £277k grant towards the current phase of the project as part of their ‘Places for Everyone Programme’.
Sustrans Scotland have also previously contributed £274k through their Community Links Programme for the earlier phase 2 section of path, linking Stevenson road with Inshes road.
Sustrans Scotland’s ‘Places for Everyone’ Programme aims to create safe, attractive, healthier places by increasing the number of trips made by walking, cycling and wheeling for everyday journeys. The scheme is funded by the Scottish Government through Transport Scotland and is administered by Sustrans.
Sjoerd Tel, Infrastructure Coordinator for Sustrans Scotland said, “We have been pleased to be able to fund the final phase of the traffic-free route between Inshes Park and Milton of Leys through our Places for Everyone scheme. The new space for walking, wheeling and cycling will make it easier for people to travel between communities, as well as to access local bus services and amenities. Spending time in green space can be good for people’s health and the safer crossing at Inshes Road will enable more people to do that here.”
While construction work takes place there will be no public access to the site, located between Inshes Road and Elmwood Avenue. This is for the safety of both the public and the construction workers. Signs will be erected once work on site begins and these will highlight the alternative routes available.
A separate planting and landscaping contract for Phase 2 or the mid-section of the park will follow as developer contributions from adjacent housing developments accrue in the future.