Managing the project and working with other organisations
The Hardie Report
A detailed response to the Lord Hardie Inquiry was presented to the Transport and Environment Committee on 16 November 2023 and was then debated at Council on 14 December 2023. Key findings included recommendations on procurement, risk management, governance arrangements, and disruption are contained in the above report and will inform future projects.
Lessons learned from the recently completed Trams to Newhaven project
Lessons learned from the first phase of Tram (Edinburgh Airport to York Place) were incorporated into the Trams to Newhaven project. This included contract, governance, construction, risk allocation, and staffing arrangements. Trams to Newhaven was delivered successfully and opened to the public on 7 June 2023.
Personnel who delivered the Trams to Newhaven project are now working on the Trams from Granton to the Bioquarter and Beyond project.
Neighbouring local authorities
Discussions are ongoing with East Lothian and Midlothian Councils on the development of the business case for extending the trams outside Edinburgh. In addition, as part of the governance of the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal all other neighbouring local authorities are kept informed of progress.
The Scottish Government
The Scottish Government has identified an expansion to the tram network in Edinburgh as an investment priority as part of their National Transport Strategy 2. Discussions continue with ministers and officials.
Transport Scotland
Given the scale of this project and its national and regional importance, Transport Scotland, as the national agency for Scotland, will be consulted throughout the development of the business cases.
Interaction with other initiatives
The north to south tram route forms part of Edinburgh’s City Mobility Plan 2021-2030 and City Plan 2030. The City Mobility Plan is centred around three key themes: People, Movement, and Place. Full details on how north to south route would interact with other initiatives such as Park & Rides, trains and Bus Priority is detailed within the City Mobility Plan.
The project will also be reviewed in the context of Edinburgh’s Biodiversity Action Plan (link).
Compulsory Purchase Orders
We do not know if there is a requirement for Compulsory Purchase Orders at this stage. This will become clearer at a later date when further detailed design work is completed.