Napier University is to redevelop its outdated Sighthill campus in west Edinburgh. The redeveloped campus will see the gross floor area increase from 17,000m2 to 24,000m2 to create a state of the art teaching facility.

High levels of congestion

The Sighthill campus is located on the dualled A71 Calder Road, one of the main arteries into Edinburgh city centre. The A71 route experiences high levels of traffic congestion and has a high number of public transport services into the city centre.

Existing vehicular access is via a left in / left out onto the A71, with underpass facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. These access arrangements were deemed unacceptable for all modes of transport and a new traffic signal junction was proposed to access the campus with pedestrian and cyclist crossing facilities included in the junction design.This provides a safer crossing option for staff and students.

Transport assessment

Throughout the transport assessment and travel plan process, Grontmij liased closely with the City of Edinburgh council to achieve planning approval on transportation grounds. Mitigation measures, Edinburgh Tramline 1 developers contributions, car parking provision and road network improvement contributions where all agreed.

Strong case submitted to planning authority

Grontmij's experience and understanding of University developments in Scotland allowed a robust case to be put forward to the planning authority based on car parking, slow modes provision, staff and student numbers and traffic impact.