Troon Working Group - questions and answers - October 2022
1 Project Update
- Troon harbour, owned and operated by Associated British Ports (ABP) has been procured by the Scottish Government to support the operation of the Ardrossan-Brodick/Campbeltown ferry services when they are temporarily diverted to Troon Troon will also be used as an alternative mainland port to support CalMac services during any periods of disruption. .
- A Troon working group exists to support this work and meets regularly. Members include: Associated British Ports, Transport Scotland, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) and Caledonian Ferries Ltd (CalMac).
- More project updates
2 When did the works commence?
- Marine works at the port commenced in July 2021 and where completed in March 2022 consisting of new fenders and a suspended concrete deck; delivered by George Leslie Ltd in association with ABP and Transport Scotland.
3 When will services move to Troon?
- The move to Troon will be triggered by either the introduction of the MV Glen Sannox or the Ardrossan harbour upgrade works.
- Service continuity plans for when services temporarily relocate to Troon have been developed and a Public Consultation undertaken by CalMac.
- The on-line consultation opened for comments on Tuesday 23rd August 2022 supported by drop in events at Ardrossan, Campbeltown and Brodick (Arran). The survey closed on 23 September and at present CalMac are reviewing the responses received which will inform timetable development. A Consultation Report is currently being drafted and will be published in due course..
4 What will the level of ferry services be at Troon?
- Our aim is to provide as close to the current Ardrossan-Brodick/Campbeltown timetable where possible when operating out of Troon. However users should be aware that passage and turnaround times are expected to be longer during operation, up to 20 and 15 minutes respectively.
- No final decision has been undertaken regarding service levels, however the timetables will recognise the demand on the service.
5 What about passengers facilities at Troon?
- The landside infrastructure required to operate services will include facilities, such as a temporary terminal building, shuttle bus service, car parking, marshalling area and public toilets.
- Connectivity for onward travel is a key component including integration with other modes which is being developed as part of the service continuity plans.
- CMAL on behalf of Transport Scotland is leading the delivery of the temporary terminal building which is currently being fabricated by Portakabin at their yard in Hamilton with the internal fit out nearing completion prior to the units being transported to site.
- Portakabin have been engaging with South Ayrshire Council on building warrants as well as engaging with SEPA in relation to the waste water drainage. Whilst discussions are not yet concluded with SEPA, the proposal is likely to involve upgrading the existing water treatment facility to a more modern waste water treatment solution. This will require agreement with South Ayrshire Council building control and as a result these requirements have extended the overall completion of the landside works including the delivery of the building from Summer 2022 to Winter 2022.
6 How long is the walk from the terminal building to the bus stop and car park?
- From the bottom of the vessel gangway at Troon to the first bus pick up point (no stairs) is about 145metres and just 110metres if you are walking up the linkspan
- From the passenger terminal to the car park this is about a five minute walk or 700 metres
- Bus stop pick up points at the main car park take you directly to the terminal building.
7 What consideration has been given to notifying travellers of the ferry service when it operates out of Troon?
- As part of service continuity planning, the public consultation will help shape the service from Troon and any service changes required.
- This will be done in advance of the service moving to Troon to ensure that it is communicated as widely as possible.
- In addition to support the service, shuttle-bus services will also be available from Ardrossan to Troon and between Troon railway station and port.
- The working group is also engaging with Ayrshire Road Alliance and ScotRail regarding traveller information.
8 Is there an update on the works at Troon railway station?
- The refurbishment works to Troon railway station are led by Network Rail and are expected to commence Spring 2023 for 12 months.
- CalMac have been, and will continue to engage with Network Rail and ScotRail regarding the station works including station access as part of the service continuity planning for onward travel connections.
- More information will be provided as the station works progress.