Ardrossan Connections

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Sign up to our design events that are starting today!

There’s still time to sign up to our workshops on the designs created for the Ardrossan Connections project. The first of the workshops will go ahead today and will be focussed on giving an overview of the initial designs. This is a great chance to find out more about the designs, ask any questions you have for the team, and discuss and provide any feedback. Please see below for more information on signing up to this and future events.

Wednesday 19th January at 7pm : Come along to an online workshop on Zoom to hear the project team give an overview of the initial designs for Ardrossan Connections and share your views.

Sign up to Online Workshop: An overview of the Designs by clicking here.

Monday 24th January at 6:30pm : Come along to this online workshop on Zoom to learn more about, and share your views on, the detail of the designs, which include proposals for crossings, bus shelters, parking, and seating.

Sign up to Online Workshop: Getting into the detail of the design by clicking here. 

Tuesday 25th January between 2:30pm and 4pm : Come along to this drop-in event anytime between 2:30pm and 4pm to ask the project team any questions you may have about the designs.

Sign up to the online drop in on 25th January by clicking here.

Friday 4th February between 10:30am to 12pm: Similar to the event above, this is a drop-in session where you can come in at any time to ask the project team questions you may have about the designs.

Sign up to the online drop in on 4th February by clicking here.

Information boards and ballot boxes now up in Ardrossan

On Monday, the team put up design boards around Ardrossan with information on the initial designs. Please look out for these boards when you are in town, they are a great way to understand the vision for how the area might look. Below are pictures of the board leading to the North Shore development from Glasgow Street and the one at the green space on Glasgow Street.

Picture of design board beside link from Glasgow Street to the North Shore development

Design board beside green area on Glasgow Street

You can now also head to Moka, Ardrossan Library, or The Cheery Cup and Saucer to view the designs. At these locations there’s also a ballot box and survey. Please have a look at the design board and fill in the survey to let us know what you think.

If you fill in the survey online or in paper you have the chance to enter a prize draw to win a £30 shopping voucher.

If you have any questions, please contact our Community Engagement Officer at tara.coldwellbrock@sustrans.org.uk

Posted on 19th January 2022

by Eilidh Russell

Get involved in the Ardrossan Connections Project's design stage

Sustrans Scotland has partnered with North Ayrshire Council and Ardrossan Community Development Trust on the Ardrossan Connections Project, which launched in January 2021, and aims to enhance walking, cycling, and wheeling routes by shaping a more accessible, safe, and welcoming centre of Ardrossan.

The designs have been created through engagement with the community to identify the barriers and opportunities that the project should address. Now the initial designs have been created, we are looking for feedback from people who live, work, or travel through Ardrossan. We have four online events to do this. If you have any friends, family, or colleagues who may also be interested, then please share this information with them.

Online events – beginning on Wednesday 19th January.

  • Wednesday 19th January at 7pm : Come along to an online workshop on Zoom to hear the project team give an overview of the initial designs for Ardrossan Connections and share your views.
  • Sign up to Online Workshop: An overview of the Designs by clicking here.

  • Monday 24th January at 6:30pm : Come along to this online workshop on Zoom to learn more about, and share your views on, the detail of the designs, which include proposals for crossings, bus shelters, parking, and seating.
  • Sign up to Online Workshop: Getting into the detail of the design by clicking here.

  • Tuesday 25th January between 2:30pm and 4pm : Come along to this drop-in event anytime between 2:30pm and 4pm to ask the project team any questions you may have about the designs.
  • Sign up to the online drop in on 25th January by clicking here.

  • Friday 4th February between 10:30am to 12pm : Similar to the event above, this is a drop-in session where you can come in at any time to ask the project team questions you may have about the designs.
  • Sign up to the online drop in on 4th February by clicking here.

    If you’re unable to make it to any of these events, we’d still love to hear from you through our online or offline surveys:

    Have a look at our new website and share your views: Have Your Say Today – Ardrossan Connections Proposals – Commonplace . Please also note that any updates or blog posts will now be on the new website rather than this one.

    You can also pick up paper feedback forms in MOKA, Ardrossan Library, or The Cheery Cup and Saucer from Monday 17th January. There will also be a ballot box at these locations that you can pop your feedback in.

    We’re really looking forward to seeing you at our events and hearing your feedback. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact our Community Engagement Officer at tara.coldwellbrock@sustrans.org.uk .

    Posted on 14th January 2022

    by Tara Coldwell Brock

    Milepost painting brightens up South Beach

    Millennium Milepost Painting

    The team had a great day earlier in the week, painting the South Beach Millennium Milepost, on National Cycle Network Route 73. We were joined by our Network Engagement Co-ordinator, who coordinates volunteering on the National Cycle Network , including organising the re-painting of the Mileposts – a big thank you to Laura for helping organise the transformation of this one!

    We were also joined by the chosen artist, who designed the new colours of the Milepost – a pupil of Stanley Primary School. There were many comments from passers-by on how great the new colours look. A big well done to our young designer, who said the reason she included so many colours was so that everyone might be able to find their favourite colour!

    A big thank-you to all the other young people who entered our competition to design the milepost and those who voted to select the chosen artist.

    There are over 1,000 Millenninum Mileposts across the UK, with 164 in Scotland, going as far north as the Shetland Islands. The Mileposts can be found at scenic spots on the National Cycle Network, as well as key locations such as train stations. The mileposts help with navigation, as well as brightening up the Network. If you are keen to explore more of the National Cycle Network and find other Mileposts, you can use our interactive map to find out where the posts are located.

    There are four different designs, which were designed by four artists from the four countries of the United Kingdom:

  • “Rowe Type” by Welsh designer Andrew Rowe from Swansea
  • “Fossil Tree”, by English creator Jon Mills based in Brighton
  • “The Cockerel” by Scottish sculptor Iain McColl from Glencoe (seen below)
  • and “Tracks” by Northern Irish artist David Dudgeon in Belfast
  • Many of the mileposts carry embossed metal discs, which were part of a national treasure hunt around the Millennium. Each disc can be copied using a brass rubbing technique. Once collected, the rubbings could be transferred to ‘Time Treasure’ cards, which formed five related three-dimensional jigsaws illustrating different aspects of Time. The five sets led to a very rare 6th set - a final mystery to be solved and treasure to be discovered. The Time Trail was never cracked...but we are looking at ways to revive it!

    With help from volunteers and communities, there is currently a project running to help preserve the Mileposts across the country. This work will ensure that they remain a much-loved asset of the communities they serve, and a highlight of any journey along the National Cycle Network. If you would like to get involved painting next spring, you can contact our Network Engagement Coordinator, Laura at: laura.white@sustrans.org.uk

    Other project news

    The project team have been quietly working away to develop designs from what the community have told us so far. We will be hosting events and activities in January where you will have the opportunity to view and feedback on the designs. We look forward to seeing you then!

    Posted on 12th November 2021

    by Cat Wright

    Find out what the Ardrossan Connections Team have been busy doing

    The project team were on site on Thursday 9th September and carried out engagement activities and put up boards in the town.

    On street project boards

    The Ardrossan Connections team have put up project information boards around the town. You can find out a bit more about: the project; the timeline; who is involved and what is coming next, by visiting the boards on Glasgow Street Princes Street ; Whitlees Community Centre and on South Beach.

    For further information on the project, please get in touch or visit the project website: https://ardrossanconnections.commonplace.is/

    Walking & Wheeling Audit

    Members of the project team carried out a walking & wheeling audit with members from the North Ayrshire Access Panel. The purpose of the audit was for the team to gather feedback about moving around the local area, when walking or wheeling, and how this could be made safer and more accessible. The team received valuable feedback and enjoyed being out and about Ardrossan, engaging with the community face to face.

    If you are an individual, or a member of a community group, who has accessibility needs when moving about the area, you can still leave feedback with the project team. Please get in touch to request a copy of the walking & wheeling audit survey, or to leave general comments: cat.wright@sustrans.org.uk

    You can also watch a virtual walking audit which the team produced earlier in the year.

    Milepost Competition

    To help brighten up the South Beach Milepost and join in Sustrans work to preserve the Mileposts in the UK , the team are running an art competition for primary and secondary school pupils in Ardrossan.

    To enter:

    1. Pick up a blank Milepost template to colour in from one of the following locations:

    • The ballot box on the lamp post by the Milepost - location can be found here.

    • Whitlees Community Centre

    • Ardrossan Library

    • Or click here to print your own

    2. Get creative and design new colours for the milepost

    3. Take a photo of the creation and have and adult email the photo, along with name, class and school of pupil, to: cat.wright@sustrans.org.uk

    4. Alternatively, the artwork can be posted to: Ardrossan Connections, Sustrans, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5EZ

    The closing date is Thursday 30th September, after this the team will short list the entries and have the community vote for their favourite design.

    Please note that once the team have received an email entry, they will save the image and delete the email. The only personal details the team will securely keep, are: name, class and school of the pupil - this is so we can contact the chosen artist. For data protection reasons, please ensure that photos of the artwork only and do not capture the participant or other members of the public.

    Business engagement

    The team dropped into businesses on Princes Street and Glasgow Street, to chat to them about the project and understands their needs and aspirations for the area. Businesses were left with a leaflet highlighting the potential positive impacts that Ardrossan Connections could have on their business and a survey to help the project team understand deliveries and access needs. It was great to get to speak with local businesses and we will continue this engagement as we develop designs.

    Posted on 10th September 2021

    by Cat Wright

    Thanks for coming along to Ardrossan Community Engagement day

    A big thank you to everyone who popped down to South Beach on Saturday to meet the project team and share some ideas with us and Ardrossan Community Development Trust.

    It was great to meet more of the Ardrossan Community at South beach on Saturday at the Ardrossan Community Engagement Day organised by ACDT .

    We engaged with over 155 people at our different activity stations. People shared their ideas for how history could be incorporated into the designs and could chat to the Castle Heritage Society about their plans, people let us know what design ideas they would like to see be developed further and offered their opinion on what routes they currently use in the town.

    What happens next?

    We are now going to take all of the information gathered and analyse it to ensure the designs being developed reflect what the community have been telling us.

    We really enjoyed getting out and about and speaking to people in person and hope you enjoyed meeting us too.

    We will be planning more in person events over the next few months and will promote them here, to stay updated on the blogs, please sign up to our mailing list.

    If you have any more ideas to share with us, please send them to eilidh.russell@sustrans.org.uk

    Milepost Competition

    To help brighten up the South Beach Milepost and join in Sustrans work to preserve the Mileposts in the UK , the team are running an art competition for primary and secondary school pupils in Ardrossan.

    To enter:

    1. Pick up a blank Milepost template to colour in from one of the following locations:

    • The ballot box on the lamp post by the Milepost - location can be found here .

    • Whitlees Community Centre

    • Ardrossan Library

    • Or click here to print your own

    2. Get creative and design new colours for the milepost

    3. Take a photo of the creation and have and adult email the photo, along with name, class and school of pupil, to: cat.wright@sustrans.org.uk

    4. Alternatively, the artwork can be posted to: Ardrossan Connections, Sustrans, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5EZ

    The closing date is Thursday 30th September , after this the team will short list the entries and have the community vote for their favourite design.

    You can take a look at the video of the Milepost in the Edinburgh Meadows getting a fresh look recently to see what happens once the artwork has been chosen.

    Please note that once the team have received an email entry, they will save the image and delete the email. The only personal details the team will securely keep, are: name, class and school of the pupil - this is so we can contact the chosen artist.

    For data protection reasons, please ensure that photos of the artwork only and do not capture the participant or other members of the public.

    Posted on 17th August 2021

    by Eilidh Russell

    Share your ideas with us and Ardrossan Community Development Trust

    Route mapping activity has been extended

    The team have decided to keep the route mapping open over the summer months. Help us put together information to promote routes and share your local knowledge . We are inviting you to add your favourite routes , those you use daily and places where you spend time, on our interactive map .

    The routes can be the ones you take to get to the shops; those you use for commuting or getting to your place of education; the ones you take to visit friends or family and those that you use for leisure or to get outside and clear your head.

    You can also add a pin to show us points of interest in the area and where you like spending time.

    Don’t worry if you can’t see anyone else’s routes – we have created it so that it is a clean slate for everyone to make it easier for you to plot your route!

    No personal data will be collected in this exercise and you can start plotting the route a little way from your home address.

    Access the interactive map here . Please answer both questions after you have plotted your route/point of interest in order for it to be submitted.

    Get involved with Ardrossan Community Development Trust Deck Chair Project

    Ardrossan Community Development Trus t (ACDT) are working in partnership with Wave Particle to provide 100 Deckchairs for South Beach Promenade and looking for your help!

    The deck chairs will have an Art Deco style and are coloured red and blue from the Ardrossan Town Coat of Arms.

    Initially 50 deckchairs are targeted to be delivered by mid-late July.

    How can you help?

    The deckchairs will be custom designed with each chair having one word printed on it that reflects something about the town. You can see the first 50 words here .

    ACDT would like you to nominate words for the next 50 chairs . The word must be a ‘persons name’ associated with Ardrossan.

    It could be famous people from the area, local people or people who have contributed to the rich history of the town.

    It could even be the name of someone you know in Ardrossan – a local character or perhaps a local hero (or Shero!) – someone who makes Ardrossan brighter and better, and may well form part of our future history.

    To share your ideas and potentially see them on one of the deck chairs go to ACDTs website .

    Ardrossan Connections Summer Engagement

    We have been planning some summer engagement activities for Ardrossan Connections in the background and hope to have an update very soon.

    Posted on 7th July 2021

    by Eilidh Russell

    Clean Air Day workshop and pledges

    Clean Air Day is the UK’s annual air pollution campaign, which encourages thousands of people to think about what air pollution is and how we can all make simple changes to improve the air quality around us.

    This year Clean Air Day is taking place on 17 June and has a focus on protecting children’s health from air pollution. Sustrans recently run a poll and found that almost half (49%) of UK school pupils are worried about air pollution near their school.

    Air Quality in Ardrossan

    In November, the team carried out air quality monitoring during their site visits. Overall, air pollution in Ardrossan is low. However, there were a couple of ‘hotspots,’ especially in places where car engines are idling; such as the Princes Street/Glasgow Street cross roads, or at bus stops.

    Even in places where air pollution is low, it is still important we try to make it even lower, as any amount of pollution in the air we breathe is not good!

    Throughout June you can make pledges to reduce air pollution and also attend a workshop to learn more about air quality and what it means to you.

    Clean Air Campaign in North Ayrshire

    You can join in the Clean Air Campaign by making a pledge for one week during the month of June – it can be any week you chose and there are weekly and monthly prizes to be won! Prizes will be in the way of vouchers ranging from £50-£150.

    How to enter:

    1. Choose 4 pledges to try out at least once in a week of June; OR

    2. Choose one pledge to try out throughout the month of June

    3. Send your chosen pledges and a photo of the activity to thetrinity@north-Ayrshire.gov.uk

    Air Quality Workshop

    The team are offering anyone who makes a pledge to attend an Air Quality workshop, where you can find out more about the importance of clean air and how your pledges have made a difference. There will be time to discuss how you found carrying out your pledges and what could be in place to make them easier for you to keep them up.

    If you would like more information on the Clean Air Day pledges, or the workshop please email cat.wright@sustrans.org.uk

    Posted on 1st June 2021

    by Cat Wright

    Route Mapping for Ardrossan Connections

    May is National Walking Month, here are a few ideas to get you thinking about walking and wheeling routes and getting outside.

    Route Mapping in Ardrossan

    During the initial stages of the project, the community identified that one of the barriers to walking, wheeling and cycling in the area was due to lack of awareness about routes.

    The project team are looking to put together information to promote routes and are looking to use local knowledge to help us develop this information. We are inviting you to add your favourite routes, those you use daily and places where you spend time, on our interactive map .

    The routes can be the ones you take to get to the shops; those you use for commuting or getting to your place of education; the ones you take to visit friends or family and those that you use for leisure or to get outside and clear your head.

    You can also add a pin to show us points of interest in the area and where you like spending time.

    You will get the chance to tell us what you like about the routes and locations, as well as any improvements that could be made to help yourself and others walk, wheel and cycle in the area.

    Don’t worry if you can’t see anyone else’s routes – we have created it so that it is a clean slate for everyone to make it easier for you to plot your route!

    No personal data will be collected in this exercise and you can start plotting the route a little way from your home address.

    To access the map, click here.

    Living Streets #WalkThisMay

    You can make a pledge with Living Streets , to walk a certain number of short journeys a week during National Walking Month. By making a pledge you could win £50 or £200 worth of outdoor clothing vouchers!

    They will show you how many miles you will walk and how much CO2 you will save compared with driving those trips.

    Ayrshire Women’s Cycling Festival

    With the summer coming (supposedly – with snow in May, we are not so sure) you might be thinking of getting out more on the bike instead.

    Last week was the 4th Ayrshire Women’s Cycling Festival. If you missed out, there is still lots to read and watch on the website.

    You can find some really useful videos to help with cycling skills and bike maintenance.

    There are also inspirational stories from local women about why and when they started cycling, with advice they have for others wanting to get into cycling. As well as information on cycling in Ayrshire and short films to watch .

    For more information on any of the above activities, please get in touch with cat.wright@sustrans.org.uk

    Posted on 11th May 2021

    by Cat Wright

    Thanks for coming along to our Design Workshops this Month!

    Thanks to everyone who came along to our Design Workshops this month, shared a comment on the project website or Padlet !

    If you haven’t managed to comment on the design objectives for the project yet you have until 7th May to do that. You can comment on them here .

    We had a great time hearing your design ideas to improve connections in Ardrossan as well as improving the street environment.

    Over 30 community representatives joined our workshops and 388 people visited the Design Workshop website over the last month.

    Whats next?

    The project team are now analysing all the comments and design ideas that you have shared throughout the Design Workshops. We will share some of the key findings over the next few weeks.

    Then the team will use all the information we have collected from the community to start developing design ideas. These will be shared in Autumn for the community to feed back on.

    Posted on 30th April 2021

    by Eilidh Russell

    Still spaces in our last 3 workshops of the Design Festival

    Sign up to share your design ideas and ensure your voice is heard in developing design ideas for Ardrossan Connections.

    To register for any of the workshops click here.

    Thanks to everyone who has joined our design workshops so far.

    We have heard some great ideas at both the Connections and Placemaking Workshops from attendees that will be looked at in more detail by the designers. Below is some information about the workshops so far.

    Connections Workshop

    Participants shared their views on the key themes and design objectives that have come out from the information gathered so far. You can view this information here .

    We then split into different groups for activities. Group 1 focussed on different options for the National Cycle Network going through the town, group 2 focussed on developing design ideas for key locations in the project area including Glasgow St, Princes St and Montgomerie St and group 3 discussed different infrastructure that could change across the project area. Each group came up with such interesting ideas and were enthusiastic about what could be designed to change the area.

    Placemaking Workshop

    This workshop has also been successful, focussing more on redesigning public spaces and looking at how to make Ardrossan’s history and heritage visible in designs.

    In the activities, Group 1 shared some great local stories, especially about the maritime history and discussed different ways heritage could be incorporated into designs. Group 2 looked at designing different locations in the project area, suggesting things like: improving the attractiveness of the junction at Princes St and Glasgow St by having planting and maybe a mural, places for community growing or gardens on Glasgow st and creating a reason for people to stop.

    All comments and design ideas that the community share at these workshops will help us to develop design ideas for the project area.

    If you cannot make it to the workshops you can still share some design ideas here on our Padlet- https://en-gb.padlet.com/eilidhsustrans/Ardrossan or email design ideas to eilidh.russell@sustrans.org.uk.

    Sustrans Big Pedal family competition

    Get involved by taking a photo or video of your child(ren) walking, cycling, wheeling and scooting to school between 19th - 30th April and have the chance to win some prizes, including scooters, bike locks and t-shirts. Post your photos on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, tag @Sustrans and use #BigPedalWin. Families whose children are remote learning can still take part from home. Find out more information. (https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/projects/uk-wide/schools/sustrans-big-pedal-family-competition/ )

    The competition closes 9am Saturday 1 May and anyone can take part, even if your school is not registered to take part in the Big Pedal this year.

    What is the Big Pedal?

    Sustrans Big Pedal is the UK’s largest inter-school cycling, walking, wheeling and scooting challenge that inspires pupils, staff and parents to be amazing and take active journeys to school. To find out more please visit https://bigpedal.org.uk/

    Posted on 15th April 2021

    by Eilidh Russell

    You are invited to the Ardrossan Connections Design Festival

    The next stage of the Ardrossan Connections Project is happening this month, in the form of a Design Festival from 7th – 27th April.

    Virtual Design Workshops

    Throughout the festival we are hosting two different kinds of workshops. Both will provide a summary of what we have learned from the community so far and will present some key themes that we will use to develop designs with the community. Then the workshops will differ in focus – one focussing on connections and the other focussing on Placemaking.

    To register for the design workshops click here. As places are limited, please only sign up to one workshop, depending on your interests.

    If you cannot make the workshops you can still share some design ideas here on our Padlet- https://en-gb.padlet.com/eilidhsustrans/Ardrossan or email design ideas to eilidh.russell@sustrans.org.uk.

    If you know someone who is not online or needs support to sign up for a workshop they can call Eilidh on 0131 346 1384.

    What has happened so far in Ardrossan Connections?

    Please watch the video below for a summary of what has happened so far in the project and what is coming up. As well the key themes we gave gained from the first stage of the project and the draft design objectives. This is the same information that will be delivered at the beginning of the Design workshops.

    More information on what we have learnt so far from the community can be found here.

    Activities for the Easter holidays

    An activity booklet has been developed by the team, with a mixture of activities to help young people of Ardrossan feed into the concept design and that will explore:

    • Developing disused greenspace for a place to play, spend time in and enjoy

    • The history and heritage of Ardrossan and how to celebrate it

    • The benefits of choosing walking and cycling over car travel for everyday journeys, such as improved air quality and better personal health and well-being

    The booklet is available to schools, youth organisations, parents and carers within Ardrossan. You can find the booklet here , or please get in touch with cat.wright@sustrans.org.uk if you would like a digital copy sent to you.

    We hope to see you soon at a workshop!

    Posted on 1st April 2021

    by Cat Wright

    Keeping active this spring and our youth engagement activity booklet

    Staying active this spring

    Now that it is starting to feel more like spring, it feels a little easier to get out and about for walking, wheeling, cycling, or spending time in your local area. There are a couple of campaigns continuing over the next few weeks.

    Active Commute Club

    You may have already seen on local Facebook groups or heard about the Club through your place of work. If not – there is still time to get involved, as the Active Commute Club is running until the end of March!

    The initiative is a great way for organisations to promote health and wellbeing to their staff, as well as reducing employee isolation and promoting behaviours that can have a positive effect on the wellbeing and environment.

    If you are currently commuting to work, we encourage to travel more actively on foot or by bike, this can be even one day a week. If you are working from home you are invited to reimagine your commute to suit your current working day. ,This could be a walk or a bike ride in the local area before returning back to your home. This will enable you to use the time previously allocated to the commute to be more active, connect with the outdoors and re-establish the boundaries between work and personal lives.

    The club is hosted on Twitter at @SustransScot and #ActiveCommuteClub with some content also on Facebook @SustransScotland

    For more information on how to take part and promote in your workplace; including joining the Strava group and getting access to motivational playlists please take a look at the Active Commute Club blog , or get in touch: cat.wright@sustrans.org.uk

    Paths for All Walking With Nature Campaign

    The purpose of this campaign is to encourage everyone to connect with nature on a daily walk and try to do small things to improve their local walking environment.

    Connecting with our environment, as well as improving it can improve our well-being and make us feel a sense of accomplishment and feel good. Not to mention, doing something kind can make others feel good too!

    Continuing to the end of March, Paths for All will share tips to help you connect with nature, as well as having a weekly campaign to get involved with and have a chance to win some prizes.

    To find out more please visit the campaign page.

    Youth engagement activity booklet

    An activity booklet has been developed by the team, with a mixture of activities to help young people of Ardrossan feed into the concept design and that will explore:

    • Developing disused greenspace for a place to play, spend time in and enjoy

    • The history and heritage of Ardrossan and how to celebrate it

    • The benefits of choosing walking and cycling over car travel for everyday journeys, such as improved air quality and better personal health and well-being

    The booklet will be available to schools, youth organisations, parents and carers within Ardrossan. Please get in touch with cat.wright@sustrans.org.uk if you would like a digital copy sent to you.

    Virtual Design Festival

    We’re moving into the Develop Stage of the Ardrossan Connections project, the team will be running Virtual Design Festival in April to share what the community have said so far and conduct activities to develop inspiring design ideas with the community.

    Look out for more information on the website.

    Posted on 12th March 2021

    by Cat Wright

    Information on the National Cycle Network & extension to our Virtual Walking Audit

    What is the National Cycle Network?

    Through a collaborative design process, the Ardrossan Connections project aims to enhance the National Cycle Network routes that run through Ardrossan , for walking, wheeling and cycling.

    From the Commonplace Survey , the project team found that one-third of respondents had either not heard of the National Cycle Network before the survey, or had heard of it but were not aware of any routes. Almost three-quarters of respondents have used the routes within Ardrossan for walking, wheeling or cycling, within the last 12 months.

    One of the project’s objectives is to raise awareness of the National Cycle Network ; please read on to find out more about the Network as a whole, and be inspired to use the routes connected to Ardrossan .

    The National Cycle Network is a UK wide network of signed paths and routes for walking, cycling, wheeling and exploring outdoors. The National Cycle Network plays a vital role in connecting communities, and allows people across the country to make healthier choices for more of their journeys.

    There is currently over 1,600 miles of the Network in Scotland.

    Using automatic counters and surveys across the whole of the Network, it was estimated in 2017 that there were:

    • 4.4 million users over the UK

    • 786 million journeys taken on the National Cycle Network

    • 77,400 walking trips per traffic free mile of the Network

    National Route 73

    National Cycle Network Route 73 is broken into two distinct sections- north and south. The northern section connects Ardrossan with the busy town of Kilmarnock via a mixture of traffic-free railway paths and quiet road sections. The distance of this is 18 miles and the route can be seen below:

    From Ardrossan, you can catch the ferry to continue along the route on the beautiful Isle of Arran. Here, you can catch another ferry to Claonaig and link with The Caledonia Way . The full length of this route is 234 miles and runs from Campbeltown all the way to Inverness, but a small part of it could be taken in as a day or a weekend trip from Ardrossan.

    The southern part of National Cycle Network Route 73 connects Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway with Wigtown, Glenluce and the coastal town of Stranraer at the base of Loch Ryan. National Cycle Network Route 7 can be used to connect the northern and southern sections of the route, as it passes through Newton Stewart. Picking up Route 7 in Kilwinning, connects Ardrossan with Irvine (10 miles from Ardrossan); Troon (approx. 17 miles); Prestwick (approx. 20 miles) and Ayr (approx. 23 miles). Please note: there is a short gap in National Cycle Network Route 73 at Glen of Luce.

    National Route 753 (South)

    National Cycle Network Route 753 leaves Route 73 at Harbour Street and continues through Ardrossan, linking Seamill and Ardrossan . This section of the route is just under 4 miles long and so can be cycled in less than half an hour, or walked in a little over an hour.

    For further information, including finding your perfect route and an interactive map of the whole of the National Cycle Network, please visit: www.sustrans.org.uk/national-cycle-network

    For further information on the National Cycle Network Routes within North Ayrshire, please have a look at the routes on the North Ayrshire Council’s website.

    Ardrossan Connections

    This project aims to improve the experience for everyone using National Cycle Routes going through Ardrossan that run along - Princes Street, Montgomerie Street, North Crescent Road and a section on Harbour Street whether they choose to walk, cycle or wheel, and spending time in the centre of Ardrossan.

    Options to improve the National Cycle Network through the centre of Ardrossan will be considered, in order to create a more accessible route and encourage use.

    Virtual Walking Audit

    We have extended the closing date for feedback, so you can still take part in our virtual walking audit and have your say on improvements to street environment, accessibility and safety around Ardrossan.

    Please watch the video below and provide your comments and feedback for as many of the six locations as you would like to.

    Your comments can be written into an email and sent to cat.wright@sustrans.org.uk . Or, you can download our walking audit sheet to fill in here and email it back. Alternatively, you can record a voice message and send it over Whats App, to Cat on 07870361359.

    Please send your feedback by Sunday 28th February.

    We hope you enjoy this activity and thank you for your interest in Ardrossan Connections.

    Posted on 23rd February 2021

    by Cat Wright

    Virtual Walking Audit

    Take part in our Walking Audit!

    The project team have put together a virtual walking audit to help us gather feedback and comments on infrastructure, accessibility and safety at specific locations in Ardrossan. We would also like to hear about barriers to walking, wheeling, cycling and spending time in these areas.

    Please watch the video below and provide your comments and feedback for as many of the six locations as you would like to.

    The locations are:

    1. Junction of North Crescent Road, Montgomerie Street and Caledonia Road

    2. Junction of Young Street & Caledonia Road

    3. Entrance to the Castle Steps, Glasgow Street

    4. Junction of Barr Street & Montgomerie Street

    5. Junction of Harbour Street & Princes Street

    6. Where the National Cycle Network meets the road, at the Shore

    Questions to consider at each location are:

    • Is the area attractive for walking, wheeling and cycling? Why do you think this?

    • Can you cross the road at the point you find most convenient and feel safe doing so?

    • How do you feel about the number of vehicles & their speed?

    • How do you find the width and surface condition of the pavement?

    • Is the signage consistent and gives the area a sense of identity?

    • What would you improve in this area to make it safer and more welcoming?

    Your comments can be written into an email and sent to cat.wright@sustrans.org.uk . Or, you can download our walking audit sheet to fill in here and email it back. Alternatively, you can record a voice message and send it over Whats App, to Cat on 07870361359. Please send your feedback by Monday 22nd February.

    We hope you enjoy this activity and thank you for your interest in Ardrossan Connections.

    Posted on 12th February 2021

    by Cat Wright

    Launch Event recording now available

    Thank you to everyone who has shared their ideas and opinions via the website or our postal survey.

    The project team are very pleased with the number of responses; over 200 comments and agreements online and over 150 postal surveys.

    We will be looking at them this week and will provide a summary in the next couple of weeks – to be notified about when this is available, please join our mailing list.

    Missed the project launch?

    A recording of the presentation, which was delivered at the project launch, and a summary of the activities is now available to watch. To turn on the subtitles please click on the button with 'CC' on it, at the bottom right of the video screen.

    You can find more information about the project on information boards here . We had planned to have these on the street in Ardrossan however with current Covid-19 guidelines this was not possible.

    Community Workshops

    We had a great time hosting a small workshop last week with Cunningham Housing Association’s – Ardrossan Tenants Association. We went through different activities to hear about the resident’s opinions on current barriers and what opportunities there are for the project area. We also discussed different walking, cycling and wheeling routes that they use to get around the town.

    We are looking to host this workshop with another community group. If your group are interested please contact Eilidh at eilidh.russell@sustrans.org.uk

    What's next?

    We are starting to look at all the comments and ideas collected over the last 3 weeks to give us a better understanding of the community’s needs and aspirations for the project area. Your feedback will give us a focus to start developing design ideas.

    In March we will be hosting more online events to share what we have discovered from the community. We will be asking you to get involved in developing these design ideas through different activities.

    Posted on 5th February 2021

    by Cat Wright

    Last chance to add your comments to the Ardrossan Connections Commonplace, closing for comments on Wednesday 3rd February

    Thank you to everyone who has shared their ideas and opinions so far on the current barriers to moving around and spending time in Ardrossan and ideas for how to improve the area. We are delighted with the number of people who have come along to events, commented online or posted us their survey.

    The website closes for comments tomorrow, Wednesday 3rd February.

    If you have any more ideas at this stage please pop them on the website: https://ardrossanconnections.commonplace.is/

    Remember you can also view other people’s comments on the map and choose to agree with them.

    Alternatively, if you’re an Ardrossan resident post us your paper survey by 3rd February.

    If you or anyone you know needs support to add comments to the map, please call us at 0131 346 1384 or email Eilidh.Russell@sustrans.org.uk with a contact telephone number and request for a call back.

    Share the website on your social media

    We would love if you could share the website on social media tomorrow to encourage your community to share their comments.

    Missed the events?

    Below are some of the images we used in the activities at the launch events. Take a look at them and think about the following questions and add any comments or thoughts to the website.

    • What are the barriers to moving around or spending time in that place?

    • What do you like about that place?

    • How would you make it easier to walk, cycle, wheel or spend time in that place?

    A recording of the launch event will be uploaded shortly so you can watch the presentation and hear the feedback from the activities.

    You can also find more information about the project on information boards here . We had planned to have these on the street in Ardrossan however with current Covid-19 guidelines this was not possible.

    Posted on 2nd February 2021

    by Eilidh Russell

    Launch event and next steps

    Thank you to everyone who attended our launch events. If you were not able to attend, you can still submit your views and ideas to us.

    On Wednesday 20th January, the Ardrossan Connections project team held two online launch events. There were a total of 46 attendees and a good mix of individual residents and those representing local groups and organisations. The team heard some great ideas and visions of how the project can enhance walking, cycling and wheeling routes, and shape a more accessible, safe and welcoming centre of Ardrossan.

    Thank you for a positive start to Ardrossan Connections. All the comments and ideas are very useful for giving the team a base and focus for the next steps of the project.

    A recording of the presentation delivered by the project team will be made available shortly. So if you were unable to attend the events, you can still hear more about the project.

    Online Survey – open until 3rd February

    You can add your ideas to the project website: https://ardrossanconnections.commonplace.is/ . This opened Wednesday 13th January and will remain open until 3rd February. Alternatively, if you are an Ardrossan resident you should have received a Community Survey in the post along with a free post envelope.

    If you or anyone you know need support to add comments to the map , please call us at 0131 346 1384 or email Eilidh.Russell@sustrans.org.uk with a contact telephone number and request for a call back.

    Sign up to our newsletter

    If you would like to keep up to date with the project and hear about upcoming events, please sign up the project newsletter and you will be notified about activities and updates.

    Route ideas

    As we still need to stay local for our exercise, in line with government guidelines, you can find some inspiration for new, or adapted routes, in and around Ardrossan in the suggested leaflets below. • Three Towns Health Walks – a leaflet containing 6 short walks within the Three Towns. A mix of walks with views, history and other points of interest.

    Walking & Cycling in the Three Towns - a guide to the health benefits of walking and cycling; signage you will see when you are out and about; points of interest in each of the towns and links to where you can find other routes in the area.

    Posted on 22nd January 2021

    by Cat Wright, Ardrossan Connections

    Ardrossan Connections Virtual Project launch events on 20th January

    If you live, work, visit or travel through Ardrossan we want to hear your views and ideas at our Virtual Launch Events.

    Sustrans Scotland has partnered with North Ayrshire Council and Ardrossan Community Development Trust on the Ardrossan Connections Project which aims to enhance walking, cycling and wheeling routes, and shape a more accessible, safe and welcoming centre of Ardrossan. It also aims to improve the experience for everyone using the National Cycle Network routes going through Ardrossan.

    Join us on Wednesday 20th January at one of our Virtual Launch events to find out more about the project, meet the project team and share your ideas. They will be held online on Zoom.

    There will be two launch events, the first at 14:00-15:20 and the second at 19:00-20:20.

    To register for either event follow the links below. Once registered you will receive an email confirmation.

    Date Time Register link

    20th January 14:00 - 15:20 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvc-Ghrj4vGd3RxftWEHa9lksIlJ4Z68k7

    19:00 - 20:20 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMscO6qqjwsG9FFYU0fn58Zjy8d8lqpeEzM

    Can’t make the event?

    From Wednesday 11th January – 3rd February , you can also add your ideas on the project website: https://ardrossanconnections.commonplace.is/ . Alternatively, if you are an Ardrossan resident you should receive a Community Survey in the post along with a free post envelope.

    Look forward to seeing you at our Launch events on 20th January.

    Keep up to date with Ardrossan Connections

    Please sign up to our news to ensure you get all our project updates on what we are up to and what activities and events are coming up.

    Contact

    If you or anyone you know need support to add comments to the map , please call us at 0131 346 1384 or email Eilidh.Russell@sustrans.org.uk with a contact telephone number and request for a call back.

    Posted on 15th January 2021

    by Eilidh Russell, Ardrossan Connections