Construction works have begun on the development of new accessible walking, wheeling and cycling routes in Arbroath, Angus Council has announced.

'Arbroath A Place for Everyone', will be a once-in-a-lifetime, transformational project for Arbroath and a catalyst for the development of further projects to support the regeneration of the town.

The project will connect destinations throughout Arbroath and will improve accessibility in the town by restoring those areas and facilities disconnected by the current dual carriageway, creating a seafront people will increasingly want to visit and use.

The project also aims help to improve the local economy through increased footfall to shopping areas and attractions for locals and visitors.

Financial support for this bold and transformational project in Arbroath was awarded in 2019 through Sustrans' Places for Everyone programme, an active travel infrastructure fund backed by Transport Scotland. The Arbroath project is amongst the most ambitious projects being funded by the Places for Everyone programme, with Arbroath the first of Scotland's towns to receive the highest level of funding available through the scheme.

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Overseeing the start of the work was Angus Council Leader Cllr Beth Whiteside. She was joined by Active Travel Spokesperson Cllr Serena Cowdy, Portfolio Director for Sustrans Carole Patrick, Grant Manager for Places For Everyone for Sustrans Craig Cameron, Contracts Manager for Balfour Beatty Keith McDonald and Project Manager for Balfour Beatty Tom Truesdale.

Cllr Cowdy said: "Today's milestone marks several years of consultation, planning and effort to create and see come to fruition, an ambitious project that will make Arbroath a more desirable place to live in, work in and to visit.

"Improving our towns and communities, making them a greener and more accessible place to live and encouraging a low carbon lifestyle is a vital part of the longer-term future for the whole of Angus."

Carole Patrick, Portfolio Director for Sustrans said, "We're overjoyed to see construction starting on this fantastic project.

"By delivering new cycle lanes, tree and wildflower planting, as well as paved seating areas in the town, people living and working in Arbroath will be able to walk, wheel and cycle safely, whilst also enjoying a more relaxed and attractive environment."

A priority is for the new development to be accessible to all and to improve connectivity by creating safe and attractive pedestrian and cycle routes linking key destinations such as the bus and train stations with the town centre.

Construction is scheduled for completion in early Autumn 2025.