£14m Arbroath Place for Everyone scheme hailed as ‘significant and innovative’ for town

Arbroath’s £14 million Place for Everyone project has finally received its official opening to mark completion of the landmark project.

It has been up and running since August 2025 when construction was largely completed two months ahead of the 77-week schedule for the A92 scheme.

The project reduced Burnside Drive through the heart of the town to a single lane in each direction. Redesigned junctions at key points including Brothock Bridge and the harbour were put in place. And a walking and cycle path from Gayfield to Guthrie Port was built. But it has not been without controversy from the time of the 2019 funding announcement.

Scottish Government support through the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust’s (formerly Sustrans) Places for Everyone programme was amongst the most ambitious ever seen. Arbroath was the first Scottish town to receive the programme’s highest level of funding. And on Thursday the public space at Brothock Bridge was the setting for the celebration event.

Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said the project was a “significant and innovative investment in Arbroath”.

“These improvements are already making a real difference to how people move around the town, while also supporting a more attractive and accessible town centre that benefits local businesses and communities.”

Angus communities convener, Councillor Tommy Stewart said:

“In addition to its long-term social and environmental benefits, the project provided a significant economic boost, contributing more than £5.6 million to the local economy and supporting local businesses and suppliers throughout delivery.”

Representatives from the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, contractor Balfour Beatty, designer Arcadis and the council’s roads and parks teams were among those present. Local suppliers were also recognised during the celebration, including Denfind Stone and Monikie Rock Art.

A figure in its inception also returned to reveal his pride at the outcome almost 20 years after first being given a peek of a vision to bring the town closer together. Former Angus Council leader David Fairweather was a guest at the event. The now retired Arbroath councillor was at the authority’s helm when the project was approved in 2020.

Mr Fairweather revealed how a respected town architect previously revealed his hopes of a transformation for the spine road.

“After becoming a councillor in 2007, I was invited by the late Heinz Voigt to his new office in Commerce Street to view a blueprint of his vision for replacing the dual carriageway that split the town in half,” he said.

“Accompanied by infrastructure officials, the plan was greeted with enthusiasm but no funding was available for such a large project.

“Fast forward and our officers put up a planning bid in for £9m of Sustrans funding for one project design.

“This money is usually gobbled up by cities but the plan for Arbroath was enthusiastically endorsed by competition judges.

“Today that project has come to fruition. A Place for Everyone will enhance and regenerate our town.

“Hopefully a plaque can be erected giving thanks to Heinz Voigt, Angus Council planners and all those who have contributed in making this landmark enterprise happen.”

This article appeared in the Courier on 29 May 2026