North east councillors are being asked to get behind a funding bid to reinstate a historic railway stop-off in an Aberdeenshire town.
Aberdeenshire Council’s Policy and Resources Committee has been urged to support a bid submission to Network Rails Scottish Stations Fund (SSF) in order to source the investment required to reopen Kintore Railway station.
The scheme would be part of a £170million rail improvement initiative between Aberdeen and Inverness, which would involve doubling up the line on the route to allow for increased passenger services.
Subject to approval from the Policy and Resources Committee and Nestrans, a formal submission to the SSF is being prepared for August.
However, it will be necessary for Nestrans and Aberdeenshire Council to confirm their financial commitment to the project, with the remainder of the money being provided by the SSF.
It is proposed Aberdeenshire Council will put forward a £1.076million contribution whilst Nestrans will provide £2.152million.
This leaves an estimated £7.531million funding gap to be sought from the SSF, representing around 70% of costs.
Between three and four services an hour could operate to Kintore once the station is up and running.
But the council will have to obtain the land through a compulsory purchase order.
If the committee approves the contribution on Thursday and supports the bid to the SSF, the application will move to full council.
Kintore’s rail station was closed in 1964 after serving as a junction between the now defunct Alford line and Aberdeen. Currently trains pass through Kintore, but do not stop.
The new station would be situated off Northern Road, potentially with space for 180 cars, passenger facilities and a new access road.
The project is being delivered by the council, Nestrans and Network Rail.