Annex E
Meridian Court, Glasgow
Meridian Court is located on Cadogan Street on the edge of Glasgow City Centre. Pedestrian access is via Cadogan Street.
The 2006 travel survey indicates that 41% of Meridian Court employees commute by rail, 28% by bus, 19% by car (includes passengers), 8% on foot and 2% of employees commute by bicycle. A further 2% stated that they commuted to work by 'other' means of transport.
Also indicated within the survey is that a high proportion of respondents at the Europa building stated that the commuted to and from work by rail.
Pedestrians
There are excellent pedestrian routes to the nearest bus stops, Glasgow Central and Queens Street Rail Stations and local facilities. These routes are well lit, maintained and formal pedestrian crossings are provided at a high number of junctions.
The main pedestrian entrance is segregated from the vehicle entrance and Meridian Court is well appointed for pedestrian movement in and around the building.
PEDESTRIAN RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Market to employees and visitors the location of pedestrian links available giving access to public transport and local facilities.
Cyclists
There are a limited number of spaces available to cyclists in the underground parking area. This area is controlled by a barrier system and is secure. Locker facilities are provided immediately above the cycle parking. There is no hanging space within the lockers.
The National Cycle Network ( NCN) is located less than 400m to the south of Meridian Court. It can be reached via the local road network.
CYCLE RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Rationalise the underground parking area to provide further cycle parking spaces.
2. Investigate the feasibility of providing Sheffield racks in place of the existing racks.
3. Investigate the possibility of improving the current locker facilities.
4. Ensure that all employees are aware of the salary advance to purchase a bicycle.
5. Market the nearby NCN route to employees.
6. Consider the introduction of a "pool bike" system.
Bus Infrastructure
The nearest bus stops are located an approximate 5 minute walk from Meridian Court on Argyle Street, which is a main bus corridor.
All bus stops in the immediate vicinity of Meridian Court are well lit and supplied with bus stop flags, shelters and seating. Timetable information, route and fare information are also on display.
Bus Service Provision
Due to its close proximity to the city centre, Meridian Court is well served by buses running throughout the city to main trip attractions and residential areas. Buses running along Argyle Street have an overall frequency of at least 1 bus every 5 minutes.
BUS RECOMMENDATIONS
1. 7% of all respondents are unaware of the interest free salary advance for annual season tickets. More publicity of this scheme could encourage a higher take up.
2. Provide staff with a First bus Map Mate.
3. Ensure bus services are marketed via electronic means as well as paper based marketing.
4. Consider real time information display(s) at the main reception.
Rail Infrastructure and Provision
The results of the 2006 Travel Survey highlight a high proportion of employees commute to and from Meridian Court (41%) by rail.
The nearest rail station to Meridian Court is Glasgow Central. The station is within a five minute walk of the building. Glasgow Central is staffed 24 hours.
Glasgow Queen Street is an approximate 10 minute walk to the north of Meridian Court. The station is staffed from 05:00 - 23:59.
Both are main rail stations and provide access to not only the surrounding towns but also to the main cities throughout the UK. Excellent facilities are provided for travellers. This includes large real time information displays, cycle storage, lockers and large, comfortable waiting areas.
RAIL RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Provide employees with access to rail information e.g. www.firstscotrail.com, www.nationalrailenquiries.co.uk, www.transportdirect.co.uk, www.traveline.org.uk
2. Provide information to visitors on longer distance trips to consider accessing Pentland House by rail.
3. Encourage employees on longer distance trips to consider travel by rail as a good alternative to the private car.
Motorcyclists
There is no official motorcycle parking available.
MOTORCYCLE RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Investigate the possibility of introducing motorcycle parking if there is a demand for it.
Private Car
Car parking is limited and is located within the basement of the building. Disabled spaces are available. Spaces are mainly allocated according to grade with some set out for pool cars. The entrance to the car park is via a ramp which is monitored by CCTV.
CAR TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Rationalise the underground car park.
a. Ensure provision of disabled bays close to the pedestrian entrance
b. Consider the feasibility of a car sharing scheme