Delivering a strategic outline business case for integrated transport hub in Carrickfergus

Steer Economic Development was commissioned by Mid & East Antrim Borough Council to provide economic forecasting and bid-writing support to its Five Case Strategic Outline Business Case, which was seeking £13 million from the Belfast City Deal.

The bid is for a modern and sustainable Integrated Transport Hub in Carrickfergus, based on the existing railway station. The proposal included improvements to train services for both commuters (predominantly serving the Belfast City labour market) and visitors/tourists (to Carrickfergus), modernised bus/cycle/pedestrian routes, and improved vehicular access to the station. Additional public realm enhancements around the station area are also proposed.

Steer Economic Development’s case making support involved the following workstreams:

• Drafting the Strategic Case, crucial at this early stage of the bidding process. Key here was ensuring the case aligned with local, regional and national priorities;
• Developing a robust quantitative evidence base for the Economic and Financial Cases to demonstrate the feasibility and Value for Money of the proposition;
• Drafting the Management and Commercial Cases based on Steer Economic Development’s experience and understanding of best practice in bringing such capital investment schemes forward;
• Meeting with the client in Northern Ireland to discuss development and options;
• Organising/delivering a detailed site visit to develop fully the Economic and Financial Cases.