Mobility hub feasibility study for Dumfries and Galloway Council

Challenge

Following the engagement of community groups and stakeholders, Dumfries & Galloway Council identified a need for the installation of several multi-functional mobility hubs throughout the region. The hubs will provide services including car and bike sharing, secure cycle parking, and EV charging for the use of residents and tourists. Some designs will include solar panel canopies and battery storage whilst others will also afford access to bus and logistics operators.

The client required expert consultancy advice to appraise the optimal mobility hub components, bespoke for each site, as well as the precise locations to offer the maximum benefit to communities and encourage uptake.

Solution

SLR deployed its mobility hub design team offering cross-sector competencies from: Transport and Mobility Planning, Architecture and Design, and Electrical Engineering and Grid Connection. The team delivered the following step-by-step process.

Market engagement with suppliers of EV chargers and shared mobility providers

SLR liaised with suppliers of bike share, car club, EV charging and cycle storage to assess viability for the different components. Market data and trends were analysed to assess consumer demand for the facilities.

Detailed considerations of components at the hubs

SLR recommended the optimal range of components for each hub, including number and types of EV charging points, EV car club bays, bike sharing and cycle parking capacity. The team applied SLR’s methodology of primary, secondary and tertiary-level hubs to ensure the scale matched the communities they will serve.

Site by site feasibility assessment

SLR confirmed suitable locations of hubs - in close collaboration with the client - to ensure optimal accessibility by foot, vehicle and public transport.

Grid capacity and connections

SLR provided expert analysis regarding optimal grid connection options for each site as well as the available grid capacity and cost implications for any such reinforcements.

Mobility hub design

SLR drafted layouts and illustrations of the hubs comprising the different components recommended for each site, as well as drawings showing access points.

Impact

SLR’s report included a set of recommendations regarding the optimal hub components, locations, illustrations and drawings for Dumfries and Galloway. This has provided the client with the necessary evidence to proceed to the detailed design, planning and delivery stages. The hubs will ultimately provide residents and tourists of Dumfries and Galloway with modern mobility services and assist the transition towards a low carbon economy.