University says completed A1 junction is essential to boost East Lothian economy.

Musselburgh, 9 February 2015; Responding to East Lothian Council’s Main Issues Report (MIR) which sets out options for the Local Development Plan, Queen Margaret University has stressed that completion of the A1 junction closest to its Musselburgh campus will be crucial in unlocking the region’s flagship economic development site.

As one of the largest employers in East Lothian, the university has a pivotal role to play as a driver of innovation in the future prosperity of East Lothian and the wider Scottish economy. QMU chose to move to East Lothian partly because of the attraction of opportunities to locate research activities alongside new incubation and employment facilities on the land immediately adjacent to the new campus.

In its response to the MIR consultation QMU has emphasised that sustainable commercial development providing employment that could rejuvenate the community will not happen unless the A1 junction at QMU is completed to the standard that was intended when the University moved to the new campus.

QMU principal Professor Petra Wend said:

“We welcome the compact growth strategy contained within the MIR, focusing the bulk of new development on the west side of East Lothian. However, as an institution which has sustainability at its core we want to see the proposed Musselburgh cluster developed to ensure a vibrant community over the long term.’

“It is a prime location for growing businesses to drive innovation through the world class research and support available at the university. Its location would create a gateway to East Lothian. A junction that allows full access to the University and the adjacent land from both directions on the A1 is critical to seeing the gateway vision realised.”