£44 million project at former Clyde oil terminal gets approved

A £44m development at a former ExxonMobil oil terminal on the banks of the Clyde has been green-lit by the Glasgow City Region Cabinet.The BBC reported that the site in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, is to be turned into a mixed-use industrial and commercial development.In 2020, the energy giant agreed to transfer the site to West Dunbartonshire Council.The project, which was given planning permission in 2021, is expected to provide up to 980 jobs.Around 47 acres of the 150-acre site will be developed, with the rest used for ‘green infrastructure enhancements’, including cycle and pedestrian paths on the waterfront.It will be funded by £12m from the Glasgow City Region City Deal, an agreement between the UK government, the Scottish government local authorities to fund infrastructure projects.A statement from West Dunbartonshire Council explained that after getting the “final seal of approval”, it could now progress with the project.Council leader Martin Rooney said it would “return 26 times greater than our investment”, adding: “Residents will also see the benefits of a site which has been lying idle for years coming back into productive use.”Works will include road improvements connecting to the site, including a new link road in West Dunbartonshire, and upgrades to the A814.Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray commented: “I welcome this significant step forward in a project which could, upon completion, release millions of pounds of private investment and create jobs.”Don’t miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter – sign up here for free.