West Dunbartonshire councillors to consider £7m regeneration investment plan

Four major regeneration projects in West Dunbartonshire could receive a share of £7 million if investment plans are approved by councillors next week.The outlay would support projects to revitalise Glasgow Road in Clydebank, the ongoing development of Bowling Basin, the creation of a Dumbarton waterfront walkway, and the formation of two public squares in Balloch.Councillors will decide whether to approve the investment from West Dunbartonshire Council’s Regeneration Capital Fund at the infrastructure, regeneration and economic development committee.The £12.4m Regeneration Capital Fund was established to help accelerate development and regeneration throughout the area, whilst also supporting the delivery of key projects developed through the Scottish Government charrette process.These projects have been identified as the first which could benefit from the fund, and while councillors are being asked to approve £7m of funding the final amount allocated to each project will depend on a number of other factors.All four projects were identified during the design charrettes held in the areas, and committing this funding to the projects would mark a major step forward.The Glasgow Road project, which will improve traffic and pedestrian links between Clydebank town centre and Queens Quay, has already secured £2m from Sustrans. Councillors are being asked to approve a further £2.3m contribution.At Bowling Basin, Scottish Canals has developed a masterplan for the area featuring housing, commercial and leisure related opportunities. The council has the opportunity to invest £2m to the project which would see this investment recouped over time as the project becomes profitable.The development of a waterfront walkway from Dumbarton Castle to the town centre has long been identified as an aspiration and it is estimated it will cost in the region of £2.5m. The report going before councillors is suggesting that £1.5m is earmarked from the Regeneration Capital Fund, with the remainder of the project funded by contributions from housebuilders, retailers and other owners along the riverside.Following the recent Balloch charrette, the introduction of two public squares was identified in the action plan. These will be established next to the train station and within the village to create a much better public space, offering an improved tourist feel to the village. The overall cost for both squares is estimated at £1.6m and councillors will be asked to agree to committing £1.2m towards the project.