This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Funding to revitalise Clyde towns
12/12/2003
A number of ambitious regeneration projects aimed at breathing fresh life into Port Glasgow and Clydebank were given the go-ahead today when it was announced that they are to receive £2 million of European funding.
Announcing the funding during a visit to Clydebank, Enterprise Minister Jim Wallace said the money will help revitalise derelict and disadvantaged areas, creating new jobs and improving community and road safety.
Benefits from the Urban ll Community Initiative programme also include, in Clydebank:
• Better access to Clydebank Business Park
• Improved public safety at the Park
• Work placement and employment opportunities
and in Port Glasgow:
• Better access to train station and local shopping in Dalmuir Park
• Improved community and road safety at Robert Street
• Creation of offices, childcare facilities and meeting spaces at Port Glasgow Community Regeneration
A number of the projecs are expected to create employment opportunities for local people.
Visiting Clydebank re-built, one of the project beneficiaries, Mr Wallace said:
"These exciting, ambitious projects are a major step forward in transforming Clydebank and Port Glasgow.
"The European funding is at least matched with other public funds, providing a multi-million pound boost for this part of the Clyde waterfront.
"The money will be spent on projects of real benefit to local communities and local people - they will see improvements to their environment and local facilities while many of the initiatives will also create training and employment opportunities.
"The Executive is committed to building a better Scotland where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Projects like these can help us achieve that aim."
Clydebank re-built, the regeneration company set up by West Dunbartonshire and Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire, will benefit from £350,000 funding.
This will enable it to carry out environmental improvements to Clydebank Business Park, as part of a wider regeneration programme of the area.
Other plans to renew the town include the upgrade of key public spaces along the waterfront, and improved streetscape, signage and lighting to make access to Clydebank more attractive.
Other projects receiving funding under round four of URBAN II are:
• Inverclyde Council:
1) Has been awarded £420,000 for Robert Street, one of Port Glasgow's most disadvantaged areas. The money will be used to improve community and road safety, provide local recycling facilities. Local people will be involved in the project, expected to create nine new jobs.
2) Funding of £375,860 will enable currently vacant retail units to be transformed into a new community regeneration centre for Port Glasgow. This will create offices, meeting rooms and childcare facilities and will provide a focus for local groups.
3) A further grant of £77,829 will help address some of the most serious problems in the physical environment in Oronsay, Port Glasgow. The grant will help reclaim land and create an area of open space, in an area with multiple problems including derelict housing, criminal and anti-social behaviour.
• Dalmuir Park Housing Association (two projects):
Funding of £149,000 will provide for both training opportunities for local people and an improved environment at Dalmuir Park Lanes. The work will be carried out by local people to improve access to vital services such as the train station and local shopping.
• West Dunbartonshire Council:
Grant funding of £496,661 will contribute to the setting up of a new research and evaluation social firm. The organisation will provide work placements, work experience, voluntary work and employment opportunities for local unemployed people.
• Clydebank Housing Association:
Has been awarded European funding of £181,250 to help create a Social Economy Centre, proving flexible, affordable and high quality units for between six and 12 social economy organisations in the area.
Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace today visited the offices of Clydebank regeneration company Clydebank re-built.
Clydebank re-built Ltd was set up by West Dunbartonshire Council and Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire to spearhead the economic, social and physical regeneration of Clydebank. Further details can be found at: http://www.clydebankrebuilt.co.uk
URBAN II is a source of European funding directed at areas of particular disadvantage. The programme aims to promote innovative strategies for sustainable economic, social and environmental regeneration.