Bo'ness Regeneration Proposals

The Bo'ness foreshore regeneration project has the potential to transform both the perception and the prospects of the area. It will create a new vibrant waterside quarter linked to the historic centre providing new homes and leisure opportunities that will benefit visitors and the residents of Bo'ness. This is a key partnership project under My Futures in Falkirk designed to diversify the economy and to generate business confidence and civic pride.

 

Bo'ness has a number of advantages. It has a central position within the Central Belt of Scotland, with accessibility via the motorway system to Edinburgh and Glasgow. It has a waterside location on the Forth, its own harbour and a population catchment of over 3 million people within an hour's drive. The relationship with Edinburgh is particularly promising given the buoyancy of the city's western outskirts and the presence of the Airport only 20 minutes drive away. Its waterside setting, while being a considerable asset, is hardly exploited. Bo'ness is one of the few places where attractive waterfront and the opportunity for development occur together.

Background to the regeneration of the harbour and foreshore

The harbour and foreshore area of Bo'ness was the location of many of the town's traditional industries and has lain derelict for many years.

 

The site remains derelict, however it offers real opportunities to attract investment that can benefit the town as a whole. The area was identified as a priority in the Bo'ness Economic Development Review prepared in 2000 with extensive contributions from the local community. The review arose from community concern at the economic and physical state of the town centre and sought to improve the area of Bo'ness town centre, the harbour and house building opportunities on the foreshore area.

 

ING were selected as the successful bidders following a marketing exercise undertaken by the Council in 2003 to identify a preferred developer for the regeneration of the harbour and foreshore. Improving our town centres is one of the Council's highest priorities and the regeneration project was designed to complement the extensive work being done through the Townscape Heritage Initiative and the restoration of the historic Hippodrome Cinema.

 

ING propose to improve the harbour, build 750 houses, and create a marina, hotel, and shops in the area. Since starting on their scheme, they have consulted with the Bo'ness community on their design and secured outline planning approval for their scheme in July 2006.

 

Since ING's selection as preferred developer in 2004, there have been significant changes in national and international market conditions.

 

These financial pressures, along with now known historic industrial site remediation and structural engineering costs, have made the original development proposals unviable.

This has caused ING to amend their approach to the scheme, commencing development at the east end of the site.

 

Following extensive consultation, the Council met on 25 June and agreed that, having considered the outcome of the consultation, the revised phasing of the Initiative should proceed.

 

Townscape Heritage Initiative

Bo'ness town centre is set for up to £5 million investment though the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) which will boost plans for economic regeneration and link with the harbour development

 

Bo'ness won THI status becoming one of only 13 towns in Scotland privileged to qualify. This year the THI will start to move forward.

 

The Heritage Lottery Fund approved £1.3 million for the Bo'ness THI which will be matched with funding from the public and private sector.

 

The aim of the THI is to repair and restore historic buildings - like the Hippodrome Cinema – for uses which meet community needs and bring economic benefit to the town.

 

More information is available from the THI Project Officer George Paterson who was appointed to promote the project and co-ordinate grant enquiries and applications.

 

Bo'ness town centre, which achieved Outstanding Conservation Area Status, has a rich and valued history, leaving a legacy of architecturally important buildings.

 

Under the THI grants will be awarded for a range of projects to repair the external fabric of buildings, which will help enhance the town centre as a whole.

 

THI grants will be available for works including: general structural repairs, reinstatement of architectural features, public works, specialist treatments, re-roofing and high level repairs, lead, stonework, re-pointing, windows, doors and external cleaning

 

For more information please contact George Paterson on 01324 501022.