West Dunbartonshire Council has proudly unveiled the completed £1.8m regeneration of the South Bank Canal area, in Clydebank.

The work has transformed the appearance of the Clydebank shopping area and ensured Three Queens Square returns to its rightful place as a prominent and attractive public space.

The improvements have included renovating the historic band stand with lighting and sound equipment and relocating it to a position closer to the canal where it is more prominent.

This has created more space in the square which should be better able to host other activities and gatherings such as traditional markets, and artistic productions.

In addition two new pontoons have been built on the south bank of the canal to encourage boat users to visit the town centre.

As well as new stone work and tree planting, public art has also been subtly integrated into the improvements. For example, play sculptures replicating elements of the Three Queen ships have been incorporated into grassed areas, while different coloured stone works have been used to set out the former railway tracks which traversed Three Queens Square.

The project complements the award-winning regeneration of the north bank of the canal, and is linked into several initiatives such as the future provision of a new bus station on Chalmers Street and the redevelopment of the Playdrome site.

Councillor Jim McElhill, spokesperson for Regeneration, said: “This is an absolutely fantastic project which has transformed a previously forlorn area of Clydebank’s shopping centre into one that will hopefully be at the heart of everything that happens in the town.

-- Advertisement --

“The developers have done a great job of bringing this space to life, and making it a vibrant public area the community can really make use of through events and markets. It is also fantastic to see the canal given more prominence as it is historically important and an attractive feature.”

Provost Denis Agnew, who officially opened the redeveloped space, said: “I’m proud to open this revamped public space and hope that everyone will make as much use out of it in the coming years as possible. This town of Clydebank needs to be invigorated with projects such as this and hopefully improvements such as these will attract people from beyond the area to come and see for themselves.”

The money for the project came from Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund, and was project-managed on behalf of the Council by Clydebank Rebuilt.

Jim McAloon, Head of Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “Regenerating Clydebank is one of this Council’s major priorities, and work such as this will go a long way towards bringing in additional shoppers and visitors from the local community and further afield. I think it is a really good example of what can be achieved when the government, Council and partner agencies work together with the local community to instigate regeneration.”

Graham Mochan, chair of Clydebank Re-built who funded the design costs and managed the project, said: “Clydebank Re-built is delighted to be working with the Council and the Scottish Government to bring this regeneration project to fruition.

"The restoration of the bandstand and the major improvements at Three Queens Square enhances the public space in the heart of Clydebank for shoppers and visitors. It further complements our earlier work on the north canal bank and the building of the Swan-style pedestrian bridge over the canal to the shopping centre"

Steve Dunlop, Director, British Waterways Scotland, said: “The high quality public space and amenity created around the Forth & Clyde Canal at Clydebank sets a superb benchmark for regeneration and development along the lowland waterways.

“It is particularly rewarding to see this project completed in the year we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the reopening of the Forth & Clyde Canal as part of the Millennium Link Project. It is a terrific illustration of what can be achieved when local partners work together with creativity and enthusiasm, placing the revitalised canals right at the economic and social heart of the community.”

(GK/KMcA)