West Dunbartonshire Council and Scottish Canals is encouraging the public to help shape the future redevelopment of the village of Bowling.

Next month, a design charrette will be held at Bowling village Hall and will provide the local community the opportunity to share their thoughts on the creation of a new vision for the Bowling Basin area.

Bowling basin has been identified by the local council as a vital regeneration and development priority. Not only is it viewed as the western gateway to the Forth & Clyde Canal, it is currently part of a major regeneration project. The area's disused railway arches are being transformed into retail and leisure units as part of a £1m Scottish Canals project. This has been made possible due to funding from the Scottish Government's 'shovel-ready' programme and a £40,000 contribution from West Dunbartonshire Council.

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Commenting on the upcoming charrette, Derek Mackay, Minister for Local Government and Planning, said: "I would encourage members of the public to join together with stakeholders and agencies to put their ideas forward and transform the Bowling Basin area. These partnerships are essential to achieving the best outcomes for a place and at the heart of my vision for an effective and efficient system of planning.

"The Scottish Government's vision is for new development and regeneration projects in areas like Bowling, to deliver inspiring environments and places with real character which will make our young people want to stay in the communities they've grown up in."

Christopher Breslin, Planning and Regeneration Manager at Scottish Canals, added: "The Bowling Basin area is the western gateway to the Forth & Clyde Canal and a key regeneration opportunity with enormous tourism and leisure potential.

"Work on the renovation of the railway arches is progressing well and the design workshop sessions should help us collaboratively determine how to continue the area's transformation into a bustling canalside destination with wider economic benefits for the village of Bowling.

"Bowling Basin is intrinsically linked to the history of the 200-year-old canal and it's vitally important to Scottish Canals that it plays a key role in the future of the waterways. I'd urge anyone who is interested in helping us to create something special at this beautiful location to come along to the charrette."

The event will be held at Bowling Village Hall on 12 February from 10.30am.

(JP/CD)