West Dunbartonshire Council have announced that work on the £1.3 million transformation of the former St Eunan's Primary School site in Clydebank is now underway.

Councillors have visited the area as part of a sod cutting event to mark the beginning of its new life, with Councillor Iain McLaren cutting the first sod.

When completed, the site will be home to a state of the art Community Green Space, with new biodiversity areas, raised bed allotments, outdoor exercise equipment, play areas for children and outdoor education areas.

The project will also have open pathways to provide accessible connections for pedestrians and cyclists between the town centre to the south, and residential areas to the north of the site.

The project was created following extensive consultation with residents about the best use for the site.

Councillor Iain McLaren, Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: "I am pleased to have been on site to cut the first sod on what is sure to be a magnificent facility for this community.

-- Advertisement --

"When the work here is complete, this will provide local residents with a new green space which will provide multiple opportunities for learning about nature and physical activity.

"I'm sure the community will see the benefits for years to come."

Councillor Marie McNair, Vice Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: "It is well known that having access to good quality green space can have huge benefits for our mental and physical health.

"The addition of play areas and exercise equipment mean the area will be used by kids and adults alike."

The Clydebank project was awarded £375,000 as part of a major new £37.5 million Scottish programme of projects to improve the urban environment of Scotland's larger towns and cities. The Green Infrastructure Strategic Intervention, led by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), is part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

With 81% of Scotland's population living in urban areas, the Green Infrastructure Strategic Intervention will make the country's larger towns and cities more attractive and environmentally sustainable places to live, work and invest in. It is a Scotland-wide initiative with many partners, including local authorities and housing associations.

Arthur Keller, SNH Head of Structural Funds, said: "We're delighted to see this exciting project get underway and are looking forward to the site being transformed into an attractive and thriving community greenspace.

"It's another fantastic example of how Green Infrastructure funding is improving urban areas across Scotland, delivering many social and economic benefits, allowing us adapt to and mitigate climate change and creating a nature rich future for everyone in Scotland, wherever they live."

(MH/CM)