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.

Current Position 

• The £175m plan to redevelop the foreshore took another significant step forward with Falkirk Councils approval of the detailed plans put forward by ING Real Estates given the green light by Scottish Ministers.
• Falkirk Council was originally minded to grant the detailed planning application however final approval for the go-ahead was needed from Scottish Ministers – Falkirk Council is now working with the developer to conclude legal agreements prior to work going ahead.
• The 27.5 hectare development will transform the foreshore area and will see:
  • A centre piece creation of a marina for leisure craft from the existing 400 year old harbour;
  • 123 flats
  • 75 town houses
  • A 90 bedroomed hotel
  • A yacht club, restaurants, bars and shops

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.