Building Briefs – December 12th

Final plans to transform the West End of Paisley with up to 150 new homes are to be considered by councillors today.

Designed by Renfrewshire Council and housing association partner Sanctuary Scotland, the finalised ‘masterplan’ follows public consultation with residents in the summer, which signalled strong support for the proposals. In addition, more than 80% of respondents backed moves to address the high levels of vacant properties and strengthen the close connections with the Town Centre.

Up to £12 million has been earmarked for the project. If approved, Sanctuary Scotland would start work next year on a phased development which involves demolition of existing low demand tenement flats and commercial ground floor premises on the east side of Well Street, Clavering Street East and Underwood Lane.

Vacant land formerly used as the University of the West of Scotland Halls of Residence would be cleared and community growing areas on Sutherland Street would be relocated to accommodate the new development.

The council tenants affected by the scheme would be offered suitable alternative accommodation, with a range of options available including new housing for social rent being developed by Sanctuary Scotland at the former Co-Op site on nearby Wellmeadow Street. The remaining properties would be purchased by Sanctuary Scotland, with owners offered options including exchanging their property or becoming a council or Sanctuary tenant.

Civic Engineers appointed to deliver Inverness Railway Station active travel project

Civic Engineers have been appointed to deliver a vital piece of work in Inverness, promoting active travel by enhancing access by foot and bike to Inverness railway station, via its three entrances and their connecting routes to the city centre.

HITRANS, the regional transport partnership for the Highlands and Islands, and The Highland Council, have made the appointment, which will see the civil and structural engineers carry out feasibility, design and community engagement/public consultation for the project. It will complement and add value to the plans by Abellio ScotRail to upgrade Inverness Railway Station and its surrounds.

The goal is to ensure the streetscapes and environments approaching the railway station are safer and more attractive for pedestrians and cyclists and those with reduced mobility. It is hoped that this initial consultation and design work will lead to future investments where more people will continue their journeys on bike and foot and improve connectivity between the station and the rest of the city centre.

Civic Engineers will lead the multidisciplinary design team who will take the project through the various stages to draft designs. The company, which has studios in Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds and London, employs over 80 people and has extensive experience of delivering award winning public realm projects, which have been proven to help transform areas bringing economic, social and cultural benefits.

West Lothian Council recognised at Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning

West Lothian Council has picked up an accolade at the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning 2017.

The local authority has been recognised as being one of the few Scottish councils to have prepared and implemented Planning Guidance on Health Impact Assessments (HIA) for major development proposals.

As well as being recognised for its work in assessing and maximising the health benefits that can be gained from new development, the council has also agreed an ongoing partnership with NHS Lothian to provide public health advice on the HIAs and assessment of the HIA reports that are submitted to the council by developers.

SGN to start Hamilton gas main replacement next year

Scottish Gas Networks (SGN) is to begin gas main replacement works in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.

The company will start carrying out work along Cadzow Street and Muir Street from Monday, 08 January until 25 February 2018.

The project will be carried out on a phased-basis:

Diversions will be in place on Lower Auchingramont Road and Muir Street. Local access will be maintained to Cadzow Street as far as practicable to ensure that access to businesses and properties within the road closure is maintained.

Residents to be consulted on plans to regenerate Upper Langlee

Scottish Borders Council and Waverley Housing are launching a joint ‘masterplanning’ project in Upper Langlee in Galashiels this month.

Particularly focusing on Beech Avenue, Hawthorn Road, Larch Grove and Laurel Grove, the aim of the project is to guide the preparation of a comprehensive and fully costed feasibility study on regenerating the area, including creating high quality housing.

The work is being funded by the council and also involves input from Scottish Borders Housing Association and Eildon Housing.

A key part of the consultants’ work will be an extensive consultation exercise with local residents, community groups and other stakeholders, seeking their views on future options for the area.

Ark Consultancy has been appointed to lead on the work, which is due to start this month. The final reports will be considered by the council and the Board of Waverley Housing in mid-2018, with the view to creating an action plan going forward.