Council plan to regenerate site

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Falkirk Council is contacting landlords on a 20-hectare site in Camelon to discuss regeneration plans.

The land, which currently houses the Alexander Dennis bus company and a former jeans factory, has long been a target for regeneration.

In recent years the land has become an eyesore after a number of key employers moved businesses elsewhere.

The local authority said landlords and potential developers would be consulted on the future regeneration plans.

Bus company Alexander Dennis currently employs 900 people on the land while Tesco own the now derelict former Wrangler jeans factory site.

'Industrial closures'

The council said the "Western Gateway" plan could form the centre of its economic regeneration future.

The area has suffered from significant job losses with the closure or relocation of major employers such as Johnston Press, GX Superbowl and Riley, Dunn and Wilson.

In 2003/04, the potential for a mixed-use development was considered including residential, business, bulk goods retail and associated development potential.

Our main priorities would be to develop this site in a way that would maintain jobs in the area Councillor Linda Gow

Councillor Linda Gow, convener of the council's policy and resources committee, said regenerating the area was now a priority for the administration.

She said: "We fully recognise that this area has felt a big impact in recent years from economic decline and industrial closures.

"That's why we are keen to start to consider the best options for the area with landowners.

"Our main priorities would be to develop this site in a way that would maintain jobs in the area, deliver new jobs, meet the planning and regeneration needs for Camelon and create a gateway that would be in keeping with our long term vision for the area.

"This idea is at an early stage however we are confident we can work with all parties to see a significant improvement in the Western Gateway area."

A further report on the findings of the initial investigations will be brought back to a future meeting of the committee.