Company behind proposed mixed-use EuroPark development in North Lanarkshire create community steering group
As part of the plans, which are currently under consideration by North Lanarkshire Council, around 64 per cent of the site outlined would remain as greenspace.
The company behind the proposed mixed-use EuroPark development adjacent to Eurocentral in North Lanarkshire have created a community steering group.
As part of the plans, which are currently under consideration by North Lanarkshire Council, around 64 per cent of the site outlined would remain as greenspace, which developers Orchard Brae, say will "protect and enhance the Calder Water and historic Monkland Canal, alongside the walkways and woodlands that sit there".
Orchard Brae are also proposing that the area becomes "a designated country park" and for it to eventually fall under community ownership once the infrastructure is in place to support it.
Scott Gillespie from Orchard Brae said: 'We have been working on bringing EuroPark to fruition for nearly 10 years and as part of the extensive consultations that have been undertaken with the community and key stakeholders - in many different guises - what is clear, is the need to firm up our pledge on the creation of the country park and protecting the many natural assets this site has as part of our plans.
"When we say the development is green at heart, we truly mean it, in its most literal sense.
"The creation of the local steering group firms up our commitment to sticking by our pledge and work towards the longer-term ambition of gifting this over to the community.
"What's more, should planning progress, we would fully expect this to be part of the Section 75 conditions put forward and agreed.
"We also don't anticipate the community having to wait five years until the infrastructure supported by the homes and businesses comes into play.
"We are willing provide £120,000 per year, over the next five years, to support this plan being put into action.
"Our local steering group is made up of people from Gartcairn Football Club, Airdrie Working Men's Club, a local community council and Calderbank Bowling Club.
"Invitations were issued to the wider community, and we would welcome more people joining this as we look to move forward.'
Derek Dillon, Calderbank Bowling Club secretary and a member of the new local community steering group, added: 'This site gives us the investment, homes and jobs we need and we can ring fence and protect the best natural assets of the site, create a country and heritage park and bring it under the ownership of the local community.
"I don't believe there is another major proposal out there at the moment that offers local people the valuable mix of opportunities that Orchard Brae is putting forward.
'North Lanakrshire, specifically Coatbridge and Airdrie and their surrounding villages, are rich in heritage, but certainly need new, high-quality homes of all tenures.
"It needs more local employment opportunities and investment.
"I am delighted to be on the local steering group for the new country park and very much hope we will be able, as a wider community, to reap the many benefits these plans could bring.'
For more information on the EuroPark plans, head online.
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