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Daily Record
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Project to restore derelict land in Paisley's Ferguslie Park could help tackle antisocial behaviour
Renfrewshire Council awarded £650,000 to deliver regeneration of Belltrees site into multi-functional greenspace. A project that will restore almost three hectares of derelict land in Paisley's Ferguslie Park will help tackle antisocial behaviour in the area, it is hoped. Renfrewshire Council has been awarded £650,000 of Scottish Government cash to deliver the regeneration of the Belltrees site into a multi-functional greenspace. Two new shared pedestrian and cycle routes have been planned, as well as a natural play trail, event space and landscape features, enhanced biodiversity and drainage improvements. Councillor Kenny MacLaren, an SNP representative for Paisley Northwest, believes the initiative could deter issues such as fly-tipping and dirt bike use. He said: "It's good news that Renfrewshire Council has been awarded the funding from the SNP Scottish Government to work on the Belltrees project in Ferguslie Park which will restore 2.69 hectares of derelict land and create a new multi-functional greenspace. "At the moment this area has been used for fly-tipping or by people using dirt bikes, creating a nuisance and mess for local residents. "The transformation of this site will hopefully cut down on such antisocial behaviour while creating a new community space for the residents of Ferguslie." Funded from the vacant and derelict land investment programme, designs are set to be completed this summer, with construction expected to begin in early 2026. The regeneration project is part of 'The Making of Ferguslie' which is a long-term, community-led framework developed in partnership with residents to reimagine the area and deliver lasting change. Approved by the council in December 2021, the plan sets out a shared vision for Ferguslie Park, with a focus on transforming underused land, enhancing greenspaces and supporting local initiatives. At the centre of the regeneration is the Ferguslie Green Line – a green corridor and public realm spine that will connect key parts of the neighbourhood and provide a vibrant space for residents. Councillor Andy Steel, SNP convener of the economy and regeneration policy board, said last week: "The Making of Ferguslie is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we work hand-in-hand with our communities. "I'm delighted that we have been awarded such a significant amount of funding to support the Belltrees project as this will make a visible difference to the area and will help create a greener, more connected and vibrant Ferguslie Park for generations to come." The first project to emerge from the Green Line is the Neighbourhood Centre at Bankfoot Road and this activity space is transforming vacant land into a games and recreation area, framed by a tree-lined boulevard that links to schools and the Tannahill Centre – with construction expected to finish this summer.
STV News
6 days ago
- Business
- STV News
Project to restore derelict land takes step forward with cash boost
A project that will restore almost three hectares of derelict land in Paisley's Ferguslie Park will help tackle anti-social behaviour in the area, it is hoped. Renfrewshire Council has been awarded £650,000 of Scottish Government cash to deliver the regeneration of the Belltrees site into a multi-functional green space. Two new shared pedestrian and cycle routes have been planned, as well as a natural play trail, event space and landscape features, enhanced biodiversity and drainage improvements. Councillor Kenny MacLaren, an SNP representative for Paisley Northwest, believes the initiative could deter issues such as fly-tipping and dirt bike use. He said: 'It's good news that Renfrewshire Council has been awarded the funding from the SNP Scottish Government to work on the Belltrees project in Ferguslie Park, which will restore 2.69 hectares of derelict land and create a new multi-functional green space. 'At the moment, this area has been used for fly-tipping or by people using dirt bikes, creating a nuisance and mess for local residents. 'The transformation of this site will hopefully cut down on such antisocial behaviour while creating a new community space for the residents of Ferguslie.' Funded from the vacant and derelict land investment programme, designs are set to be completed this summer, with construction expected to begin in early 2026. The regeneration project is part of 'The Making of Ferguslie' which is a long-term, community-led framework developed in partnership with residents to reimagine the area and deliver lasting change. Approved by the council in December 2021, the plan sets out a shared vision for Ferguslie Park, with a focus on transforming underused land, enhancing greenspaces and supporting local initiatives. At the centre of the regeneration is the Ferguslie Green Line – a green corridor and public realm spine that will connect key parts of the neighbourhood and provide a vibrant space for residents. Councillor Andy Steel, SNP convener of the economy and regeneration policy board, said last week: 'The Making of Ferguslie is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we work hand-in-hand with our communities. 'I'm delighted that we have been awarded such a significant amount of funding to support the Belltrees project as this will make a visible difference to the area and will help create a greener, more connected and vibrant Ferguslie Park for generations to come.' The first project to emerge from the Green Line is the Neighbourhood Centre at Bankfoot Road and this activity space is transforming vacant land into a games and recreation area, framed by a tree-lined boulevard that links to schools and the Tannahill Centre – with construction expected to finish this summer. STV News is now on WhatsApp Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
£650,000 awarded to transform derelict land in Ferguslie Park
Renfrewshire Council has been awarded £650,000 to deliver the Belltrees project in Ferguslie Park which will restore 2.69 hectares of derelict land and create a new multi-functional greenspace. More than two hectares of derelict land in the heart of Ferguslie Park are set to be transformed thanks to a £650,0000 funding boost. The Belltrees Project will see a multi-functional greenspace created with a natural play trail, event space, landscaping and native planting. Two new shared pedestrian and cycle routes linking to local schools and services will run through the site which will also benefit from improved drainage. The project has been made possible thanks to funding from Scottish Government's Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP), with construction set to begin early next year. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: 'The Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme is helping transform derelict sites the length and breadth of Scotland, creating homes, jobs and facilities that drive economic growth, tackle poverty and help support growing thriving communities. 'This funding forms part of a wider £62.15 million investment by the Scottish Government towards regeneration projects in 2025-26. 'I am delighted that this year's funding includes support for the Belltrees project and look forward to it contributing to the creation of a valuable asset for the local community for years to come.' The regeneration project is part of The Making of Ferguslie — a long-term, community-led framework developed in partnership with local residents to reimagine the area and deliver lasting change. Approved by Renfrewshire Council in December 2021, the plan sets out a shared vision for Ferguslie Park, with a focus on transforming underused land, enhancing greenspaces, and supporting local initiatives. The programme is already delivering visible results, with key projects now underway or in development. At the centre of the regeneration is the Ferguslie Green Line — a new green corridor and public realm spine that will connect key parts of the neighbourhood and provide a vibrant, multi-functional space for residents. Designed to promote active travel, community activity, and biodiversity, the Green Line will act as a catalyst for wider transformation and a symbol of positive change. Councillor Andy Steel, convener of Renfrewshire Council's economy and regeneration policy board, said: 'The Making of Ferguslie is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we work hand-in-hand with our communities. 'I'm delighted that we have been awarded such a significant amount of funding to support the Belltrees project as this will make a visible difference to the area and will help create a greener, more connected and vibrant Ferguslie Park for generations to come.' The first project to emerge from the Green Line is the Neighbourhood Centre at Bankfoot Road and this new activity space is transforming 0.66 hectares of long-term vacant land into a unique, sunken games and recreation area, framed by a tree-lined boulevard that links to local schools and the Tannahill Centre – with construction expected to complete this summer. For more information on The Making of Ferguslie, visit:
Glasgow Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Renfrewshire Council carries out 'extensive tree works'
A red weather warning saw strong winds cause severe disruption in the area towards the end of January, with clearance and survey works ultimately required in all cemeteries. Elected members welcomed the progress made by council workers as they applauded the 'hard work' that has been done by the team. A paper, which was considered at Wednesday's infrastructure, land and environment, shed light on the range of jobs that have been undertaken. READ MORE: Listed building in Paisley to be transformed into apartments The update said: 'Over the past few months, there has been extensive tree works across the cemetery estate following Storm Eowyn, this included the removal of fallen trees and debris and then re-surveying all trees within the cemetery grounds. 'Following the storm clearance, a programme of proactive works was created to target trees identified as requiring specialist arborist attention. 'To date, the service has completed clearance works in all cemeteries in Renfrewshire, fully surveyed trees in the estate and has completed preventative works in Arkleston, Hawkhead, and Kilbarchan cemeteries. 'The service anticipates full completion of tree works in cemeteries by June 2025.' Reflecting on the report, Councillor Chris Gilmour, Labour group environment spokesperson and representative for Johnstone North and the surrounding villages, said: 'I just want to acknowledge the hard work done by the cemetery team and look forward to seeing further improvements going forward. READ MORE: Plans submitted to turn shop into hot food takeaway in Paisley 'I think sometimes it's easy to criticise but if we look a bit deeper we see how much hard work is actually going on within that environment.' Councillor Andy Steel, an SNP representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie, added: 'I also echo Councillor Gilmour's point on the work being done on the cemeteries, sensitive and difficult work, and I'm really pleased to see it moving forward.' Meanwhile, Councillor John McNaughtan, an SNP representative for Paisley East and Central, took the opportunity to highlight recent upgrades to Hawkhead Cemetery, which have included roads and drainage improvements. He added: 'There's been significant investment over recent years by this administration, still more to be done, but I very much welcome the improvement.'
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Renfrewshire Council carries out 'extensive tree works' across cemeteries after Storm Eowyn
Weather event saw strong winds cause severe disruption in January, with clearance and survey works required in cemeteries. Renfrewshire Council has carried out "extensive tree works" across its cemetery estate in the local authority following the impact of Storm Eowyn. A red weather warning saw strong winds cause severe disruption in the area towards the end of January, with clearance and survey works ultimately required in all cemeteries. Elected members welcomed the progress made by council workers as they applauded the "hard work" that has been done by the team. A paper, which was considered at Wednesday's infrastructure, land and environment, shed light on the range of jobs that have been undertaken. The update said: "Over the past few months there has been extensive tree works across the cemetery estate following Storm Eowyn, this included the removal of fallen trees and debris and then re-surveying all trees within the cemetery grounds. "Following the storm clearance, a programme of proactive works was created to target trees identified as requiring specialist arborist attention. "To date, the service has completed clearance works in all cemeteries in Renfrewshire, fully surveyed trees in the estate and has completed preventative works in Arkleston, Hawkhead, and Kilbarchan cemeteries. "The service anticipates full completion of tree works in cemeteries by June 2025." Reflecting on the report, Councillor Chris Gilmour, Labour group environment spokesperson and representative for Johnstone North and the surrounding villages, said: "I just want to acknowledge the hard work done by the cemetery team and look forward to seeing further improvements going forward. "I think sometimes it's easy to criticise but if we look a bit deeper we see how much hard work is actually going on within that environment." Councillor Andy Steel, an SNP representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie, added: "I also echo Councillor Gilmour's point on the work being done on the cemeteries, sensitive and difficult work, and I'm really pleased to see it moving forward." Meanwhile, Councillor John McNaughtan, an SNP representative for Paisley East and Central, took the opportunity to highlight recent upgrades to Hawkhead Cemetery, which have included roads and drainage improvements. He added: "There's been significant investment over recent years by this administration, still more to be done, but I very much welcome the improvement."
