Strategic Development Opportunity Site at Bowling (former Exxon site)
Project Overview
A £44m joint investment project between Glasgow City Deal and West Dunbartonshire Council will deliver improved transport infrastructure and unlock the potential of a disused industrial site to attract new developers and future investment to the area. As well as 980 full time job opportunities and an additional 660 jobs during the construction stage, it is expected to bring £32.2m of additional private investment and £230.2m net additional GVA by 2035.
As part of the project, key transport infrastructure will be developed in and around the former Esso terminal in Bowling. This will include:
- A new junction from the A82 to the A814
- A new Western Underpass
- Spine road throughout the development site to link the new Western Underbridge and Eastern overbridge
- Eastern Overbridge Deck Replacement
- Dunglass Castle Roundabout improvement at A82
- Development platforms
- Internal road network with pedestrian and cycling provisions
- Tree planting along the spine road (in line with the approved landscape strategy)
- Improvement of the National Cycle Network (NCN7)
- Landscape and path development for the wider site
Project progress
- Planning Permission in Principle was granted in January 2021 and the design for the transport infrastructure is. Planning permission is in progress. The Final Business Case was approved by Council in June 2023 and subsequently by City Region in August 2023, meaning City Deal funding for the project has been secured.
- Esso are currently undertaking soil remediation is ongoing and expected to be completed by March 2024. The land transfer will follow thereafter.
- January 2024: West Dunbartonshire Council Planning Committee Approval
Next Steps
- February 2024: Expected start of preparatory works
- Summer 2024: construction start
- Summer 2026: expected project completion
Related information
Masterplan
Visualisation Video
Dunglass Castle Community Parkland
In addition to the above and in line with the planning requirements, a path and landscape design for the wider 33.66-hectare site is being progressed.
This will provide enhanced community access to the waterfront, taking account of the ecological sensitivity of the Inner Clyde SPA, Ramsar and SSSI, as well as protecting and enhancing the setting of Dunglass Castle and the Henry Bell Monument, with opportunities for visitor access. Proposals include interconnected public realm and open space areas, incorporating native tree, shrub and wildflower planting to enhance landscape and ecological connectivity. The Parkland, riverfront walkway, and nature networks will create a destination public space for the communities of Bowling, Milton and beyond, with approximately 2km riverfront walkway and a further 1km of trails, as well as opportunities for recreational activity such as walking, cycling and horse riding. This project enhances the experience of the users of NCN7.
A design has been developed and public consultation event with information from the Council’s Design Panel and Communities Team will take place on the following dates:
- 1st Community Consultation Event and workshop: Wednesday 7 February 2024, Bowling Community Hall, Dumbarton Road, Bowling, G60 5AQ. 3pm -7.30pm (30 minute presentation on the proposals at 4.30pm).
- 2nd Community Consultation Event: March 2024 (venue location TBC)
An application for access to funding through the 2nd round of Low Carbon Fund the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme is being considered by the Scottish Government. A decision is expected by February 2024.