03 March 2006
Some of Scotland's most deprived areas are the target of a major regeneration strategy announced this week by First Minister Jack McConnell.
In what was described as a new approach to regeneration, McConnell said the aim was to make greater use of private investment and encourage more joint financial ventures.
'This new strategy will use new partnerships with private investors and more focused government effort to lever in funds, create jobs and transform derelict areas,' the first minister said.
He stressed the need for Scotland to have a joined-up, imaginative approach to economic, community regeneration if the country was to grow more businesses, tackle unemployment blackspots and support enterprising ideas.
One of the main objectives of the plan, published this week in the policy statement, People and place: regeneration policy in Scotland, will be the creation of three new priority areas – the Clyde Corridor, Inverclyde and Ayrshire.
Two new regeneration companies will be set up for Irvine Bay and Inverclyde. Partnership initiatives will be undertaken by Inverclyde Council, Clydeport Ltd, Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire and Communities Scotland, aimed at promoting long-term economic growth.
The initiative seeks to market and develop 13 strategic development sites with outstanding riverside locations along the A8 corridor from Port Glasgow to Greenock. Scottish Enterprise is providing funding of £10m to cover the first four years of the project.
A further £24m, announced by communities minister Malcolm Chisholm, is to be allocated to local authorities to allow them to clear up vacant and derelict land. The money will be shared by Glasgow (£10m), South Lanarkshire (£4m); North Lanarkshire (£6m) and Dundee (£4m).
Launching the scheme in Greenock, McConnell said: 'It's to some extent new territory, but we need a joined-up approach. We've raised the stakes and we are taking a few risks.'
Scottish local authorities welcomed the statement. The president of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Pat Watters, said: 'We see this document as a major step forward in ensuring that a range of private and public sector bodies act together more effectively with us to build on the Executive's priorities and the good work already ongoing.'
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