Derelict oil depot sparks bright Ardrishaig future
PLANS to transform the industrial face of Ardrishaig harbour are under starter’s orders.
Landowner Scottish Canals has submitted a planning application to redevelop a former storage building known as the ‘egg shed’ on the former Gleaner oil depot into a venue for leisure, marine and community uses.
Argyll and Bute Council has been awarded £580,000 from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund towards the first phase of development on the Gleaner site, which has lain vacant for several years.
The project will be delivered by Scottish Canals in partnership with the council. Scottish Canals is currently fundraising for the remainder of the funding for this development, which will cost around £1.39m. The development will also include new public waterside spaces which will enable the public to walk to or from Pier Square and the Yot Spot.
The ideas for redeveloping the Gleaner site were raised at the Crinan Corridor consultation in April last year. This event, called ‘Rethink the Link’, generated hundreds of contributions from local people and agencies interested in the regeneration of areas, including Ardrishaig village centre and Lochgilphead.
Scottish Canals and Argyll and Bute Council are also working with Ardrishaig Community Trust to develop youth activities on the site.
Chris Breslin, head of regeneration and development at Scottish Canals, said: ‘The first phase of development at the Gleaner site will act as a catalyst for the remainder of the site being brought forward for regeneration and, in turn, have a positive impact on Ardrishaig.
‘Ultimately, the project aims to improve the appeal and interest of the village for the local community and visitors. We’re delighted Ardrishaig has been awarded funding as it is an important destination, not only on the Crinan Canal but for Argyll and Bute. Over the next year, the former egg shed on the site will be converted and extended for commercial, social enterprise or community uses, celebrating the site’s unique maritime location and contributing significantly to the local economy.’
If planning permission and the remainder of the funding are obtained for the development, work should begin in early 2018.
Councillor Dougie Philand said: ‘I’m delighted to see Scottish Canals submitting a planning application for the egg shed. For many years the Gleaner site and the egg factory have been the focus of redevelopment by the community and this is the first stage of the regeneration of Ardrishaig, which is most welcome.’