New masterplan for Ravenscraig

Developers make ‘postive steps’

The developers of Ravenscraig, one of Europe’s largest regeneration projects, have submitted a masterplan which aims to attract significant investment into the area.

Their planning submission follows North Lanarkshire Council’s announcement of a £190m roads programme which will boost the area’s regeneration.

Part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal, it represents the biggest single roads and infrastructure investment in North Lanarkshire’s history, with construction work due to begin next year.

These plans are already attracting investment from businesses, with a new hotel operated by Marston’s Inn and Taverns opening on site this month.

Raven’s Cliff Lodge is a 40-bedroom hotel and is an extension of the Raven’s Cliff pub and restaurant.

Nick Davies, director of Ravenscraig Ltd, said: “The future of Ravenscraig is bright, and the new masterplan being submitted to the council is just the latest in a series of positive steps. We are now a step closer to delivering a number of substantial projects which will not only benefit local residents, but the wider city region.

“We are determined to attract further investment into Ravenscraig and the ambitious roads programme will play a significant role in this.

“We look forward to working with North Lanarkshire Council closely over the coming years to deliver on the promise of Ravenscraig.”

The planning application outlines proposals for highquality housing, two primary schools, a park and a range of other community and commercial facilities, including retail and industrial.

A series of community dropin exhibitions were held by Ravenscraig Ltd in November, where members of the public were able to view and comment on the plans. This followed previous consultations hosted by North Lanarkshire Council in 2016, with community feedback helping to shape the masterplan.

Des Murray, assistant chief executive for housing and enterprise at North Lanarkshire Council, said: “The council has always recognised the need to redevelop the site as part of our wider ambition for local communities and the area as a whole. Ravenscraig is not just a symbolic site for North Lanarkshire, it’s also of significant strategic importance. That’s why we have committed to the groundbreaking £190million pan-lanarkshire Orbital roads investment which will make development at Ravenscraig easier.

“We support any positive moves to create new homes, businesses and facilities. Many parts of the existing planning permission are included in the new application, and the new masterplan will be fully considered by all members of the council.”

The new Raven’s Cliff Lodge, which opened this month, is a two-storey hotel offering high-quality, mid-market accommodation to business and leisure travellers.