Tartan Centre, river boat stops and a tourist train
A £200 million price tag was initially placed on Stirling’s City Deal proposals.
However, more projects have over time been added and the cost now, if all come to fruition, is in the region of half a billion pounds. This is what some of them involve:
Digital Hub
Converting the new and historic parts of Stirling’s Municipal Buildings in Corn Exchange Road into a location for small computer and tech companies.
Enhancing and extending the Albert Halls, making it a more attractive location both for conferences and performances.
Establishing a digital archive at the Smith Museum and Art Gallery and improving computer connectivity at secondary schools across area.
Harbour
New civic hub containing offices for Stirling Council and other public sector organisations at Forthside, on land between the Engine Shed development and the Chandlers Court flats development.
Tartan Centre and Curling Association headquarters on land between the Forthside `Spiky’Bridge and former barracks.
New square extending from Forthside Bridge down, via steps, to the banks of the Forth where a boat stop and boardwalk are planned.
River
Introduction of boat stops at the Engine Shed, Wallace Monument/ Stirling University, Stirling Bridge, Cambuskenneth Abbey/sports village, Forth Valley College and Kildean Business Park, and start of river taxi service .
Improvements to riverside paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
Council officials are currently looking at a variety of options as to how the river could be stabilised to support the City Deal plans. They are working with agencies such as Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Canals on options which will incl;ude proposals for flood management investment.
City Park
Create 60-hectare park on ground to the west of Stirling Castle with trees, water features, city farm, new access from the M9 and 10 kilometres of paths connecting to the city centre and Stirling Bridge.
Grow on Space
Create new up-to-date accommodation for medium-sized businesses at Forthside.
Mercat Cross
Turning nursery, adjacent playpark and derelict Argyll Centre into community hub and skills centre.
Improvements to a number of cultural buildings. Upgrading streetscapes. There are also proposals for a `hop on-hop-off’tourist train, potential housing developments, priority bus corridors and investment in rural towns and villages.
Council chief executive Stewart Carruth said:“This City Deal programme is a golden opportunity for Stirling to realise its true potential as an economic and cultural powerhouse. Investment from the UK and Scottish Governments would be a gamechanger, allowing Stirling to deliver on its ambitions and ensure that everyone living, working, studying, visiting and investing in Stirling can benefit from the opportunities and quality of life that this programme would bring.”