Forthside clean-up deal stalls
Observer what their plans were for the decontamination of the site but as of yesterday (Tuesday) still hadn’t responded to our question.
But Tory politician Mr Kerr said: “The MoD cannot hand over contaminated land and must ensure it is cleaned up. All elected representatives will, I am sure, want to work together to ensure the development of the site is carried out in the best possible way for Stirling and that is what people will expect.”
Stirling Council say that they will begin pressing ahead with plans to identify development projects at the site.
A spokesperson said: “The land at Forthside forms an important part of the City Deal and we will begin preliminary work to establish the plan of action for decontamination of the land and investigate the suitable projects for development at the site.”
Both the Scottish and UK Governments say that they each contributed more than £45million to the City Region Deal – which comprises investment of more than £90 million in the area.
However Councillor Farmer said that he was unhappy that the Westminster Government included the Forthside land – which they valued at £5million – as part of their side of the deal.
He said: “I am extremely disappointed at the MOD Forthside land value being set at £5million, despite a categorical assurance from Lord Duncan that it be transferred at nil value and fully decontaminated.
“This substantially dilutes the UK Government’s contribution to the overall City Region Deal quantum and the projects that can be delivered, and is another sad example of a Tory Government at Westminster over promising and under delivering.”
Responding to this criticism, Mr Kerr said: “The MoD own the site, they are legally required to sell it and cannot give it away.
“The UK Government have agreed to spend real money and buy the site so it can be utilised for development to the benefit of the Stirling area.”
Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Mark Ruskell welcomed news that the land was included in the deal.
He said: “I’m very pleased the Forthside barracks site has been finally released for much needed social housing in the city centre.”
The Observer reported on Friday that leading politicians had put pen to paper on the £90million deal, which it is hoped will trigger further investment and create 5000 jobs in the area.
According to the agreement £22million has been set aside for a Scottish Environment Centre, £17million has been pledged for an aquaculture innovation hub, £15million will go towards culture, tourism and heritage and £10million will go towards a new Scottish Tartan Centre.
Cash will also be invested in improving travel routes between Stirling and Alloa, the development of a digital district with £2million allocated for digital hubs in Callander and Alloa and a DWP pilot which helps get people back into work.
The Scottish Government are also stumping up an additional £5million for Callander infrastructure development and for a Kildean Enterprise Park.
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said: “The Scottish Government have committed £45 million to this deal which includes investment in our local culture, tourism and heritage industry as well as the digital district, active travel improvements, and a regional digital hub programme.
“In addition to this, the Scottish Government have announced additional investment of £5million to infrastructural development in Callander and enterprise development in Kildean.”
However SNP councillor for Bannockburn, Alasdair MacPherson, was less impressed.
He said: “The projects approved in the City Region Deal were promoted by the previous Labour and Tory administration, so it’s not easy for me to be enthusiastic about this announcement when my ward is yet again shamefully starved of capital investment.”