Virtual public consultation
Locals are being invited to have their say on plans for a new multi-million pound redevelopment of Stirling’s Craigforth Campus.
Ambitious plans for the area were revealed by the Observer last month.
Scottish property development and investment firm, Ambassador Group, has now announced details of two online public consultation events that will take place tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday, May 8.
The project team behind the proposals will be available for an interactive online discussion around the scheme, which if approved, will see the transformation of the 49.5 hectare site into a new state-of-the-art mixed use facility.
All comments received will be used to shape the final form and content of the development, ahead of the formal submission of the two planning applications to Stirling Council.
Ambassador Group, which has a substantial UK wide portfolio spanning office, retail, leisure, industrial and residential and mixed use projects, will submit two planning applications following consultation and dialogue with existing occupiers and planning officials, that will see the creation of a new purpose built office building in the north of the site plus a wider masterplan that will bring to life hotel, residential, leisure and retail facilities.
They say the ultimate vision for the masterplan is to “create a sense of place that will open up access for all through the creation of a stunning new campus set against the picturesque riverside backdrop and surrounding landscape”.
If given the go ahead, they anticipate the development would bring new investment and employment opportunities to the Stirlingshire area and beyond “for many years to come”.
The company also says it is committed to ensuring the vision for the site “reflects the needs and aspirations for the local area” and is using the online consultation process to help shape its proposals.
Chris Richardson, investment director for Ambassador Group, said: “Our commitment to the redevelopment of Craigforth Campus and indeed the Stirlingshire area remains stronger than ever. We believe there is a real opportunity here to reimagine the entire site and bring with it many positive benefits and opportunities to existing tenants and indeed the wider local community.
“When approaching these plans, we’ve very much looked towards future proofing the campus for years to come. Every stage of this process has been carefully considered and we look forward to moving a step closer as we engage the local community and begin the consultation process.”
A key consideration in developing the masterplan is said to be connectivity both within the site and beyond. An active travel plan with a focus on walking, cycling and jogging routes along with public access to the riverside and the Crag will be a central feature of the masterplan.
The two online public consultations, one for each of the proposed planning applications, will take place at https://craigforthstirling.com/ on Thursday, May 7 (overall masterplan) and Friday, May 8 (office building) with project team members on hand to answer questions between 4-6pm each day. Full details of the proposals will remain on the website after the Q and A session with members of the public able to submit initial comments on the proposals up until May 20.