Formal application goes in for Craigforth
Step forward for multi-million pound investment
Formal planning applications for a multi-million pound redevelopment of Stirling’s Craigforth campus have been lodged this week.
Scottish property development and investment firm Ambassador Group submitted the two proposals to Stirling Council planners, putting forward its vision to turn the 49.5 hectare site into a new state-of-the-art mixed use facility.
The move follows a series of online public consultation events held in May.
Ambassador Group, which has a substantial UK wide portfolio spanning office, retail, leisure, industrial and residential and mixed use projects, wants to create a new purpose built office building in the north of the site plus a wider masterplan that will bring to hotel, residential, leisure and retail facilities.
And they said this week their ultimate vision was 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 expect the development to bring new investment and employment opportunities to the wider Stirling area and beyond “for many years to come”.
Chris Richardson, managing director of Ambassador Investments, said: “I am delighted to be moving forward with the plans for the redevelopment of Craigforth Campus and submitting our proposals to Stirling Council. 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.
“Every stage of this process has been carefully considered and what we have submitted to the council, we believe ensures a prosperous and vibrant future for the Stirling area for years to come.
“We look forward to working with the council as these plans are moved on through the planning process.
“The submitted masterplan has carefully considered 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 are also a central feature.”
When the potential plans for the site and the wider area emerged earlier this year council planners said an Environmental Impact Assessment will be required as part of any formal planning application, with a number of subjects having to be addressed including the cumulative impact of development on the site on the local landscape and its potential impact on nearby national monuments.
Reported in the Observer at that time, there was a mixed response from readers, who took to social media with their thoughts.
Teresa Gray felt it would be “too ambitious”, while Maureen McLaughlin said: “This sounds like a village within a town”.
Bobby Millar, however, said: “As long as it’s jobs for locals”, while Elaine Mary Craig added: “This would be great! Do it.”