Regeneration success hailed

A project launched ten years ago to regenerate the former J+ B whisky bottling plant at Dumbarton has created more than 700 full- time equivalent ( FTE) jobs and £ 365 million for the region’s economy.

A new independent economic impact assessment by consultants Peter Brett Associates says private sector investment in the project – being delivered by Strathleven Regeneration CIC and Walker Group ( Scotland) – stands at £ 100m, well above the £ 60m target set in 2007.

The investment has come from Lomondgate businesses such as Aggreko, BBC Scotland, Euro Garages, Jaconelli’s and Whitbread, and housing developers.

This includes £ 47.9m invested in building 344 new homes by three developers – Walker Group, Persimmon Homes and Taylor Wimpey.Lom on dgate has also created the equivalent of more than 80 construction jobs.

Commenting on the report’s findings, Strathleven Regeneration’ s chairman, Bruce Malcolm, said: “These results – which have been achieved in challenging conditions and without public funding – show that Lomondgate has progressed from are generation initiative to become a vibrant community, successful business location and natural gateway to Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.

“Securing over £100 m of investment in such difficult conditions is testament to the effectiveness of our partnership with Walker Group and the strength of the location.”

Local MS P Jackie Bail lie said :“Lomondgate is one of Scotland’ s most ambitious regeneration projects and this report confirms that it is a real success story. Creating new jobs and good-quality housing are crucial to getting our economy back on track.”