Dargavel village project will include pond, trees, grassland and play area

Work to convert a section of the site of the former Royal Ordnance Factory at Bishopton into a 45-acre community park has begun.

Part of BAE Systems’ wider Bishopton regeneration programme, the new Central Park public space at the heart of the Dargavel Village development will include grasslands, wildflower meadows and more than 2,000 newly-planted trees and shrubs.

They will all be interconnected by more than two miles of new pathways.

The park will also feature several burns, ponds with 3,600 new wetland plants and two play areas, including a climbing forest.

BAE Systems has worked with Scotland’s nature agency, NatureScot, to encourage thriving ecosystems and provide new habitats for diverse native wildlife species to live on or near to the Dargavel Village development.

Central Park will also feature eight public entrances and provide a venue capable of hosting the annual ‘Bishopton Day’ gala which is hugely popular with villagers.

Ground was broken to start the final stage of the park’s development during a ceremony attended by Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP Gavin Newlands, Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Don and Heather Morton and Liz Pollard who were representing BAE Systems.

Liz Pollard, managing director of BAE Systems’ shared services, said: “We’re pleased to enhance the area for the local community and the delivery of Central Park is a key element in our regeneration programme.

“The park is designed to be a high quality public area and a vibrant community hub where families and friends can meet, children can play and people can enjoy nature.”

Meanwhile, Mr Newlands added: “Green spaces are widely known to have a lasting positive impact on individuals, improving physical and mental wellbeing, as well as on communities by bringing people together.

“Central Park will be an incredible asset not only to the local community in Dargavel and Bishopton but also to the whole of Renfrewshire.

“As a local resident, I look forward to enjoying the park with my family for years to come.”

Members of the public look set to be given access to the new park from 2026.