Major plans for green energy boost at park
An innovative green energy project planned for Strathclyde Country Park that could power nearbyhomeshasbeen granted initial funding.
The project aims to harness power to generate low-carbon heat for homes, industry and public buildings, with this funding allowing it to develop a business case.
Thedevelopmentwould involve the installation of a water source heat pump in Strathclyde Loch and solar canopies within the car parks to generate electricity, as well as energy generating public art.
It would also see the existing Watersports Centre being extended and redeveloped as a climate efficient building, with facilities and residential accommodation for pupils taking part in outdoor education and for athletes competing in sports events.
If the business case is successful, the project could receive up to £10m from the Green Growth Accelerator Programme(GGAP)towards the cost of the £16m project.
Gillian Mackay MSP has welcomed the news that the Our Green Park, Green Power, Green Neighbourhood project has been selected for support fromtheGGAPrunbythe Scottish Government and COSLA.
The project will create a detailed plan for generating green energy at the
Lanarkshire park and the Scottish Greens MSP for Central Scotland, raised a motion in the Scottish Parliament welcoming the project.
She said:“This could be a fantastic project for Strathclyde Park. It is a truly innovative initiative, which has the future potential to use the natural resources of Strathclyde Country Park to heat local housing, schools, community facilities and businesses in neighbouring communities.
“The proposal supports North Lanarkshire Council’s (NLC) ambitious plans to transform the park into a world-class, low-carbon‘Park of the Future’, with facilities for local residents and elite athletes. I also hope the project could make a significant contribution to address climate change by reducing the council’s carbon footprint.”
Councillor Michael McPake, convener of the environment and transportation committee at NLC, added: “This is an exciting initiative and I very muchwelcomethesupport from Gillian Mackay and others at the Scottish Parliament.
“With the support from the GGAP,wecannowmove forward with drawing up a business case to develop the plans for generating green energy from the natural resources at the park and transforming theWatersports Centre.”