Dundee and Stirling look forward to Levelling-Up cash boost

January 31, 2023


Stirling Council has been awarded more than £19 million from the Levelling Up Fund for the development of Forthside

Two of Scotland’s cities are celebrating after they were awarded millions of pounds for regeneration projects as part of the UK Government’s Levelling-Up plans.

In Dundee, £14 million will go towards redeveloping an ageing multi-storey car park into a sustainable transport hub, creating 350 electrical vehicle charging points, car share spaces, and an e-bike hire scheme.

And in Stirling, more than £19 million will go towards the regeneration of the Forthside area, helping to create 1,000 new jobs.

The cash boost is part of an overall investment of more than £177 million in 10 projects across Scotland.

Illustration of how Dundee’s Bell Street car park and the surrounding area could be transformed

The Dundee project will see the Bell Street car park transformed into a place where people can go for greener travel options which will tie into wider plans to boost public transport, cycling and walking across the city. This will have a positive effect on people’s health, improve the environment and attract more people to live, work and play in the heart of Dundee.

Meanwhile, plans for the former MoD site in Stirling have been described as “once in a generation”.

Stirling Council leader, Chris Kane, said: “Securing this substantial funding for the development at Forthside is fantastic news for Stirling and the wider economy.

“The funding will enable the transformation of a key area close to the city centre and major transport links, unlocking opportunities for local businesses and inward investment that haven’t been seen in Stirling for a generation.

“Regenerating this prime under-utilised site is expected to create 1,000 additional jobs and deliver enhanced sustainable transport connections between the city centre, our communities and the wider region.

“This major funding boost also supports the delivery of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal by providing attractive space for business growth and builds on the significant success of Kildean Business Park.”

In a paper presented to councillors last year, Stirling Council’s head of economic development and culture Stuart Oliver said the development of the Forthside MoD site would unlock “a significant mixed use development opportunity” which “has not been realised in Stirling for a generation and is expected to create over 1000 additional jobs in support of the growth of high technology and creative sectors, with international ambition”.

Summing up the Levelling-Up cash announcement, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “It’s fantastic to see real momentum gathering as we level up across Scotland. This latest round of UK Government funding will see more than £177 million invested into 10 exciting projects which will breathe new life into communities across Scotland.”