Dargavel Village – Renfrewshire Council

Awarded

2019
Category

Infrastructure
Outcome

Winner

Proof of concept

Transforming a wasteland

This award was received for the major regeneration of one of the largest brownfield sites in Scotland into a new sustainable mixed-use community of new homes, associated retail, education, health and recreational facilities, located in Bishopton, Renfrewshire.

Initial phases of a long term, 25-year strategy have been transformational, with:

200 hectares of vacant and brownfield land already returned to active use, reducing Renfrewshire’s vacant and derelict land by 20% since 2012.

Delivery of 1000 new homes providing a range of housing choice for the local community, existing Renfrewshire residents and those new to the area.

Strategic travel infrastructure and green infrastructure networks linked to new play areas, green spaces and proposed new community facilities.

Planning consent granted for a 400-hectare new Community Woodland Park, returning previously inaccessible land to active use over the medium to long term.

Key facts

1000

new homes delivered in the project

200ha

of vacant and brownfield land was returned to active use

20%

reduction of Renfrewshire’s vacant and derelict land since 2012

Shifting perceptions of the area

How/why did the project benefit the public?

The project is delivering a significant legacy: returning one of Scotland’s largest brownfield sites into active use. In doing so, it retains a distinctive identity and urban form for the development, while enhancing habitat networks within and surrounding the area. It has delivered a well-connected, good quality place which supports sustainable economic growth across Renfrewshire and the wider Glasgow and Clyde Valley. Throughout all phases, the project has worked closely with the public, with a commitment to create a sustainable, mixed-use community, integrated effectively with the existing village.

What were local planners looking to achieve on the project?

To transition brownfield land into active use, providing a well-connected, good quality place with a range of new homes and facilities.
To deliver development at a scale which contributes to significant economic growth and promotes Renfrewshire as a place in which to work, live and visit.
To deliver a range of new facilities which are essential to the quality and wellbeing of the local community, with retail, education, health and commercial uses.
To provide a safe and pleasant pedestrian environment, supporting physical activity, health and wellbeing.
To create new greenspaces and enhance habitat networks, with wildlife corridors and enhancing landscape features such as woodlands and watercourses.

Dargavel Village map (Copyright BAE systems)

Justifying the need

How were local planners essential to the project's success

This ambitious regeneration project has been led by local planners from an early stage, reflecting their approach of supporting the right development in the right places. Planners worked with the site owner for over a decade on the strategy, masterplan, design briefs/code and associated frameworks to make the best use of the significant land asset. They also developed and sustained partnership working with the public and private sectors, alongside the local community to develop elements of infrastructure, affordable housing, education, greenspace enhancements and health facilities.