Lomondgate on the outskirts of Dumbarton, has reached a significant milestone, with more jobs now being supported by the companies located there than existed on the site prior to the closure of the J&B bottling plant, which dealt a devastating blow to the local economy.
It is estimated that, by 2019, almost 2,000 jobs could be
accommodated at Lomondgate, with a cumulative impact of more than
£500million on the regional economy.
Lomondgate, the regeneration project initiated in 2000 following
the closure of the J&B whisky bottling plant at Dumbarton, has
reached a significant milestone, with more jobs now being supported
by the companies located there than existed on the site prior to
the closure, which dealt a devastating blow to the local
economy.
An independent economic impact assessment commissioned by
Strathleven Regeneration, found that there are now 702 full-time
equivalent jobs at Lomondgate. At the time of the announcement of
the J&B plant closure a total of 472 people were employed (64
of whom were temporary employees).
The entire site of the former plant is being redeveloped.
BBC Scotland's Dumbarton studios and River City set last year
celebrated 10 years at Lomondgate. More recently the remainder of
the bottling plant site was cleared and is now under development by
three housebuilders - Walker Group, Persimmon Homes and Taylor
Wimpey. The report states that 68 new houses were completed at
Lomondgate in the year to April 2013, with a further 77 under
construction. In total, 187 houses had been completed or were under
construction by April this year.
Lomondgate also includes land north of the A82 which is being
developed as a business park and roadside services. In 2012,
Aggreko became the biggest employer at Lomondgate, following the
Royal opening of its £22m manufacturing plant. The company enjoyed
a bumper first year in its new facility, providing temporary energy
solutions to the 2012 Olympics and 2012 UEFA European Football
Championship. To date, a Premier Inn hotel, a Brewers Fayre
pub/restaurant and Scotland's first drive-thru Costa have been
developed at Lomondgate Services.
Total capital investment in Lomondgate is estimated at £62
million and the project has, since its inception, generated £181
million of Gross Value Added to the region's economy.
Source: Lomondgate news
UK OPERATOR SELECTS LOMONDGATE FOR EXPANSION INTO
SCOTLANDE
Lomondgate, the regeneration project initiated in
2000 following the closure of the J&B whisky bottling plant at
Dumbarton, has reached a significant milestone, with more jobs now
being supported by the companies located there than existed on the
site prior to the closure, which dealt a devastating blow to the
local economy.
An independent economic impact assessment
commissioned by Strathleven Regeneration, found that there are now
702 full-time equivalent jobs at Lomondgate. At the time of the
announcement of the J&B plant closure a total of 472 people
were employed (64 of whom were temporary employees).
The entire site of the former plant is being
redeveloped.
BBC Scotland's Dumbarton studios and River City set
last year celebrated 10 years at Lomondgate. More recently the
remainder of the bottling plant site was cleared and is now under
development by three housebuilders - Walker Group, Persimmon Homes
and Taylor Wimpey. The report states that 68 new houses were
completed at Lomondgate in the year to April 2013, with a further
77 under construction. In total, 187 houses had been completed or
were under construction by April this year.
Lomondgate also includes land north of the A82 which
is being developed as a business park and roadside services. In
2012, Aggreko became the biggest employer at Lomondgate, following
the Royal opening of its £22m manufacturing plant. The company
enjoyed a bumper first year in its new facility, providing
temporary energy solutions to the 2012 Olympics and 2012 UEFA
European Football Championship. To date, a Premier Inn hotel, a
Brewers Fayre pub/restaurant and Scotland's first drive-thru Costa
have been developed at Lomondgate Services.
Total capital investment in Lomondgate is estimated
at £62 million and the project has, since its inception, generated
£181 million of Gross Value Added to the region's economy.
It is estimated that, by 2019, almost 2,000 jobs
could be accommodated at Lomondgate, with a cumulative impact of
more than £500million on the regional economy.
Lomondgate is being delivered through a partnership
between Strathleven Regeneration - the special purpose vehicle
which was formed with the support of West Dunbartonshire Council,
Scottish Enterprise and Diageo - and developers, Walker Group
(Scotland) Ltd.
Commenting on the economic impact of Lomondgate:
Martin Rooney, Leader of the Council said: "I'm delighted with the
regeneration and development at Lomondgate by Strathleven
Regeneration and Walker Group, in particular securing jobs for more
than 700 people.
"The group's commitment to developing the site has
not only brought much needed local employment to the area, but also
high-quality housing in West Dunbartonshire. Given the prominent
position of the site on gateway to Loch Lomond and its development,
I am sure we can attract more businesses to the area."
Jackie Baillie MSP said: "I am delighted that the
work started by Strathleven Regeneration could create almost 2,000
jobs at Lomondgate by 2019.
"The group has had a positive impact on the area,
encouraging new businesses and industry to come to Dumbarton.
"I hope more businesses consider locating in
Dumbarton in the coming years, because it is a fantastic area to
live and work.
"With 30 people chasing every vacancy in West
Dunbartonshire the work by Strathleven Regeneration at Lomondgate
is a welcome boost to the local economy and jobs market."
Gemma Doyle MP commented: "Lomondgate is now a real
success story and this latest report shows the very positive impact
it has had for both Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven.
"Jobs and growth are crucial to getting our economy
back on track, but also for securing a more stable economic future
for West Dunbartonshire."