The masterplan to regenerate the vast former steelworks site at Ravenscraig near Motherwell has been approved paving the way for 30 years of construction work.

North Lanarkshire Council has given planning permission to redevelop 376 hectares of derelict land.

It was once the site of the largest hot strip steel mill in Western Europe and is one of the largest brownfield sites in Europe.

North Lanarkshire Council has appointed contractor VHE Construction to carry out preparatory ground works and remediation for the £4m new park at the heart of the site over the summer.

Council Deputy Leader Councillor Paul Kelly said: “This is the most significant regeneration project in Scotland which will see new communities created, with homes and facilities for 12,000 people.

“It also brings construction work and employment for 20 to 30 years ahead as work progresses across the site, bringing major economic benefits to the whole of North Lanarkshire and beyond.”

The masterplan will be supported by the Ravenscraig Infrastructure Access project, funded by the council and Glasgow City Region City Deal.

This will see new road infrastructure linking Ravenscraig to the rest of the motorway network, from the M74 at Motherwell, to the M8 at Eurocentral, and the A73 south of Cumbernauld.

The planning application gives ‘in principle’ approval to the masterplan; each individual development within the plan will now require detailed planning.

Ravenscraig Ltd is a joint venture between Scottish Enterprise, Wilson Bowden and Tata Steel.

Source: Construction Enquirer