PLANS for a new transport hub in Clydebank will form part of West Dunbartonshire Council’s bid in the second round of Levelling Up Funding.

The proposed transport hub would incorporate Clydebank railway station, the adjacent bus station, and the creation of infrastructure for active travel to encourage walking and cycling.

As well as providing improved bus facilities, footways and public realm space, the council says its introduction would complement railway improvements, with better disabled access to both platforms. It would also form part of plans to reduce the area’s carbon emissions by encouraging residents to switch to more sustainable modes of transport.

Councillors were told of the proposed bid during a meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council held this week.

Clydebank Post: Councillor Lawrence O'Neill

Kilpatrick ward councillor Lawrence O’Neill (above), vice convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, commented: “The projects included in this bid will not only improve Clydebank for our residents, but will be the catalyst for future investment and regeneration across the whole of West Dunbartonshire for many years to come.”

An access road at the Scottish Marine Technology Project, an essential element of plans to regenerate the former Carless site, is also being included in the bid.

It is expected that the completed development would create almost 1000 jobs and add £125 million to the area’s economy each year.

A third project, which would see improvements to the Kilbowie Roundabout, will be submitted if the access road is deemed unsuitable for the fund.

Councillor David McBride, convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, said: “We have already successfully bid for Levelling Up funding in the first round, and I am pleased to see such a strong bid going in once again for the benefit for West Dunbartonshire.

“All of the recommended projects tie in with our own aspirations for building a better West Dunbartonshire, and will bring about lasting positive change for our communities.”

The LUF has £800 million available for three rounds of projects in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales under three themes: smaller transport schemes that will make a genuine difference in local areas; town centre and high street regeneration; and support for the maintenance and expansion of cultural and heritage assets.