In line with the requirements of the council’s Local Development Plan, back in 2019, city council planners consulted on a proposed Design Framework for the future development of the Blackness General Economic Development Area.
This covers the industrial area north of the Hawkhill
by-pass to Lochee Road running from West Marketgait in the east to Lower Pleasance
in the west.
The framework was subject to a six week consultation, including
a drop-in event at Verdant Works that Fraser attended, in the heart of the area.
The concept was to unlock the potential of the area to bring
vacant, derelict or underused land and buildings back into productive use, as
well as improving employment opportunities and productivity.
We recently asked for an update on progress since the adoption
of the Design Framework as we are anxious to see progress with this.
The council’s Head of Planning and Economic Development has responded
as follows :
“When approved in 2019, the Blackness Business Place Plan
sought to encourage new development opportunities to help regenerate this
industrial area. The Plan facilitated more use diversification and generated
positive discussions with building owners, developers and architects regarding
the redevelopment of several buildings.
Unfortunately, Covid19 did impact on development interest.
However, you will be aware that some mixed-use student accommodation projects
did progress and were granted planning permission during April 2021 for 63
Brown Street and November 2021 for 56 Brown Street). Whilst no building
works have commenced so for, the 63 Brown Street project has recently applied
to discharge their planning conditions, which is a sign that development may
proceed.
In addition, we have a planning application for no.9 Guthrie
Street as well as several proposals that are pre-application discussion stage.
Significant progress has also been made with the City Centre
Strategic Investment Plan, which was recently reported to City Development Committee. A
major aim of the plan is to strengthen links between the city centre and
surrounding areas by improving pedestrian connectivity and active travel
routes.
These medium to long-term interventions will take time to
design and deliver, but should make further improvements to the Blackness area
by making it more integrated with the city centre, particularly via the Guthrie
Street/Ward Road axis.”