By Aileen Robertson

PLANS FOR a £500 million regeneration of Rosyth waterfront are being drawn up to accommodate a new Forth crossing at Queensferry.

Landowners babcock Engineering, Forth Ports and Scarborough Muir Group are in talks to develop a master plan for the area around Rosyth Europarc.

Members of west area development committee discussed an interim report for Scarborough Muir’s vision for the town yesterday.

The developer hopes to turn Rosyth into a European gateway complete with shops, offices, homes and restaurants.

In her report to the committee, planner Jenni Whittle said, “Rosyth dock is an important waterfront location not just for Fife but for Scotland, and it is important to promote and protect the site’s economic potential.

“Future development of the area should be high quality, high profile and must not prejudice the existing operation or the future expansion plans of Forth Ports and other major employers. Development services continues to have discussions with all parties at the present time.”

The new crossing over the Forth is expected to be built to the west of Rosyth docks, upriver of the existing road bridge and on land earmarked for development.

Land would have to be reserved for the new crossing, said the report.

Scottish ministers have still to decide the Finalised Fife Structure Plan, which could have an effect on the proposals.

Ms Whittle went on, “The Scottish Executive continues to consider the options for the Forth road bridge, including a replacement crossing.

“There is therefore, pending an announcement, a requirement to safeguard land for some considerable time at Rosyth waterfront for the construction of a new Forth crossing and for any subsequent required works to the existing road bridge.

“This will include land for both the crossing and road alignment and a construction site for prefabrication and assembly of components.

“Therefore, any master plan for the Rosyth waterfront should safeguard land accordingly.”