A major travel shake-up which could transform one of Dundee’s busiest areas “beyond recognition” has been given the green light with a major cash injection.
And a landmark regeneration project at Riverside Park in Glenrothes is among the nationwide projects getting support, with a £19.4 million shot in the arm.
Levelling-up boost
The Courier revealed in April plans to remodel the site of the current Bell Street car park in Dundee to create a network of pedestrian and cycle corridors leading to a new state-of-the art facility.
The strategy would see 350 electrical vehicle charging points, car share spaces, and an e-bike hire installed at the site.
On Wednesday night, the UK Government confirmed £14 million of Levelling Up funding will be used to help make the project a reality.
‘Transforming part of the city’
Dundee City Council leader John Alexander previously predicted a new travel hub could be the “start of something special” and “could completely revamp the area”.
He said the cash will “help unlock further development in the heart of the city as part of our wider ambitions”.
“Coupled with the exciting plans by Abertay University for the development of their campus, we will be able to transform this part of the city centre,” Mr Alexander said.
“It is, of course, just one part or a larger jigsaw that was set out recently in our city centre investment strategy.”
He added that he hopes to see further opportunities for Dundee to leverage Levelling Up cash in further funding rounds.
Accelerating regeneration in Fife
Meanwhile, local leaders in Fife hope £19.4 million handed to council bosses will help accelerate the regeneration of Riverside Park and improve access to the River Leven with new walking routes.
The plan will form part of a drive to support Levenmouth active travel and the River Leven riverside path network.
Renovations to the area are already underway, including a viewing platform giving panoramic views of the Lomond Hills and the wider park.
Fife Council leader David Ross welcomed the announcement, particularly given Fife was not named as one of the top priority areas for Levelling Up cash.
The scheme is designed to invest in “historically overlooked areas” to create jobs, drive economic growth, and spread opportunity more equally.
‘It will make a big difference’
Council leaders expected winning bids to be announced in September but the process was delayed into the new year.
Mr Ross said: “The delay in the decision making has been frustrating but if the money is now going to come then that is good news.
“People in the local area worked very hard putting together the bid. We weren’t sure if we would get anything.
“I’m sure it will make a big difference in those areas.”
A total of 10 projects in Scotland received grants worth more than £177 million from this phase of the Levelling Up scheme.
The UK Government has also announced a further round of funding will be available.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said this latest round will “breathe new life into communities across Scotland”.