Stirling MP Raises Forthside Development Delays with UK Prime Minister

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Categories: Constituency, Infrastructure, Stirling Council, UK Government (Westminster)

Progress Slow on Decontamination Plans for Former Military Land

Local MP Alyn Smith has urged UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to investigate project delays, as further development near Stirling’s river has yet to progress. In January 2023, Stirling Council announced it had been successfully awarded £19 million from the UK Levelling Up Fund, to put towards development of Ministry of Defence land at Forthside.

However, uncertainties still remain over the potential contamination of the land, which has been used as a military installation since 1899. In February this year, local Stirling Councillors also expressed their concerns over delays, as well as the potential risk of decontamination costs falling on the Council if the site is transferred in an unsuitable condition.

Plans for the comprehensive development of Forthside play a prominent role within the wider £90.2 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, agreed between the Scottish and UK Governments in May 2018.

Mr Smith has requested an urgent meeting with officials from the UK Government and Stirling Council, to progress the development and push forward plans.

Stirling MP Alyn Smith said:

‘I was happy to raise this issue with the Prime Minister – I’ll work with anyone to secure a better future for Stirling. Development at Forthside is crucial to the success of both our city, and our surrounding communities.

‘These are tough economic times amidst the cost of living crisis. There’s tens of millions of pounds of crucial investment sitting on the table for Stirling, waiting for officials to agree a path forward. I understand the issue of land decontamination has been a tricky one for the Ministry of Defence to navigate, but we must see progress on this. This is a 40-acre site, with the potential to enable 350 housing units and 100,000 square feet of business space.

‘Residents, visitors and businesses are crying out for sensible, thoughtful development – and Stirling has a golden opportunity to ensure this project is fit for the future. Close to transport links, retail, leisure and the River Forth, overall development on the site can be green, sustainable and meet the growing economic and housing needs of our thriving city and region.’

‘We’ve got the plans, we’ve got the funding, and we’ve got the ambition. Let’s bring it all together, and get to work.’

Notes:Alyn Smith’s question to the Prime Minister