The first phase proposals for an ambitious mixed-use scheme in West Lothian have been given the thumb-up from locals.
An April 28th exhibition on the latest phase of the Armadale Station development revealed "overwhelming" support to plans for 170 homes, a 60 bed care home and associated roads, footpaths, landscaping, play area and SUDS (sustainable urban drainage system).
Armadale Station is a comprehensive redevelopment of former opencast brownfield site to the south of Armadale, within the Armadale Core Development Area (CDA).
The development plan is focused around a new railway serving the proposed Bathgate/Airdrie rail link. The CDA seeks to create a sustainable community of up to 2,000 houses and 35 hectares of employment land.
A proposal of application notice for the residential and care home elements has been lodged with West Lothian Council. Work will start on site this year should planning permission be granted within four months of submission.
These developments mark the latest stage in the £200 million regeneration plan by SDA Ltd, the developers behind Armadale Station Community Development, to bring more than 4,500 permanent jobs to Armadale Core Development Area (CDA). September 2009 saw the lodging of the application for a new primary school, catering for 222 pupils and 60 nursery places.
In June 2009 a planning application was lodged for a 40,000 sq ft supermarket with car parking for 600 cars, including a park and ride. The mixed-use Armadale Station Community Development, which occupies around 120 hectares, also includes a multiplex cinema, restaurants, retail, small business and industrial units, hotel, public parks and up to 1000 new homes - including up to 25% affordable housing.
The project aims to use receipts from the sale of the supermarket to build the new primary school as well as essential infrastructure and amenities.
Drummond Black, Regional Vice Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses said:
"We are extremely excited about the prospect this development delivers for start-up businesses, with a range of units providing them with the flexibility to grow. By keeping money in the local economy this development will benefit all of Armadale and is a once in a generation opportunity for the town."
Facts and figures:
Armadale Station Community Development is focused on the new railway station, serving the Bathgate-Airdrie rail link, and due to become operational in December 2010.
Occupying around 120 hectares Armadale Station Community Development includes a range of features, all focused on the new major public transport hub at Armadale Station:
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New primary school
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Supermarket
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Small shops and offices
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Multiplex cinema with restaurants
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Hotel
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Care home
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Extensive public parks
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Business park and industrial estate
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Approximately 1,000 houses and flats, of which up to 250 will be affordable
Armadale Station Community Development represents a £200m investment in the regeneration of Armadale and has the potential to bring 4,500 jobs to the area.
Armadale Station Community Development is situated within the Armadale Core Development Area, which seeks to create a sustainable community of up to 2,000 houses and 35 hectares of employment land.
An outline planning application for Armadale Station Community Development was submitted to West Lothian Council in October 2008.
Armadale Station Community Development is principal sponsor of the centenary Armadale Children's Gala Day, to be held in 2010.
