Local MP Richard Arkless has said that he is ‘absolutely delighted’ that the Scottish Government will invest £6 million into the regeneration of the East Pier in his home town of Stranraer.
Mr Arkless who has been campaigning for additional funding for the regeneration project since being elected last year, said that the Scottish Governments investment will “play a crucial role in the funding picture and help to finally get the project up and running.”
The funding was announced last week when Deputy First Minister John Swinney visited Stranraer with Galloway and West Dumfries constituency candidate Aileen McLeod.
The £6 million investment pledged for the Stranraer waterfront is part of a package of support for the South of Scotland that the SNP will deliver if re-elected for a third term in government on 5th May.
Commenting Mr Arkless said:
“This investment demonstrates the Scottish Governments commitment to regenerate Stranraer and I would like to personally thank Aileen McLeod who has used her influence within the Scottish Government as a Minister, to make sure that this pledge was delivered.
“It is my view that the regeneration of the East Pier will be a catalyst for the economic growth and further investment in Stranraer, bringing many valuable jobs and opportunities for local people.”
Mr Arkless went on to point out that there are two distinct stages to the waterfronts regeneration, the first of these stages is to make the pier ready to build on.
He went on to explain:
“The exact nature of building work required to prepare the pier for development and the cost of this work is currently being investigated. There are four main financial contributors to this part of the process, The Scottish Government, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Stena and the Crown Estates. Now that the Scottish Government has made their commitment clear, it is envisaged that the other parties can quickly agree the funding package for this first stage.
“The second stage is the exciting part for the people of Stranraer. Following the works to get the site ready, the McKinney Group will arrive to undertake the full development of the area which will include retail, leisure and housing. The McKinney Group should be on site to start the development in the autumn of 2017.”
Mr Arkless added:
“I have been working closely with the McKinney Group for several months now to ensure that they deliver exactly what the people of Stranraer want. I would like to take this opportunity to assure everyone concerned that they will have ample opportunity to shape the developers plans in the months ahead.
“I will be holding a series of public meetings, when the time is right, to allow the community to put their views forward. In the interim, if any of my constituents wish to come and talk to me about the McKinney Group plans for the East Pier and view the outline plans for themselves – I would love to hear from them – it is so important that the town feels part of this process and I will do everything I can to make sure that happens.”
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