Works are set to get underway to create a new activity and community space within Ferguslie Park.
Bringing an area of long-term vacant land the size of a football pitch back into use, the project will create a new games area for the local community at Bankfoot Road.
The unique ‘sunken’ activity space will provide a place for the local community to gather and call their own and will be framed by a new tree-lined central boulevard. It will enhance links to existing facilities through a new path network and will include new lighting, drainage and landscaping to support biodiversity.
The project invests more than £500,000 in Ferguslie Park and is funded by Renfrewshire Council, the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme.
It is the first project to emerge from the Ferguslie Green Line – the key placemaking intervention in the ‘Making of Ferguslie’ plan which has been prepared by local residents in collaboration with Renfrewshire Council and sets out their long-term vision for the area.
The Green Line includes a range of actions to reimagine underused land, enhance greenspaces and support community initiatives, such as a new green corridor through Ferguslie Park.
In addition to the Neighbourhood Centre, the Making of Ferguslie has already delivered the refurbishment of Craigielea House into Sculpture House – an artist studio and social space – as well as new growing spaces on underused land – with all projects taking place in collaboration with the local community. The plan has also complimented the completion of 101 new council homes at the site of the former St Fergus Primary School.
Councillor Andy Steel, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, said: “It is fantastic to see the continued regeneration of Ferguslie Park and delivery of the Making of Ferguslie plan in collaboration with the local community.
“This new activity space will not only bring vacant land back into use, but importantly it will give local people in the area a welcoming place to spend time and a sense of place in their local area – something that can often be lacking as we all go about our busy lives.
Photo: Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, Councillor Andy Steel
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
“I’m proud of the work taking place in Ferguslie and look forward to seeing the new activity space come to fruition in the coming months.”
Work will get underway on 20 January 2025 and is expected to complete over the summer period.
For more information on the Making of Ferguslie, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/themakingof.