The Montrose South Regeneration Project has been a remarkable success. Since 2013, the private sector has invested over £100 million and created over 200 jobs with further investment in the pipeline. Angus Council, working with partners, has led the project which has brought life back into a badly neglected, run down, challenging former industrial area. The cost to the public purse £3.1 million – largely associated with the creation of a new spine road that has provided better access for businesses and port users and helped segregate commercial and residential traffic.
In 2013, following the development of a masterplan for the area, despite challenging financial times, Scottish Enterprise and the council, recognising the significant economic opportunity the area presented and the value of the port in supporting the wider economy, agreed to fund the spine road (SE section 2 only). Following detailed design work the total cost to deliver the new road, including property acquisition, was estimated to be £3.1 million. Scottish Enterprise contributed £600,000 and Angus Council the balance of £2.5m. Delivery costs remain within budget.
Planning approval for the demolition of properties and the construction of the road was granted in 2014, as was road construction consent. It was decided to take forward the road in two developments. Section 2, to the east, commenced in October 2014 and was completed in Spring 2015. This was taken forward first as the two required properties could be acquired voluntarily and the works consisted primarily of junction improvements to create a through route. Such was the support for the road that the two owners ‘gifted’ their properties to the Council as they could see the direct benefits to their wider business interests.
June 2018 saw the completion of the whole spine road allowing smooth and unhindered traffic flow. The realignment and landscaping features now provide an open and pleasant access to the businesses in this area, as well as improving the streetscape for residents and visitors.
Encouragingly, throughout the early stages of the road works the private sector was already developing and indeed taking forward investment projects. The council’s officer allocated to the project worked closely with the property owners and the port throughout, supporting the investments and helping to attract businesses. A partner stakeholder group was fundamental to minimising disruption and issues and ensuring good communication.
Outcomes
- A new through road of approximately 1,000 metres.
- Total investment by the private sector in the above projects amounts to just over £100 million. As a result over 200 new jobs have been created to date.
- A catalyst to stimulate wider economic growth - An additional and very positive outcome is a strong partnership of private and public sector which is now being developed as we take forward the Tay Cities Deal proposal for North Angus. Montrose South has proven to be a catalyst in encouraging confidence and growing ambitions.