Work has started to transform a park in Barrhead that will see a former wasteland become a new green space with active travel routes.
The derelict waste-ground site at Walton Street within Carlibar Park and close to Barrhead town centre, which has been empty for decades will soon be turned into an attractive place for people to spend their time.
The East Renfrewshire Council-led development is being funded by a £1.6m investment from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and £1.1m from the Scottish Government's vacant and derelict land investment programme.
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When complete, council officials say the park will include riverside paths for walking and cycling, areas to support biodiversity and landscaping works to “re-capture the natural beauty of the river and the surrounding park.”
Work will also be done on the weir at the Levern Water, which the council say will re-introduce a more natural river channel and wider areas for overflow to reduce the risk of flooding.
Carlibar Primary pupils have been helping to catalogue the beasties along the river bank and will also be on hand to keep an eye on the river when the modifications to the weir are complete.
East Renfrewshire Council Leader, Owen O'Donnell said: “I'm delighted that this project has been made possible thanks to our funding partners at SEPA and the Scottish Government.
“It provides the long-awaited opportunity to transform this derelict site within Carlibar Park and reduce our flooding risk in the area.
“Once complete, local residents will be able to enjoy an attractive riverside greenspace, close to the shops and amenities in Barrhead town centre.”
SEPA say that the adjustments to the river flow will see the return of some fish species to the water, such as sea trout and eel.
Lucie Stewart, Restoration Specialist at SEPA, said: “We are excited to get started on this project and to bring about real transformation for the area. By working closely with East Renfrewshire Council, through the Water Environment Fund (WEF), we aim to improve the Levern Water and return it to a more natural river channel. This will not only benefit the local community and help mitigate flooding, but it will also bring back migratory fish.”
Work on the river is expected to be completed this September, with the further work to the surrounding area to be done by Summer 2023.
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