Orchard Brae proposals bring £351million inward investment to North Lanarkshire

As part of Orchard Brae’s resubmitted plans, following the creation of NPF4, to North Lanarkshire Council for our proposed Europark development, an independent economic impact study has indicated it could bring with it nearly 4,000 jobs and new investment of £351million to the local area.

Keddie Consulting was commissioned to carry out an updated socio-economic study of the Europark proposals following the revisions, which include a mixed-use development including 980 new homes and large-scale employment area across from the existing Eurocentral on the M8 corridor.

The study revealed the economic benefits are significantly broader than the immediate impact of unlocking more than £351million of new inward investment, also bringing with it new net additional economic output of £90.5million Gross Value Added (GVA) per annum for the local area and £136.8million GVA per annum in Scotland.

The resubmission is a result of a review of the mix of proposed homes and employment land on the development resulting in a significant increase it the economic impact the plans would generate.

The proposals now include the creation of a new school, 980 new homes – a mix of private, affordable and social – and an employment hub. It has the potential to become Scotland’s biggest mega box destination.

The study shows that 2,014 direct jobs (1,851 full-time equivalent FTE) would be created, addressing local jobs and labour market needs, as well as 2,570 construction and temporary jobs to support the creation of the development.

It is also estimated that £7.4million would be generated in domestic and non-domestic council tax revenue per annum supporting the local economy further.

The ‘centrepiece’ of the project continues to be a new country and heritage park, featuring the Monkland Canal and Calder Water. With the removal of the Calderbank development, the parkland area has been increased and is now set to span more than 60 per cent of the overall site. This park will retain the existing Woodhall and Faskine woodlands, nature trails and the canal as well as provide modern community and leisure infrastructure. This includes a proposed £2.5million football and sports complex.

Stephen Tucker, master planner and spokesperson for Orchard Brae, said, “We are delighted to be taking forward our plans with North Lanarkshire Council and incorporating the feedback of key stakeholders. This input has been invaluable and has helped shape, focus and refine our plans to create something, that we believe, is very special for the area and for Scotland.

“Our plans reflect the site’s strong inherent sustainability and our intent is that it becomes an example of zero net carbon development for others to follow, reflecting the current NPF4 guidelines. Our green masterplan, which sits at the heart of our proposals, puts great emphasis on retaining green space for the public, creating an outward-looking, nationally important parkland community that enhances and embraces its environment.”

David Keddie, director of Keddie Consulting, added: “The economic benefits for the area are both sizeable and sustainable. They come at a time when they can make a meaningful difference to the surrounding community. We have embraced and enhanced the green credentials of the development whilst creating a mixed-use scheme that will support the people of North Lanarkshire in their lives and careers for many years to come.”