Published on:
09
March 2012
New initiatives designed to stimulate the local economy have been approved by Councillors.
Councillor have agreed three economic stimulus initiatives which aim to unlock the county's potential during these challenging economic times.
These are in addition to a number of regular Council policies and actions designed to accelerate growth and create jobs.
The first initiative will see the Council market three priority development sites in such a way as to invite viable development schemes within a given timescale. The sites earmarked for this pilot initiative are: the former Tullis site in Tullibody, the former site of Alva Academy and the site of the Tillicoultry Community Centre. Interested parties will be invited to submit realisable and well-designed development schemes for their proposed uses alongside associated community benefits and the potential financial consideration.
The second initiative will see the Council recycling the proceeds of sales from established property investments to service undeveloped business sites and potentially to acquire vacant, derelict or underused land or buildings in order to advance their early development.
The Council has also agreed to establish a Spend to Save fund for capital projects. Bids will be sought for capital investment schemes that support economic development and can demonstrate that the additional capital financing costs will be more than off-set by reductions in ongoing running costs of existing services of facilities.
Council Leader Gary Womersley said: "I am confident that these exciting new initiatives will boost the local economy in addition to the usual capital investment the Council delivers in order to improve the quality of life in local communities."