£25m future investment goes on public display

Jun 25 2009 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

AN exhibition highlighting the major proposed development at Armadale Station is now on display at Armadale Library.

And officials are hoping there will be a healthy interest from the public for the exhibition.

Following the huge interest shown in the development over the Armadale Gala Day celebrations the exhibition, accompanied by further information on the major project, has been set up at the venue on West Main Street.

The team behind the £200 million development focused around the new railway station spoke to hundreds of residents attending the Gala Day about their proposals to extend the town under the ambitious plans.

Organisers say the proposals, which consists of up to 1000 homes, including affordable housing, a new primary school, small shops and offices, multiplex cinema, supermarket, business park and industrial estate, as well as extensive public parks, were warmly welcomed by the members of the public.

By moving the exhibition to the library, the developers hope to provide more people from throughout the Armadale area with the opportunity to view the plans and put forward their views.

Sandra Carter, representing Armadale Station Community Development, said in its entirety, the development has the potential to bring 4500 much-needed jobs to the local area.

She added: “We were enormously encouraged by people’s reaction to our proposals and their feedback was extremely useful for all concerned in the scheme

“It was clear to us that the local community wants to help shape the future of the town and so by moving the exhibition to the library we hope that more people will feel part of what we are trying to do and we encourage people to give us their comments on the plan.”

A detailed planning application for the first phase of the development was lodged with West Lothian Council earlier this month.

This phase includes plans for a 40,000 sq ft supermarket with car parking for 600 cars (400 at the supermarket and 200 for the park and ride).

It amounts to a £25 million investment in Armadale and could deliver 300 jobs. If the plans are approved, the proposed supermarket could be open in December 2010, to coincide with the opening of the railway station.