Livingston Civic Square to be transformed

Jan 7 2010 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

Livingston Civic Square

THE Civic Square in Livingston is to be given a new, green look in a bid to encourage the community to utilise it more.

The existing square will be replaced by a ‘clutter free’ grassed space.

The community sculpture, currently located adjacent to Almondvale Boulevard, will be moved to the north of the square, and framed by two rows of semi-mature trees.

A desire route will be incorporated into the design, providing easier access to the Civic Centre.

New repositioned stainless steel lighting columns will be incorporated in the design to illuminate the space to provide a safe and accessible route and environment.

Improvements to lighting on the foot bridge over the River Almond will also be incorporated as part of the design development proposals.

The total funding of £230,777 has been secured, as part of a ‘West Lothian Town Centres’ bid for Town Centre Regeneration funding.

Council leader Peter Johnston said the project would be the only one in Livingston to benefit from the near £3 million funding the local authority received from the Scottish Government Town Centre Regeneration Fund.

Councillor Johnston added: “The plan is to open up the area as it has not been used much in the past.

“We want to establish a real spirit of community. It will provide a green space in the centre of town which workers and residents can hopefully make good use of on warm days.

“There will be planting of trees and we will take the opportunity to improve the lighting on the footbridge over the River Almond at the same time.

“This is a much busier place now that the new Civic Centre has opened. The work will be carried out by our frame contractors meaning we will not need to put the work out to contract.

“We hope to have everything signed up early in the new year with work commencing in the spring and hopefully finished in 2010.”