Clune Park Regeneration Plan
A regeneration plan for the Clune Park area was approved by Inverclyde Council in May 2011, following appraisal of a range of options, with the publicly stated aim of the plan being the demolition of all 45 buildings within the estate to allow progress to be made in regenerating the area.
The options appraisal gave full consideration to alternative options to tackle the multitude of issues at play within the Clune Park estate, including:
- Refurbishment and flat amalgamations to reduce density to 360 units: £33m (£92,000 per flat)*
- Partial demolition and refurbishment of the remaining 128 flats: £18m (£145,000 per flat)*
- Full demolition and new-build: £9m (£78,000 per unit for new build)*
*2006 values
The appraisal confirmed that demolition of the existing 45 tenement buildings and construction of new build properties offered the most economically viable and deliverable method of regeneration which addressed the significant physical and social problems in the area.
The demolition approach addresses the issues of high housing density and serious disrepair, whilst addressing below tolerable standard (BTS) housing, improving house conditions and increasing low cost home ownership options, all of which are key actions of the Inverclyde Local Housing Strategy.
This plan was recently reviewed and the rationale and ethos of the original plan was found to be sound and continues to form the basis for delivery of regeneration.
The poor housing conditions in the area combined with a low number of residents and increasing input required from the Police Scotland, Fire & Rescue and various Council Services are clear indicators that the sustainability of this estate is limited. The poor physical and social conditions in the area, combined with the level of input required from a range of organisations, indicates that the private housing market has failed and that large-scale planned intervention is required.
The aim of the Regeneration Plan, in line with the Local Housing Strategy, is to provide housing suited to the needs and circumstances of Inverclyde residents so that all blocks can be cleared and ultimately demolished. To date, 68 new-build units have been completed off-site with the demolition element of regeneration scheduled to be delivered across forthcoming years.