£650,000 awarded to transform derelict land in Ferguslie Park in Renfrewshire

Renfrewshire Council has been awarded £650,000 to deliver the Belltrees project in Ferguslie Park which will restore 2.69 hectares of derelict land and create a new multi-functional greenspace.

The plans include:

• Two new shared pedestrian and cycle routes linking to local schools and services
• A natural play trail, event space, and new landscape features
• Enhanced biodiversity through native planting and grassland management
• Drainage improvements to manage surface water during rainfall

Funded from the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP), final designs are set to be completed this summer, with construction expected to begin in early 2026.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme is helping transform derelict sites the length and breadth of Scotland, creating homes, jobs and facilities that drive economic growth, tackle poverty and help support and growing thriving communities.

“This funding forms part of a wider £62.15 million investment by the Scottish Government towards regeneration projects in 2025-26. I am delighted that this year’s funding includes support for the Belltrees project and look forward to it contributing to the creation of a valuable asset for the local community for years to come”

The regeneration project is part of The Making of Ferguslie—a long-term, community-led framework developed in partnership with local residents to reimagine the area and deliver lasting change.

Approved by Renfrewshire Council in December 2021, the plan sets out a shared vision for Ferguslie Park, with a focus on transforming underused land, enhancing greenspaces, and supporting local initiatives. The programme is already delivering visible results, with key projects now underway or in development.

At the centre of the regeneration is the Ferguslie Green Line—a new green corridor and public realm spine that will connect key parts of the neighbourhood and provide a vibrant, multi-functional space for residents.

Designed to promote active travel, community activity, and biodiversity, the Green Line will act as a catalyst for wider transformation and a symbol of positive change.

Councillor Andy Steel, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, said: “The Making of Ferguslie is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we work hand-in-hand with our communities.

“I’m delighted that we have been awarded such a significant amount of funding to support the Belltrees project as this will make a visible difference to the area and will help create a greener, more connected and vibrant Ferguslie Park for generations to come.”

The first project to emerge from the Green Line is the Neighbourhood Centre at Bankfoot Road and this new activity space is transforming 0.66 hectares of long-term vacant land into a unique, sunken games and recreation area, framed by a tree-lined boulevard that links to local schools and the Tannahill Centre – with construction expected to complete this summer.

For more information on The Making of Ferguslie, visit: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/the-making-of-ferguslie