Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter | News | BBC extends lease at key £60m site

Thursday, 20th November, 2008

Published: Tuesday, 16th September, 2008 12:30

BBC extends lease at key £60m site

By Andrew Gibson

Latest phase of Lomondgate is completed

A DUMBARTON-born BBC boss has pledged the town will become Scotland’s hub for drama production for the next two decades.

The announcement was made as a new lease was agreed for the BBC studios, which is part of the multi-million-pound Lomondgate development.

Bruce Malcolm, the BBC’s chief operating officer, and Son of the Rock, says shows such as River City, Hope Springs, and future productions will continue to be filmed in the fit-for-purpose facilities until at least 2026.

The announcement was made on Wednesday as the new A82 Lomondgate roundabout, and the stretch of road (A813) between the A82 and the Lionsgate roundabout were opened, marking the completion of the infrastructure works to the £60m site.

This is the latest phase of the development, which has been 10 years in the planning and still has a number of years of work to go before completion.

Mr Malcolm told the Reporter: “We believe that drama production in Scotland will increase significantly over the next five years. A requirement for this to happen is that ‘fit for purpose’ studio space is available — we now have these at Dumbarton, and we have already been producing several high profile dramas in our new facilities.

“We feel that the overall site at Lomondgate is progressing very well — we have worked closely with all parties to ensure that the development progresses smoothly and have to pay tribute to the sensitivity and care with which demolition and construction has proceeded to allow us to continue our filming schedules without disruption.

“The plans look really exciting and we believe that the developments to the site will help us continue to attract drama production to Dumbarton and Scotland in the future.”

As the new road links opened it is hoped traffic will run more smoothly through the area after recent jams near the site.

Planning consent has also been granted to Whitbread Plc for the creation of a 60 bed Premier Inn hotel and a Brewers Fayre family pub at the development.

It will also comprise of 30 acres of residential development, 20 acres of business park and nine acres of roadside services.

Mr Malcolm was joined by Iain Robertson, West Dunbartonshire Council leader, Mike Walker, Walker Group chair and John McFall MP, representing Strathleven Regeneration Group (SRG), for the opening.

John McFall MP, SRG chairman said: “This is a landmark day for Lomondgate.

“This project has been carefully nurtured over the best part of the last ten years and is now coming to fruition.

“The impressive new road system and new roundabouts signal another significant move towards our ultimate destination which is to bring even more new jobs, businesses and services to Dumbarton, Vale of Leven and Loch Lomondside.”

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