by Stuart McFarlane

Plans for a New York-style “linear park” in Bowling Harbour have moved a step closer after planning consent was given to the proposals.

The development will see a transformation of a 120-year-old railway bridge in the village turned into a linear park and railway, inspired by New York City’s High Line.

The new route forms part of a £3.2 million package of measures designed to improve the area, and will create a direct link between the Forth and Clyde Canal and the National Cycle Network route towards Loch Lomond.

Helena Huws, design and development manager at Scottish Canals, said: “Over the past few years, we’ve been working with our partners and the local community to breathe new life into Bowling Harbour, investing more than £3.2m in the area.

“The transformation of the area’s iconic railway bridge into an innovative new parkway overlooking the canal and the River Clyde is the next step in that story and we’re delighted that the project has received planning consent.”

The project in the area has been taking place over the last three years and has included the refurbishment of the arches underneath the bridge and transforming them into commercial units, and has also aimed to bring in more business and vibrancy to the community on the canalside.

Dave Keane, community links manager at Sustrans Scotland who are one of the organisations involved in the project, added: “We are really pleased to be working in partnership with Scottish Canals for further regeneration in Bowling.

“The project has great potential to further attract people to the area, whilst connecting the corridor as a more direct and enjoyable traffic free route.

“We hope this will encourage people to walk and cycle for more of the journeys they make every day.”

The bid has also been welcomed by the area’s councillors.

Clydebank MSP Gil Paterson said the project will transform a disused railway bridge into a “flourishing public space”.

He added: “What Bowling Harbour offers at the moment is an excellent place for my constituents to visit and enjoy, so I am sure they will be delighted at these further developments.”

Councillor David McBride told the Post: “This development can only improve the scenery and amenity for all whether residents, cyclists or those who drive to the destination.”

Councillor Iain McLaren added: “The area is already looking lovely. Once the work on the bridge is completed, it will really make Bowling a destination that people from will want to visit.”