REFRESHED plans for the transformation of the former Exxon site in Bowling have been given the go ahead with an increased West Dunbartonshire Council contribution of £4.7million.

The £31.4 million project includes a proposal to create a major industrial and commercial development at the site as well as plans for a new road to provide an alternative route in and out of West Dunbartonshire.

The proposed development is part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal, an agreement between the UK Government, the Scottish Government and eight Local Authorities across Glasgow and the Clyde Valley.

At a meeting of WDC recently, elected members approved a refreshed Outline Business Case for the site and agreed plans to increase the council contribution from £3.8million to £4.7million.

Councillor Iain McLaren, convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, said: “This is a significant step forward in what is likely to be one of the biggest infrastructure improvements in West Dunbartonshire’s history.

“This site is an excellent location for commercial use and with its introduction expected to support up to 690 full-time jobs, this really is a positive decision and I look forward to seeing this ambitious project progress.”

The Outline Business Case will be presented to the Glasgow City Region chief executive group and subsequently to cabinet for approval in February.

If funding is not made available by the City Region, the council will invest an additional £6.1million.

Council officers will now begin negotiations with surrounding landowners to enable wider development.

If the Outline Business Case is approved, a Final Business Case will be prepared detailing site design and analysis and if the Final Business Case is approved, infrastructure work will begin on the site.

Cllr Marie McNair, vice convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, added: “This project will bring about real change for the area, not only by supporting extra jobs but by adding the much-needed alternative road.”