A waterfront site that has been vacant for decades is set to be transformed into a state-of-the-art maritime innovation hub.

The former Carless Oil Terminal in Old Kilpatrick will be regenerated after planning permission in principle for the site was granted.  

A planning application submitted by the Malin Group was recently given the green light by West Dunbartonshire Council.

Its proposal titled the 'Scottish Marine Technology Park' (SMTP) outlines plans to develop industrial units for marine engineering, fabrication, research and development along with site access and associated infrastructure.

The site, which is one of the largest brownfield sites in West Dunbartonshire and along the Clyde Waterfront, has been vacant since 1992.

Councillor David McBride, convenor of infrastructure, regeneration, and economic development (IRED), said: “This is a key stage in the development of this site which offers excellent access to the River Clyde and will be a driver for innovation within West Dunbartonshire.

“We are invested in the future of our area, building on the infrastructure and transport links that we already have and the waterside location which we enjoy.

“I look forward to seeing this project progressing and to the benefits this will bring to our communities.”

The developers aim to provide a range of high-value employment opportunities in a sustainable development which will respect and protect existing natural habitats as well as forge links with the local community.

Overhauling the former oil terminal is also hoped to reinvigorate shipbuilding and renewable industries in the community.

Glasgow Times: The Malin Group says its vision is to deliver a state-of-the-art marine excellence hub which brings together manufacturers with practical marine and renewables operational and logistics experience, and providers of research, skills, development, and design in a single sustainable location – whilst taking advantage of direct access to the deep-water channel of the River Clyde.

John MacSween, Malin Group managing director, said: “We are very pleased with the support the SMTP has received and are excited about the potential that it offers Scotland’s marine industry, as well as for local residents in a high unemployment area and for the wider economy.

“It will kick start new offerings on the Clyde as well as offer much-needed space for growth to existing marine companies in the Greater Glasgow area and beyond.

"The maritime industry and the opportunities it offers represents a sleeping giant in our economy and we need to create space for small and medium-sized marine companies to flourish.

"Providing industrial space with access to the sea goes a long way to supporting this.”

The site was originally established as a fuel storage facility for the Admiralty in 1916.

During the Second World War, it was used by the Royal Navy as a depot and oil terminal.

Most recently it was used by Petrochem Carless as an oil refinery and associated storage until 1992 when operations ceased.

Since then it has been vacant with most above-ground structures associated with previous uses having been demolished.

However, the jetties on the banks of the River Clyde and partial structures remain.