Work could soon be underway to complete the regeneration of Cuningar loop in Rutherglen. 

South Lanarkshire Council has applied to the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund for almost £750,000 to launch two projects which will complete the transformation of Cuningar Loop – the remediation of a woodland park and the creation of allotments.

Councillor Robert Brown, Chair of the Community and Enterprise Resources at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “Cuningar Loop has been a tremendous success and I hope many more local people will take the chance to visit and explore it. Both of these projects will bring considerable benefits and a much-needed boost to the people of the Rutherglen area.

“Food growing spaces will help to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of those in disadvantaged communities and, along with these allotments and raised beds, there will be a car park for allotment users, storage provision, associated paths and shelters for users to utilise during bad weather.

“Completing the Woodland Park will also provide an amazing facility for local people, with lots of opportunities to enjoy fresh air, exercise and nature in beautiful surroundings.”

The Local authority is one of only five councils in Scotland to meet the strict eligibility rules for the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund, partly due to the large and complex sites within the South Lanarkshire parts of the Clyde Gateway area. 

The ‘Greening’ element of the funding proposal would provide access to 27 hectares of riverside woods and parkland by creating the final series of the Cuningar Loop’s woodland paths, biodiverse habitats, remediated landscapes and healthy outdoor activity and learning hubs which will include accessible walking and cycling distance for communities in Rutherglen and the East End of Glasgow.

The project would also look at options to benefit the British Geological Society’s £9 million geothermal research station on the Loop. 

The second part of the proposal would account for the increased cost for the completion of at least 50 allotments, raised beds and associated facilities after Covid-19.

Costs in the construction sector have significantly increased due to supply chain issues arising from Brexit and the Russia and Ukraine conflict.