The Ravenscraig industrial site has undergone significant investment in the last decade. And now, North Lanarkshire Council has granted outline planning permission for a new Masterplan which aims to build on recent successes and “foster a thriving community where people can live, work and play”.

The Masterplan reflects the needs of the modern community with a focus on high quality housing, transport links, education and employment opportunities, and space to exercise, play and enjoy the outdoors.

Developers Ravenscraig Ltd – a joint venture comprising Scottish Enterprise, Wilson Bowden and Tata Steel – will now bring individual phases forward for consent following approval of the Masterplan.

Nick Davies, director of Ravenscraig Ltd, said: “This is a momentous decision that will unlock Ravenscraig’s potential and help to attract more investment into this famous site. There has already been significant regeneration work over the last decade and we’re proud to say Ravenscraig is now a thriving community.

“This represents the beginning of the next phase of regeneration at Ravenscraig. With planning approval now granted, we will move forward with our ambitious plans to further transform the site, ensuring sustainability and inclusive growth are at the heart of our approach. We are committed to working with North Lanarkshire Council and investors to deliver on the promise of Ravenscraig.”

The planning decision comes just weeks after initial works began on a new £3.7 million public park at Ravenscraig. It also follows North Lanarkshire Council’s announcement of a £190m roads programme that will boost Ravenscraig’s regeneration. Part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal, it represents the biggest single roads and infrastructure investment in North Lanarkshire’s history, with construction work due to begin later this year.

Ravenscraig Ltd engaged extensively with the community ahead of the Masterplan being submitted to North Lanarkshire Council. A number of drop-in exhibitions were held, giving members of the public the chance to view and comment on the proposals.

Since 2006, a number of successful projects have been delivered on the Ravenscraig site. Hundreds of homes have been built, while there is also a state-of-the-art college campus and major regional sports facility, as well as a hotel and pub/restaurant.