Water winner: East Ren project scoops 100K to help community bloom

The Waterworks in Barrhead has won £100,000 of Big Lottery Fund money to transform the old sewage works into an industrial wildlife area!

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 20 November 2013 19:57

The project was nominated as Grow Wild’s top Scottish community growing project through online votes and at a series of community events.

And pupils from Barrhead High want to thank everyone who got behind the project and voted for it to win.

The project will see derelict sewage tanks being used as giant experimental planters for Scottish wild flowers.
The work will revitalise the area by playing on its industrial heritage and using old structures to improve the quality of the environment and to give people the opportunity to enjoy native plants. It will also encourage both young and old members of the community to work together.

The project is being led by East Renfrewshire Council in conjunction with Barrhead High and Still Game community group for older residents.

Convener for infrastructure and sustainable growth, Councillor Tony Buchanan, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for our local residents. The funding will rescue land which has been lying derelict for 30 years and transform the site into something special. Thanks to everyone who has supported the project to make it reality. I’m looking forward to seeing the Waterworks become an area of natural beauty for local people to enjoy.”

Environment Convener, Councillor Vincent Waters said: "I’m delighted that Barrhead Waterworks won. A huge thank you to everyone who supported the initiative particularly Barrhead High School, Green Academy, community groups, University of West of Scotland, locals and council staff. It’s a fantastic award that the whole community will benefit from and will create a place people will look forward to spending time in.”

Andrew Ormston, Grow Wild Scottish Projects, said: “I’d like to extend Grow Wild’s congratulations to The Waterworks in Barrhead. The team has worked incredibly hard to develop plans for an inspiring and interesting development that has gained support not only from the local community but from people across the country.

“Grow Wild aims to bring communities together through sowing and growing native wildflowers and this is exactly what will be achieved through The Waterworks.

“I’d like to thank all the participants in this Grow Wild Scottish vote.”