West Lothian Council is seeking expressions of interest from established and with demonstrably experienced property investment companies, developers or construction companies to take forward the proposed redevelopment of The Vennel, Linlithgow. Expressions of interest will not constitute appointment or confer any development rights but will enable those who respond to be provided updates as the council and stakeholders progress the establishment of a formal development framework which will be subject to a formal open market tendering process.
Location
The Royal Burgh and historic town of Linlithgow is located approximately 16 miles north west of Edinburgh, 34 miles east of Glasgow, 7.5 miles to Livingston and 8 miles to Falkirk. The town offers high performing schools and a wide variety of shops and recreational facilities. For commuters, the town benefits from its own railway station with fast frequent services to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Falkirk together with easy access to the M8 and M9 motorways. Edinburgh International Airport is approximately 12 miles away.
Within Linlithgow, the subjects are situated on the north side of the High Street, near the historic Cross and Palace. The site is located opposite Linlithgow Partnership Centre and forms a link to Linlithgow Loch from the High Street.
Accommodation
The site comprises approximately 0.61 HA (1.50 acres) within two main areas. Area 1 as shown below consists of the former library, public conveniences, a parade of three retail units together with areas of open, footpaths and trees. This area of approximately 0.28 HA (0.69 acres) forms a pedestrian link between the High Street and the Loch. Area 2 comprising approximately 0.33 HA (0.81 acres) forms an upper level to the proposed development site and is predominantly occupied by a car park together with lock up/garages below. This area includes historic trees and includes access to St Michaels church.
Terms
The council has set out a process which will involve the establishment of a development framework which will outline the councils and stakeholders vision for the development of the site and its expectations from development partners. The development framework will outline specific requirements relating to the uses, conveyance terms and other associated development agreement parameters. The development framework will be published and be made available as part of a formal open market tendering process where formal offers from potential development partners will be sought.
Specification
PLANNING GUIDANCE
The site was subject to an extensive community consultation to develop planning guidance which was subsequently approved by West Lothian Council on 6 October 2020 and adopted following confirmation by the Scottish Government on 27 November 2020. A copy of the planning guidance is available at the following location online – https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/media/45528/PG-Planning- Guidance-The-Vennel-Linlithgow-Council-Executive-Approved-Version-
October-2020-/pdf/PG- TheVennelLinlithgowApprovedbyCouncilExecutive06octoberXXXdf?m=63737 8452314470000. Please email thevennel@westlothian.gov.uk to request a physical copy.
Town centre uses which contribute to the vitality and well-being of Linlithgow would be acceptable and are likely to comprise a mixed-use development. Potential uses include Residential, Commercial / Retail, Healthcare facility, Tourism facilities, Employment – office/business; small workshops, Community events and outdoor space.
The site is in a highly sensitive location in the historic town centre near Linlithgow Palace and Loch with important views both into and out of the site. Any re-development proposal will be required to address significant issues related to the Historic Town Centre and site history, Linlithgow Palace and Peel, Linlithgow Loch (nature conservation, biodiversity, water environment), Urban Form (integrate this key town centre location into the traditional urban fabric), usage of the site area by the local community and increasingly wider visitor interest and both vehicular and pedestrian circulation and access.