New land remediation activity for BAE Systems’ multi-million transformation of the former Royal Ordnance site at Bishopton is leading to massive changes in the landscape around the Renfrewshire village.

The 15-year development initiative is one of the largest ‘brownfield’ projects of its kind in the UK and will transform the 1800 acre site into a thriving mixed-use complex which will include homes, commercial and community buildings, recreational facilities and huge community woodland park to complement the existing ‘village feel’ of Bishopton.

The current phase of land remediation has included the demolition of the site’s iconic Administration and Gatehouse buildings and with both the new north and south access roads for the site completed, the project remains on schedule.

Lynda Johnstone, project director for BAE Systems, said the company was delighted with the continued progress on site.

She said: “The completion of the demolition work on the site’s former administration block and gatehouse was a significant landmark for everyone involved in the project and with those buildings now gone the change in the landscape is striking,” she added.

“Against that background, the ongoing house building programme and the completion of the access roads and overbridge, the way in which the development will complement the existing facilities in Bishopton is quickly becoming clear.

“The new link to the M8 motorway is also a significant part of the future development, facilitating swift access to major transport networks and we are continuing to have constructive discussions with organisations keen to work with us on the commercial opportunities on site.” BAE systems say the current phase of remediation will: regenerate 250 acres of land (the equivalent of 190 football pitches), manage some 2,500 tonnes of recycled steel from demolitions, include the management of 160,000 tonnes of recycled concrete and 80,000 tonnes of recycled brick, manage some 1.3 million tonnes of soil movements within the site and involve the removal and recycling of six miles of road and rail tracks on the site The BAE Systems team are also working to ensure that any loss of ecological habitat is being mitigated under a programme of continuing surveillance, management and new habitat creation.

The BAE team are currently working closely with the relevant local bodies around the establishment of the Bishopton Community Trust which will manage the company’s investment in new community facilities for the area.

Renfrewshire Council are also contributing significant resources in support of the project.

Taylor Wimpey, Cala and Persimmon Homes are building a range of homes on the residential element of the site which was named Dargavel Village following a competition won by Bishopton school pupil Emma Brown.