Gladman news

Plans for a new mixed use development of offices, workshops and homes in Livingston’s Eliburn Park which could support 220 jobs have been submitted to West Lothian Council by Gladman Developments.

The 17 acre site – bounded by Appleton Parkway and Old Cousland Road in the west of the town – would accommodate 80 new homes, 14,000 sq ft of new offices and 40,000 sq ft of industrial units, as well as neighbourhood shopping facilities and a children’s nursery.

The proposed industrial units would be subdivided into smaller workshops of 1,550 sq ft and upwards, providing an ideal base for entrepreneurs starting a business or small companies looking to expand. The units would include 6m high eaves to accommodate larger vehicles or mezzanine floors, as well as ample outside yard space.

In addition, the proposed new homes include 15% affordable housing.

The Eliburn Park site already houses two completed offices pavilions – one of which contains Gladman’s Scottish headquarters. In addition, three acres were sold to the Jehovah’s Witnesses who are currently building a church on the site.

The planning application comes after an extensive period of community engagement which included public exhibitions at the site.

Greg Limb, Partner of Gladman Developments, said: “Our proposal would see the site at Eliburn Park transformed into a balanced community comprising new homes, offices, industrial workshops and neighbourhood amenities. “Currently, the site is allocated entirely for office and industrial uses in the local plan, but market conditions and the high provision of office space in Livingston have led us to put forward a pragmatic solution that still delivers floorspace to support 220 jobs. “But, by adding an element of housing to our plans, it means we can actually deliver the site quickly and start seeing those economic benefits, which are so vital in the current climate.”

Dave McDougall, Chief Executive of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the proposals. He said: "The Chamber of Commerce is in support of any potential development in the current economic climate that will stimulate activity in the construction sector. “We support the initiative that Gladman are taking. We are in need of flexible thinking to break out of economic stagnation and this plan offers a practical way forward for the benefit of the West Lothian community."