With up to £20 million in investment and a four-year delivery plan already in motion, Clydebank is poised for a significant community-led transformation called Revitalising Clydebank – a Community Vision for the Future.
Clydebank was founded in 1882, growing from the Barns o’ Clyde village, and is now the largest town in West Dunbartonshire.
It has a long proud history as an industrial town when in the 1870s a major shipbuilder moved from Glasgow down the Clyde, setting up at Clydebank.
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But the industrially targeted Clydebank Blitz during WWII had a devastating effect on the town, with a heavy toil in lives lost and with much of the town destroyed. Shipbuilding continued in Clydebank until the final yard closed in 2000.
Clydebank now faces significant socio-economic challenges driven by low wages, limited access to employment opportunities, and higher than-average unemployment and economic inactivity.
The plan sets out a shared ambition to create a thriving Clydebank, with a stronger, more empowered community and increased access to opportunity.
Its focus includes creating a vibrant and well connected town centre which will be welcoming, safe and provide an accessible hub for shopping, leisure, homes and work.
It also looks to develop safe, inclusive routes and transport options so residents, workers and visitors can get around the town safely while honouring Clydebank’s industrial roots while promoting a modern identity that boosts civic pride.
The proposals look to support local skills and employment opportunities by attracting employers and improving job prospects, create greener healthier neighbourhoods and enable local people to shape the future of their town.
It is hoped that these themes will guide more than a decade of investment and decision-making, ensuring the plan delivers not just physical improvements but long-term social and economic benefits.
Liz Connolly, Chair of the Clydebank Neighbourhood Board overseeing the regeneration, said: “This plan represents the hopes and ambitions of the people of Clydebank. It has been shaped by residents, local businesses, anchor institutions, and community partners who know this town best.
“Together, we are laying the foundations for a future where Clydebank is vibrant, connected, and full of opportunity. I am immensely proud of the collective effort that has brought us to this point.”
The Neighbourhood Board, supported by local stakeholders, will oversee delivery and ensure projects reflect community needs. Investment during the initial four years will focus on the public realm, connectivity, safety, and improved access to skills and work.
MP for West Dunbartonshire, Douglas McAllister added: “The UK Government funded Pride in Place programme gives us the means to deliver real, community-driven change—improving our town centre, boosting local employment, and restoring pride in our neighbourhoods.
“Clydebank has a proud history, and this plan helps to ensure we also have a bright future.”