Shaping a ‘vision’ for Balloch: What we’ve heard so far

If you’ve been following our updates you’re likely to have an idea of what the Balloch ‘charrette’ is, but for those of you who are new to LIVEinBalloch (welcome!) the ‘charrette’ is a series of hands-on design workshops where you’ll have the opportunity to put forward your ideas on what would make Balloch even better, helping to develop a shared ‘vision’ for the area.

We’re delighted to be working with West Dunbartonshire Council and Scottish Enterprise to make this happen and hope it will pave the way to improve Balloch for the benefit of everyone who lives, invests, visits and experiences the area.

We think Balloch has huge potential to be an exciting, busy tourist hub which would bring fantastic benefits not only to residents and businesses, but to the wider Vale of Leven. With iconic Loch Lomond, the Maid of the Loch, Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch Castle Country Park, and a direct train link to Glasgow City Centre there are excellent possibilities to make Balloch a ‘must-see’ destination.

The discussion has already started on Facebook and Twitter and so far we’ve seen lots of aspirational ideas come through for what could make Balloch even better. It’s fantastic to see so many people interested and taking the time to comment. The comments give us insight to what people think is missing or needs improved and provide a great starting point for the team to explore further at the workshops – so please, please, please keep your ideas coming! You can join in the conversation at Facebook.

Balloch Castle seems to be a hot topic with lots of people  putting forward ideas for the future use of it. So far suggestions have included a tea room/cafe, soft play venue, visitor facilities/accommodation, conference venue and wedding venue. It’s great that so many people think it’s important that a suitable, sustainable use can be found for this much loved asset – we think that’s really important too and it’s one of the sites we plan to discuss further at the ‘charrette’ workshops.

There’s also been lots of discussion around improving the Moss o’ Balloch area – public art installations, additions to play facilities and the potential to be used for large events are some of the suggestions we’ve received so far. It’s an important space that helps to link the main street with Balloch Park.

We’re delighted that so many people are showing an interest in the Balloch charrette – it offers a unique opportunity for local people to get involved in shaping the future of the place they live. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?

You can drop in quickly over lunch if you’re short of time, or come to an evening workshop to join in with others. All very informal and children are welcome.

If you’ve got ideas or suggestion for what could make Balloch even better, we’d love to hear from you, join in the conversation at Facebook or email hello@ourlivepark.com