4.
SWOT ANALYSIS INTRODUCTION
4.1.
This section draws together the results of the baseline analysis, together with information gathered through consultation to provide an overview of Ravenscraig’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. In distilling and describing the existing situation, this analysis provides a starting point for the development of the Green Network Vision and Objectives set out in the next section of the Strategy.
Strengths 4.2.
Ravenscraig is one of the largest development sites in Europe and the extensive remediation programme that has taken place over recent years has created a relatively blank canvas for new development.
4.3.
The regeneration proposals, and Ravenscraig’s status as a nationally important project are added benefits. The creation of new housing, employment, educational, retail and recreation facilities will bring benefits for existing communities as well as new residents of the site. The Masterplan also includes an important ‘green’ component in the form of public and private spaces.
4.4.
Despite its industrial history and its proximity to Motherwell and neighbouring settlements, Ravenscraig is surprisingly well connected with the wider countryside. The site includes the incised and wooded valley of the South Calder Water which although culverted across part of the site, provides an important biodiversity and recreation link downstream to the Clyde Valley and upstream to the wider countryside. The site is also located at the southern end of a wedge of open countryside which extends in towards Motherwell.
4.5.
Significant planning for the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment and biodiversity has taken place at the Ravenscraig site. This planning has helped to ensure that the habitats that were created as a result of the deindustrialisation process have been preserved and enhanced through the regeneration of the site.
4.6.
Ravenscraig benefits from comparatively good existing and planned transport connections including public transport and road access. There is also a network of walking and cycling routes in the surrounding area which have potential to connect into the Ravenscraig site.
4.7.
The wider area benefits from a range of community based initiatives, providing potential to support initiatives to maximise the community benefits associated with the Ravenscraig development.
Weaknesses 4.8.
Ravenscraig is located in part of North Lanarkshire that has experienced significant decline of heavy industry over the past two decades. This has left a legacy of multiple deprivation (low employment, low incomes and poor health), derelict and damaged
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