Published: Wednesday, 26th May, 2010 10:23am

Bright future for revitalised town

by Jamie MacDonald

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Council leader Janet Cadenhead is joined by pupils from Park Primary for the official unveiling of the new sculptures on Alloa's High Street.

WITH just snagging issues and work on the Station Hotel to be completed, the £2 million overhaul of Alloa town centre is almost done.

Funded by the Scottish Government, the work carried out in recent months has seen pavements, roads and building frontages cleaned, repaired or replaced.

As the QTS workers finish up the company's contract manager, Gary Blair, took the Advertiser on a tour of the centre to show exactly what improvements had taken place.

Gary said, "It has been a big project and there has been a lot of work to ensure it has been finished to a high standard.

"I wasn't going to compromise with quality and the client has got what was wanted and that is what we strive to do."

The upgrade included the installation of four mirrored sculptures by artist Rob Mulholland which were officially unveiled this week. Three are sited in a new events space at the top of the High Street.

Footpaths have been re-layed with high quality paving and many kerbs have been lowered to aid disabled access.

Building frontages on Primrose Street were restored and new signage has been installed. The work carried out on King Street included the placing of a mosaic featuring an old map of Clackmannanshire.

As with most major works, there has been disruption for traders, shoppers, drivers and those living nearby.

Gary continued, "People have been patient and we are grateful for that. We have made an effort to have a relationship with shopkeepers and do whatever we can.

"There are gripes but there isn't too much we can do about that.

"People have been patient and hopefully it will be rewarded."

In the planting of Lime trees in the High Street QTS worked with town centre CCTV operators to ensure the branches and foliage did not affect the coverage of their cameras.

There was also a great deal of co-operation with utility companies to ensure any work likely to be required in the near future was carried out as the streets were being re-paved to minimise the need for future disruption.

Clackmannanshire Council leader Janet Cadenhead told the Advertiser she was delighted to see the change in Alloa town centre.

She added, "It really is a transformation. Visitors to the town centre can now enjoy broad footpaths made from the best quality products.

"We have more seating for shoppers and many more bins, which we hope keeps litter down.

"Primrose Street has had a terrific makeover and with the Station Hotel now having work done, this historic street has finally had the attention it deserves.

"Successful town centres are clean and welcoming and with this work to brighten the town, including adding new lighting, we very much hope we have delivered that for Alloa.

"It's clear to anyone that we have not skimped on design or workmanship and I very much hope that means we will see the continued regeneration of the town centre.

"We have already had approaches from people hoping to use the new events space at the top of High Street, and we're keen to encourage community use of the space.

"I'm grateful to all of the town centre residents and traders for their patience over the last few months, and I am sure they can now see that the work has been worthwhile."