Drive to secure top hotel for Forthside

Nicola Hamilton • Published 29 Jun 2012 16:30

A DRIVE to bring a new 4/5 star hotel to Stirling's Forthside development was approved at a meeting of Stirling Council last night (28

June 2012). Marketing of the hotel site, adjacent to Stirling railway station, will begin shortly.

Portfolio Holder for Finance, Economy and Culture, Councillor Neil Benny said: "For several years, there has been uncertainty about a possible major events/conference venue at Forthside. The reality is that there are already several such venues which are well-established and within easy

reach of Stirling.

"Instead, we need to be innovative and flexible and build on our own strengths. Last week's Big Concert proved that we can go right into the heart of our communities and deliver world-class events. We also

have experience of working successfully in partnership with Historic Scotland to deliver fantastic summer concerts on the Castle Esplanade

attracting thousands of people.

"It's a difficult time to develop any new area, but we need to focus on what we can do to create the best possible Forthside for

Stirling. Finding a developer and operator for a new, quality hotel must take priority. We're looking to grow our visitor market and make

Stirling an even more attractive destination."

Developments at Forthside already include an 8-screen cinema opened by

Vue in 2007, a refurbished barracks building providing headquarter offices for Volunteer Development Scotland, Nando's and Frankie &

Benny's restaurants and Toast bistro. Over 100 new homes have also been built, with a further 41 currently under construction.

Forthside Bridge linking with the city centre opened in May 2009, leading to the cinema, restaurants and riverside walkways and viewpoints. Plans for a Forthside Square to enhance the public realm and create an attractive meeting place are to be reviewed to ensure maximum value for money.

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This article appeared in Allanwater Herald 29 Jun 12

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