Ravenscraig is an area of land in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. It used to be the site for steelworks. Ravenscraig used to have the largest steel mill in Western Europe. Ravenscraig was closed in 1992, and is now almost completely gone.
Ravenscraig lies only a few minutes drive from both the M74 and the M8 motorways which lead to Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland's two biggest cities.
History
Ravenscraig Rolling Mills in 1985
Another steel maker, Colvilles, decided to expand their business in July 1954. They were the largest steel manufacturer before World War II.[1][2]
In 1954, Colvilles began the first stages of development in Ravenscraig, that turned Ravenscraig from an empty field into a site for steelworks. By 1957 most of the machinery was built and by 1959 the full building work was complete.[3]
When Ravenscraig closed in 1993, that was the end of most steel making in Scotland.[4] 770 jobs were lost, along with another 10,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly linked.[5]
Current State
In its current state, Ravenscraig is one of the largest derelict sites in Europe measuring over 1125 acres in size. Ravenscraig is the same size as an area of 700 football pitches and double the size of Monaco.[6][7][8]
Part of the development will be to make new habitats for the wildlife that live in the area, such as deer, foxes, hares, otters, badgers, watervoles, butterflies and many birds. An "Ecological Clerk of Works" has been appointed to make sure the building works do not harm the wildlife.[9]
There are many people who disagree with the building work. Many local residents and small businesses think that it will take jobs and customers from other towns.[11]
Transport
As part of the changes, the transport to Ravenscraig will get better. There will be new transport within walking distance of the new town centre, with buses going to Glasgow, Lanark and many other towns. There will be easy access to public transport throughout Ravenscraig that will include business routes, that will link to the public transport network with roads to the Motherwell and Carfin rail stations.[12]
Motherwell FC
Local press have said that the Scottish Premier League football team, Motherwell Football Club could buy some land in Ravenscraig to build a new football stadium, leaving behind their home of 113 years, Fir Park. Motherwell Chairman, John Boyle has said "No decisions have been taken and we are simply exploring realistic options at this stage."[13]
↑Campbell, R. H. (1958). Iron and Steel. Chapter 5, In: Cunnison, J. and Gilfillan, J. B. S. (Editors) (1958). The Third Statistical Account of Scotland, Volume V, The City of Glasgow. Glasgow: William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd.
