Dr Campbell Christie CBE has been appointed the new chair of the Raploch Urban Regeneration Company (URC).

The URC has also announced that in partnership with developer R3 (George Wimpey / Cruden Homes) and Forth Housing Association (FHA) 50 social rented homes will be built as part of the first phase of the £120m project.

Dr Christie was general secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) from 1986 until he retired in 1998. Since leaving the STUC he has been Chair of British Waterways Scotland, and vice chair of the British Waterways National Board until completing his ten-year term in April of this year. Dr Christie is also currently chair of Falkirk Football and Athletic Club Limited and a member of the Management Board of the Scottish Premier League (SPL).


Dr Christie will head a newly-shaped board of directors of the URC to guide the area's regeneration efforts.

As Dr Christie takes his post, the URC and FHA have revealed that 50 social rented homes will be built over the coming year. The homes are being provided by Cruden Homes, developer for the project, as part of a signed 'Regeneration Agreement'.

Dr Christie said: "The URC board and staff have already made tremendous progress in managing this exciting and groundbreaking project to truly regenerate the proud area of Raploch. I am delighted to accept the position as Chair of the URC board to help deliver new homes, infrastructure, jobs and training opportunities for local people.

"The announcement that 50 social rented homes will be made available over the next 15 months offers an alternative to the homes for sale. The fact that R3 (George Wimpey / Cruden Homes) continues to deliver what was set out in the Regeneration Agreement, particularly given the current economic climate, demonstrates real confidence in the regeneration project and what we are all trying to achieve here. It's a tremendously exciting time for Raploch and we're all committed to ensuring a bright future for all generations of the community."

R3 will build 900 homes in total on behalf of the Raploch URC and Forth Housing Association as part of the ten-year regeneration project – 650 for sale through R3 and 250 social rented through Forth Housing Association and Cruden Homes.

(GK/JM)