A MAJOR access road to a multi-million-pound New Town development has been opened on time and within budget, it was revealed today.

The North Access Road will link the existing A8 to BAE System's huge transformation project at the former Royal Ordnance Factory at Bishopton in Renfrewshire.

A new roundabout had to be built for the road layout which will be one of two main access routes into the Dargavel Village development.

A total of 2500 homes will be built on the 2000-acre site, previously used for weapons manufacturing and testing.

A painstaking and expensive clean-up process was launched to make the land suitable for homes.

A BAE spokeswoman said the northern section of the development has now been fully "remediated" and the company has a validation report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Renfrewshire Council meaning that area is approved and suitable for development.

Work began on the North Access Road in June 2012 with more than 50 Raynesway Construction staff working to ensure the project was completed within budget and schedule and with minimum disruption to the community and impact on traffic flow through Bishopton.

The North Access Road layout is part of ongoing work by BAE Systems for a "15-year commitment to transform an 1800-acre site in Bishopton into a thriving community".

Lynda Johnstone, Bishopton Project Director for BAE Systems, said: "The first phase of housing is expected to begin by the end of the year, which will see around 500 new homes built on the site.

"The new road layout will help to integrate those moving into the area with the existing community."

Stephen Scott, managing director of Raynesway Construction, said: "We are delighted to be working closely with BAE Systems to achieve its ambitions on an important and exciting scheme.

"The improvements made so far are significant and will assist in the wider regeneration of the area."

Work is also under way to establish the South Access Road to link the development to the A8 via Old Greenock Road at the southern point of the site and include a bridge over the railway line.

Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey West Scotland recently secured planning permission from Renfrewshire Council for 147 new homes at Dargavel Village, a milestone in the first phase of the project.

Further information can be found at www.bishoptontransformation.co.uk or by calling 0800 130 3302.

ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk