28 June 2011
The long-awaited final section of the M74 Motorway, running from the Fullarton junction at the eastern edge of the Clyde Gateway area, through to the M8 at Tradeston just south of the Kingston Bridge, was opened to public traffic on the evening of 28 June 2011.
The road is critical in helping Clyde Gateway deliver on its long-term targets around jobs and investment, with many brownfield sites that have lain vacant and derelict for many decades now being much more accesible than before.
"The completion of the M74 Motorway was always intended to be more than just another five miles of new road, designed and built to speed up journey times to and from Glasgow city centre" said Ian Manson, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway.
He added "The economic case for the road promised that new developments, investment and jobs would be created as a result of its construction, particularly in the Clyde Gateway communities. The early indications, as can be seen from the high level of interest in our new business park at Clyde Gateway East, are that the road will deliver on the promises made in the economic case."
Alex Neil MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment said "The M74 Motorway will bring major economic and social benefits to businesses, communities and industry in the west of Scotland and the country as a whole. "
Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council said "This road is of major significance to the city. Its completion will bring opportunities for thousands of individuals and businesses, support east end regeneration and help us deliver the best possible Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games."
8 June 2011
Construction work is off and running on the £150million City Legacy Homes development, to be used as the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village and a new neighbourhood for the city thereafter.
The successful development of the 38.5 hectares site in Dalmarnock will be a key component in the delivery of the Games. The Village will provide accommodation and facilities for 6,500 competitors and officials on a site only three miles from Glasgow City Centre and beside the new M74 extension.
After the Games, the Village will become a desirable new residential community - the first stage will include 304 private houses, 300 homes for rent, 100 homes for mid-market rent and a new 120 bed care home for the elderly.
The removal of the temporary facilities within the Athletes’ Village after the Games will release additional land for further residential development.
The Athletes’ Village will be built by the City Legacy Consortium, which is made up of developers and contractors CCG, Cruden, Mactaggart & Mickel and W H Malcolm, all of whom have an unparalleled local track record of residential development and job creation.
The proposal for the Athletes’ Village has high design and environmental standards and will deliver a highly desirable new residential neighbourhood within Glasgow’s East End. The development will deliver a minimum 60% reduction in carbon emissions from the new homes to be constructed - a first in Scotland for a development of this scale, of over 1400 homes and the care home when complete.
Much more than a typical housing development, for the duration of this regeneration project, City Legacy will also bring community benefits to the city by generating employment and training opportunities and creating opportunities for small to medium sized enterprises and social enterprises, helping to create a lasting legacy for the East End of Glasgow.
One example of this is the number of new jobs - 93 - that will be created as part of an overall direct workforce of 620, including 60 apprentices. The partnering agreements with sub-contractors and suppliers will see 36 new jobs being created there, 24 of which will be apprentices. The indirect workforce will be around 200.
Clyde Gateway chief executive Ian Manson said "The construction of the Athletes Village is not simply about new and much-needed housing in the area but also about supporting local people into work. Our partnership with CCG, one of the three housebuilders who form City Legacy, has already provided more than 20 people with jobs and apprenticeships in their Cambuslang factory where they are constructing the kit houses."
Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, said: “Today marks the beginning of work on a historic project that will not only deliver a fantastic new neighbourhood for Glasgow, but provide a home for athletes competing in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. This development will leave one of the most visible examples of both the legacy from the Games and Glasgow’s regeneration, with the plans showing homes that will provide a memorable environment for athletes in 2014 and an attractive location for all those living in the development thereafter. The construction of City Legacy Homes is a great opportunity for Glasgow to show what we can do on a world stage.”
Ed Monaghan of City Legacy said: “The City Legacy Consortium is investing £150m to transform the area into a much sought after riverside residential location which showcases the Athletes’ Village as the best in contemporary and sustainable design. We are proud to be part of building a lasting legacy for the East End of Glasgow and bringing job opportunities into the area.”
Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, said: "The Athletes' Village will be one of the most important aspects of the legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and this successful milestone shows we remain on track towards delivering an outstanding Commonwealth Games - on time and on budget. The construction of the athletes' village will create fantastic opportunities for the local neighbourhood by sustaining jobs, regenerating the east end of Glasgow and contributing towards Scotland's economic recovery.”
John Scott, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, said: “It’s great to witness the beginning of construction at the Athletes’ Village, which has started on time. Designed for athletes in consultation with athletes, the Village promises to be a true ‘home from home’ experience for the 6,500 athletes and officials from all over the world coming to Glasgow in 2014. The Athletes’ Village will be right on the doorstep of the new spectacular NISA and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and this proximity helps us deliver on our commitment to making this a truly athlete centred and sport focused Games.”
Michael Cavanagh, Chairman Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “It is great to see the Athletes’ Village construction get underway. The Village is the heartbeat of every Games, providing that important home from home for all the athletes as they prepare for the performance of their lives. There has been a lot of input so far from our athletes into the Village planning process and we will continue to work closely with the Organising Committee to ensure that when completed, it offers the best possible athlete experience and resulting performances.”
For more information on the development, please visit www.citylegacy.co.uk
26 May 2011
The official opening of the final section of the M74 will be carried out by the Duke of Gloucester on Tuesday 28 June.
The project has cost £445 million and has been completed nine months ahead of schedule. All three of the new four-way junctions along the five-mile extension, which runs from the Fullarton Road junction near Cambuslang to the M8 Motorway west of the Kingston Bridge, are located within the Clyde Gateway area.
Details of the opening were confirmed by Alex Neil MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, who also praised the work of Transport Scotland and South Lanarkshire and Glasgow City Councils who were partners in delivering the road. He said "We look forward to welcoming the Duke of Gloucester to mark the opening of the M74 Completion, the biggest infrastructure project on the ground in Scotland in recent years.”
He said that the new route would provide “improved access to economic, employment and education opportunities,” adding: “It will also bring enormous potential for further urban regeneration programmes in the west of Scotland, many of which are already in development while delivering significant improvements in journey times and removing traffic from the Kingston Bridge.”
Ian Manson, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway said "The early completion and opening of the M74 is fantastic news for us as the three new junctions will open up development and investment opportunities right across our communities.
Clyde Gateway already has a number of emerging developments as a result of the M74, including Clyde Gateway East, a business park capable of accommodating up to 1500 jobs and located adjacent to the new Junction 2a at Fullarton, while a number of private sector proposals are also in the pipeline, including a new mixed-use development surrounding the new Junction 2 between Cambuslang and Rutherglen.
6 April 2011
Clyde Gateway has unveiled plans to construct a new pedestrian bridge that will span the River Clyde and link the communities of Dalmarnock and Shawfield.
The bridge is an important part of proposals being developed to create a new National Business District in Shawfield as it will provide quick access to and from the new transport hub which is to be developed around Dalmarnock Station over the next three years. The construction of the bridge will half the walking time from the station to the National Business District to under 10 minutes.
The National Business District will be the re-development of the area that is bounded by the south bank of the River Clyde, Shawfield Stadium and Glasgow Road in Rutherglen. The cost of the bridge has been set at £4.75m of which £1.9m will be a contribution from the European Regional Development Fund.
Ian Manson, the Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway said "The re-development of the Shawfield area is every bit as important as our work to deliver physical, social and economic change in the East End of Glasgow. There are big chunks of land in Shawfield that require substantial investment to remove contamination, and since day one of Clyde Gateway being established, delivering on this has been a priority."
"We see Shawfield, with its superb location on the south bank of the River Clyde, not far from the city centre or the historic burgh of Rutherglen, as an area of enormous potential. We want to establish a newly designated National Business District, adjacent to the completed M74 Motorway, as a location more than capable of being the home to thousands of new jobs in years to come."
"The smart-bridge is part of a vision and strategy to deliver infrastructure and development within Shawfield and Dalmarnock. It is very pleasing to receive this additional funding through Europe, but we are also delighted and see it as highly significant that support is being given to something which is part of our medium and longer term efforts to create jobs and bring investment."
The work on the bridge is due to start in late 2012 with a completion date of mid 2013 which ties in with the completion of the £8m redevelopment of Dalmarnock Station and the transport hub.
22 March 2011
The proposal to re-open the historic Olympia Theatre at Bridgeton Cross has received a double boost thanks to a near £1m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the decision by Clyde Gateway to award a contract worth £5.4m that will allow re-development work to begin later this month.
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) which provided £51,000 towards the initial feasibility study that looked at the possibility of re-opening the Olympia, has now approved an additional grant of £910,000 towards the overall costs of just under £10m. This contribution allowed the Clyde Gateway to move forward and seek tenders for the main works contract for the re-development.
Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said:
“The Olympia Theatre is at the heart of the Bridgeton community, a symbol of its history and identity that cannot be replaced. The immense public support for this project is testament to its place in people’s hearts. We believe that breathing new life into it through restoration and redevelopment will not only re-establish it at the centre of community life but will also make a marked contribution to the ongoing regeneration of the East End of Glasgow, an area long-recognised for the challenges it faces. It demonstrates how a heritage building while providing an important link to a community’s roots can also be adapted for the needs of today.”
The contract to re-develop the Olympia has been awarded to the Glasgow-based firm of CCG who were successful following a competitive tender process. CCG will move on-site by the end of March and complete their work by September 2012. As part of the community benefits clauses insisted upon by Clyde Gateway in all of its main contracts, CCG will provide a minimum of nine local residents with jobs or training places.
Councillor George Redmond the local councillor for the Bridgeton area and Board Member of Clyde Gateway said “The plan to re-open the Olympia has been described by a number of locals as the best thing to happen in Bridgeton for decades. It is all linked into the continued transformation of the area and very much part of the wider legacy from Glasgow hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The Heritage Lottery Fund clearly share our belief in how significant and important this project is and their contribution of the best part of £1million to the Olympia has been vital to our efforts and has given a huge boost to East End of Glasgow.
He added,”I’m also pleased that CCG, with their excellent track record in supporting local residents into employment and training, have been successful in winning the tender to carry out the main re-development works. It’s exciting to think that people who live nearby will actually be directly involved in the work that will bring this hugely important and symbolic building back into use.”
The Olympia opened 100 years ago and was envisaged as Glasgow’s equivalent of the Palladium Theatre in London. It has served as a variety theatre, cinema, bingo hall and furniture storeroom before closing its doors in 1993. The building suffered major fire damage in 2004 but in the intervening period the site had received planning permission to be be converted into flatted accommodation.
Clyde Gateway bought the property in September 2009, and after a period of public consultation unveiled proposals to house a new state-of-the-art public library and learning centre together with a café on the ground-floor with the first-floor being dedicated to a training centre and new Headquarters for the governing bodies for amateur boxing and wrestling. The top two floors will be developed as commercial office spaces and the building will be in use for up to 16 hours a day, seven days a week.
The proposals will also see Glasgow Life, in conjunction with Clyde Gateway, develop a different use for the current public library building on Landressy Street.
A planning application has now been approved by Glasgow City Council and the re-development will see the retention of the historic façade behind which a new, environmentally friendly and energy-efficient building will be constructed.
The new library will open upon completion of the work by CCG in Autumn 2012
1 March 2011
Work is set to get underway on a multi-million project that will both transform a Bridgeton eyesore and have the potential to bring 45 new jobs to the East End of the city.
Clyde Gateway is to convert the upper floor premises at 21-51 Dalmarnock Road that have lain vacant and derelict for more than 20 years into business suites as part of its on-going plans to help transform the local communities, and in particular to revitalise the economy of the area around Bridgeton Cross.
Going by the name of ‘Red Tree Business Suites Bridgeton’, the project will create just under 18,000 square feet of flexible, stylish and affordable business space, consisting of up to thirty-five office units, starting from 200 square feet in size. The total cost of the project is £3.6m, of which Clyde Gateway is contributing £2.46m with a grant of £1.14m being awarded by the European Regional Development Fund.
George Redmond, the local councillor for the Bridgeton and Dalmarnock area and a Clyde Gateway Board member said “These properties have lain vacant for decades and they’ve been a total eyesore and a blight on the area. Bringing them back into use was something asked of Clyde Gateway during our earliest consultations with local residents, and I’m delighted that we are going to do so in a way that will not only improve how the area looks but will also bring vital new jobs to Bridgeton”.
“When you also add in the work already carried out at Bridgeton Cross, the plans for re-opening the Olympia Building as well as the new Eastgate office development at nearby Brook Street, it is clear that Clyde Gateway is delivering on its promises to deliver a physical, economic and social transformation of the communities in the East End.”
Ian Manson, the Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway said “It is vitally important for the area around Bridgeton Cross to have a viable future and bringing new jobs to the area is one way of ensuring this”.
“500 staff from Glasgow Community Safety Services will be here in just over a year’s time, and they will be joined by another 45 professionals once the Red Tree Business Suites are fully occupied.”
He added, “What Clyde Gateway is offering at the Red Tree Business Suites, both at Bridgeton and a sister development we are undertaking at Stonelaw Road, Rutherglen is something very attractive to start-up businesses as well as those existing firms and companies who want to occupy modern open-plan spaces at a very affordable and attractive rental.
“Bridgeton is a fantastic location, particularly thanks to its excellent public transport links, with very regular and reliable train services that will get you to Glasgow city centre in under five minutes as well as directly to many parts of South Lanarkshire and Dunbartonshire. These are the sort of things which are becoming ever increasingly important to businesses and employers.”
Clyde Gateway has purchased all of the upper-floor properties at 21-51 Dalmarnock Road as well as some of the ground-floor locations to allow the best possible design and access points to the Business Suites.
The contract to convert the properties has been awarded to the Glasgow-based firm of Crudens who were successful following a competitive tender process. Crudens will be move on-site in April 2011 and it will take 12 months to complete work.
As part of the community benefits clauses insisted upon by Clyde Gateway in all of their projects, Crudens will be provide two jobs and one training place for local residents and carry out some improvements to the nearby Bridgeton Community Learning Campus.
Although the conversion will not be completed until early 2012, Clyde Gateway will soon begin to market the property through letting agents with the aim of having the first occupants move in immediately once the building is ready.
Red Tree Business Suites Bridgeton is the second set of affordable office suites to be delivered by Clyde Gateway.
Work on Red Tree Business Suites Rutherglen, which involves the conversion of the former Housing Office on Stonelaw Road, began in November 2010 and will be ready for occupation from the end of May 2011.
2 February 2011
The Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Gordon Matheson today (2 February) launched construction at Eastgate, the £10 million office development by Dawn Group. A vital part of the first phase of the Clyde Gateway regeneration project, Eastgate will transform a derelict site at Glasgow's Bridgeton Cross and provide much needed employment and training opportunities to the local community.
Councillor Matheson was joined by Alan Macdonald, chairman of Dawn Group; Ian Manson, chief executive of Clyde Gateway; Phil Walker, managing director of Glasgow Community and Safety Services (GCSS) and Renos Booth, fund manager at Aviva Investors to mark the milestone as construction begins at the development.
Funded by Aviva Investors, the largest manager of real estate in the UK, Eastgate will house 500 staff from GCSS following the agreement of a 20 year lease with Glasgow City Council. The 6,000sq m Grade A office building will be fitted out by Glasgow City Council arm's-length construction company City Building.
The development will also create employment within the city, with Dawn Group and City Building providing opportunities for up to 70 local residents in the form of full-time posts, modern apprenticeships, training placements and work experience.
Councillor Gordon Matheson, the Leader of Glasgow City Council, said "I'm delighted this new development is getting off the ground."
"Dawn Group is bringing jobs, modern apprenticeships or a combination of training placements and work for local people, GCSS is getting a new home, and Clyde Gateway's effort to regenerate the east end of the city are receiving a huge boost.
"It's a win-win for everyone involved."
Alan Macdonald, chairman of Dawn Group, said: "We are delighted to get construction underway at Eastgate, our second major project on the ground in the east end of Glasgow, marking what will be a real transformation for the area both in physicla and economic terms.
"Dawn Group is committed to playing its role in ensuring that Eastgate leaves a lasting positive impact on Glasgow. This is why we will be creating employment and training opportunities for local residents during the construction period to equip them with valuable experience and transferable skills."
Ian Manson, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway said : "This is a very significant day for everyone involved with Clyde Gateway. The Dawn Group and Aviva are the first of what I’m certain will be many private sector companies and institutions who will be investing in projects right across the communities over the next 20 years.
The economic transformation promised by Clyde Gateway can only be fully delivered if there is successful partnership between the public and private sectors with everyone committing themselves totally to the plans we have in place. Dawn and Aviva have certainly shown their belief in what we are doing by committing £10m to Eastgate."
18 January 2011
With remediation work at the site of the former Dalmarnock Power Station getting underway this week, there is now activity on ten different sites across the Clyde Gateway area, with half of the work being delivered as a result of projects being promoted by Clyde Gateway itself.
Work on the M74, the National Indoor Sports Arena, the 2014 Commonwealth Games Athletes Village, the East End Regeneration Route and the housing development at Oatlands are the responsibility of a range of public and private partners. Clyde Gateway Business Park on London Road, a new industrial development at Jessie Street in Polmadie, new business suites at Stonelaw Road in Rutherglen and the Eastgate office development at Brook Street in Bridgeton, as well as the site at the power station clean-up are the five key projects being taken forward as part of the Clyde Gateway operating plan.
Ian Manson, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway said, "This level of activity is quite remarkable given the difficulties facing the construction and development industries elsewhere as a result of the recession. But it isn't all that surprising as it is exactly the position we had planned for three years ago when Clyde Gateway was established.
"No-one can dispute that the physical, social and economic transformation of the communities is well underway and we have much to be proud of already. However, the next three years in particular promise so much more as we grasp the full benefits from the completion of the M74 and the fact that the Games will draw ever closer.
"Important projects such as the redevelopment of the Olympia will get underway, while key investments in the likes of Dalmarnock Station will also materialise, all designed to attract further new businesses, homes, investment and jobs to the area. I've no doubt that the level of construction activity across our communities will continue to increase in the coming months, but it is important for the long-term success of Clyde Gateway that the momentum is maintained for years to come."
The Dalmarnock Power Station clean-up is a £75,000 project to remove all of the illegally dumped material on the site which has been derelict since 1977, as well to stabilise all of the boundary walls. Detailed proposals for the site will be the subject of a future public consultation.
16 November 2010
Work has begun on a project with the potential of bringing 36 new jobs to Rutherglen.
Clyde Gateway is converting the former housing office at 24 Stonelaw Road into business suites as part of their plans to help transform the Rutherglen and Shawfield communities, and in particular to revitalise the economy of Rutherglen Town Centre
Going by the name of Red Tree Business Suites, just under 8,500 square feet of business space will be available, made up of twelve different size offices and spaces starting from just under 200 square feet in size. The total cost of the project is £1.6 million, of which Clyde Gateway is contributing just under £1 million with a grant of £650,000 being awarded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Ian Manson, the Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway said “The opening of Red Tree Business Suites will help to kick-start the gradual transformation of the area around Main Street. It is vitally important for Rutherglen Town Centre to have a viable future and bringing new jobs to the area is one way of ensuring this.
“Clyde Gateway wants to provide something attractive to start-up businesses as well as those existing firms and companies who want to occupy modern open-plan spaces at a very affordable and attractive rental.
“Rutherglen is a fantastic location, particularly thanks to its excellent public transport links. There aren’t many towns in Scotland that can boast of at least twelve trains per hour all day long as well as regular bus services to Glasgow and all corners of South Lanarkshire. These are the sort of things which are becoming ever increasingly important to businesses and employers.
“The new suites are flexible enough to support the smallest of businesses imaginable all the way up to offering potential for a single occupant of the first floor taking up more than half of the property. Once all the spaces have been let, as many as 36 people could be employed within the suites.”
The tender to carry out the conversion and refurbishment was won by the Paisley-based Clark Contracts. As part of the community benefits clauses insisted upon by Clyde Gateway in all of their projects, Clark Contracts will be providing four trainees from the Clyde Gateway area a minimum of 13 weeks work experience.
The work is expected to be completed by the end of June 2011, but Clyde Gateway is already marketing the property through letting agents with the aim of having the first occupants move in immediately once the building is ready.
Further information on the Red Tree Business Suites can be found at www.redtreerutherglen.co.uk
23 August 2010
Accompanied by Councillor George Redmond, the local member for the area and member of the Clyde Gateway Board, the £1.1m of improvements at Bridgeton Cross were officially opened by The Rt Hon the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Bob Winter on Monday 23rd August.
The Lord Provost had a walkabout tour of the Cross during which he saw various elements that are part of the improvements, including a tribute to three locally born servicemen who have been awarded the Victoria Cross and a permanent memorial to the national bard Robert Burns, which has been in recognition of the area’s links with the Bridgeton Burns Club which dates back to 1870. He also met with members of the Bridgeton Community Steering Group who have been involved with Clyde Gateway staff and external consultants on taking forward the project from when the idea first emerged in late 2008.
The Lord Provost said "Days like this make me proud to be a Glaswegian. To come to Bridgeton Cross and see the marvellous work done underlines how initiatives such as Clyde Gateway, working with local people, can and does transform the communities.
"For a time this Umbrella was used as a meeting space at the heart of the community where speakers and preachers would orate. So standing here today I follow in the footsteps of our forbears - living history if you like."
The Lord Provost later hosted a civic reception at the City Chambers in recognition of the efforts of the community for driving forward the project. He thanked everyone involved, including Gillespie's and Land Engineering, the consultant architect and main contractor respectively, and praised the quality of the entire project which he believed contributed to a renewed sense of pride and energy in the area."
The 150 guests at the civic reception in the main comprised local residents and shopkeepers who were transported to and from the city centre in two vintage buses supplied by the Glasgow Vintage Vehicles Trust who are based in Fordneuk Street in Bridgeton.
All the guests were entertained by pupils from Sacred Heart Primary School who performed two dance movements that they had worked on as part of their studies into the historical significance and changing fortunes of Bridgeton Cross and from St Mungos Academy who performed a song. In addition, an exhibition of art, designed by pupils from Dalmarnock Primary, was also on display in the City Chambers.
Councillor George Redmond, the local member for the area and Board Member of Clyde Gateway said “This has been a fabulous day that will live long in the memories of the people of Bridgeton. This project shows just how serious Clyde Gateway is about transforming how the area looks and how it is perceived by those who perhaps don’t know it as well as local people.
“The Umbrella really looks quite stunning and no-one can argue that it in its restored state it is one of the most impressive and unique structures in the whole of Glasgow. But it’s also the fact that so the other improvements such as the new paving, the seating, trees, the bus shelters and the improved lighting make the new-look Bridgeton Cross very pleasing to the eye.
"I know that the Lord Provost was thrilled by the very warm welcome he received from everyone and I'm delighted that he did us the honour, not just of carrying out the opening, but providing the icing on the cake with a fantastic civic reception."
Grace Donald, a local resident who sits on the local Steering Group said "I’m so pleased to have been part of this project. Clyde Gateway is one of the best things ever to happen to this area and all the changes they’ve made to Bridgeton Cross are fantastic. It was also a huge thrill and honour to meet the Lord Provost. This has been a day that none of us will ever forget."
The improvements to the streetscape are already beginning to pay dividends, with spend on the adjacent railway station being brought forward by five years to complement the work at Bridgeton Cross. Clyde Gateway is also making a significant contribution to the works at the railway station which will see new signage and a complete repainting new platform shelters, seating, entrance doors, lighting and improvements to the booking office and the refurbishment of the overhead walkway between the platforms.
12 April 2010
Clyde Gateway, Scotland’s biggest urban regeneration company, has launched its first landmark development – one that will bring up to 1500 jobs to Glasgow’s East End.
The £35m business park, to be named Clyde Gateway East, is aimed at attracting both light industrial and office-based companies to locate on a site with unsurpassed links to the major roads network, including the M74 extension and the new East End Regeneration Route.
The groundbreaking was carried out by East End Councillor George Ryan, who is also the City Council’s Executive Member for Business and the Economy, and Andrew McAlpine, of construction company Sir Robert McAlpine – who today started work on the initial infrastructure, earthwork and drainage contract which will prepare the site.
McAlpine, who are already heavily active in the East End on the National Indoor Sports Arena and Velodrome for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the M74 extension - will employ a number of local people on its Clyde Gateway East workforce.
Councillor Ryan said: “This development is an opportunity for companies to relocate, develop and grow in this area, which is so important to the future growth of Glasgow's economy. It will bring many jobs to an area of high unemployment.”
Mr. Andrew McAlpine said: “Like Clyde Gateway, McAlpine has a substantial commitment to the local community in the East End of Glasgow. We have started the process of finding eight workers from the immediate area to join our team here.”
Clyde Gateway chief executive Ian Manson said: “Clyde Gateway East is the first location many people will see as they approach the city from the east. We want them to decide that this is where they wish to locate their businesses. We envisage a first phase release of development platforms by September this year with two further phases released in early 2011. The first occupants are expected to occupy their buildings by Spring 2011.”
“We are aiming to influence investment decisions both locally and from outwith the city in Scotland and the UK, with every size of company from SMEs to multinationals on our radar. There is an acute shortage of good quality small and medium sized light industrial space within Glasgow, and believe we have a location here which is second to none, only minutes away from the 2014 Commonwealth Games developments with unrivalled transport links.”
The 14 hectare (34 acre) business park is being built on a brownfield site on London Road which has lain unused for over 30 years.
Planning consultancy Halcrow has drawn up a masterplan for the site which has outline planning consent for the erection of business, general industrial and storage and distribution units, and is capable of accommodating bespoke space and buildings with up to 45,000 m2 of business space.
Clyde Gateway East will also bring a number of public realm benefits to residents living in the local community, not least through the development incorporating a specially designed safe and secure path on a linear park down to the River Clyde walkway – opening up new walking and cycling routes to the 2014 Commonwealth Games Village and to Cambuslang.
17 November 2010
A new factory, bringing 50 new jobs, is being built by construction skills company CCG at Drumhead Road in the Cambuslang Investment Park in Glasgow, adjacent to a new junction on the extended M74 Motorway.
The new employees will work in the off-site construction of timber-framed houses which will then be transported to various sites across Scotland for final fitting. The new factory, which will open in April 2010 will in fact accommodate 70 assembly line employees as 20 staff will transfer from an existing facility in Cumbernauld. It will also be home to office and ancillary staff.
The announcement of the new jobs was made by the Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, during a visit to the location of the factory on 17th November. Accompanied by Alastair Wylie, Chief Executive of CCG and Ian Manson, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway. Ms Sturgeon was given a tour of the facility and also met 4 apprentices, all of whom are from the East End of Glasgow, recently been recruited by CCG.
Clyde Gateway is involved with the new jobs through a package of support for CCG worth £120,000 that will cover recruitment, training and in-work assistance, with the outcome that a minimum of 30 of the 50 new semi-skilled posts at the factory will be filled by people living within the local area.
Ian Manson said "Clyde Gateway is all about taking a whole new approach to regeneration and this includes how we will deliver programmes that bring forward jobs and training opportunities for local residents who are currently out of work.
"The package of support we have put together will allow CCG to move forward with a huge degree of confidence and ensure that 60% of the new jobs arising from their investment in this new factory will be filled by people living locally.
"I’m delighted that a company such as CCG, with its hugely impressive track record and fantastic future prospects are keen to be part of the on-going efforts we are making to transform the fortunes of the area.”
Alastair Wylie was delighted with the partnership CCG was forming with Clyde Gateway.
He said "I am thrilled about the creation of the 50 additional jobs at our new off-site manufacturing facility. Through the support given to us by the URC, we can offer the majority of these positions to residents within this local area.
"CCG has over 30 years experience in the construction industry and is one of the Scotland's largest construction employers. We have a culture of continuous investment in training and are committed to regenerating the area."
CCG is a key member of the City Legacy Consortium which is the preferred bidder for the construction of the Commonwealth Games Athletes Village to be built in Dalmarnock. It is anticipated that many of these new homes will roll off the assembly line at the new factory.
The Deputy First Minister said "This is a real boost to the construction sector. The 2014 Commonwealth Games has the potential to transform one of the most deprived areas of our country.
"That's why we're investing millions of pounds and working hard to ensure that people in the East End of Glasgow and businesses and communities across Scotland benefit from the many new opportunities on offer."
Established in 1974, CCG delivers a wide range of construction services across a number of divisions including joinery manufacturing, flooring, roofing and rending and asset management. The company currently employs approximately 570 full-time equivalent staff including 75 apprentices as part of its commitment to training and the replenishment of skilled labour. The Company’s Head Office is located in Cambuslang Investment Park.
22 October 2010
It was just a simple ribbon-cutting ceremony carried out jointly by a Glasgow City Councillor and residents of a local care home, but its significance and importance will be felt for many years to come.
The official opening on 22nd October of the Tullis Street Memorial Garden in Bridgeton by Councillor George Redmond and residents of the Carmichael Care Home in Landressy Place was important for the local community and momentous for Clyde Gateway as it marked the completion of the first project to be designed and delivered by Scotland’s biggest Urban Regeneration Company (URC).
Delivered on time and on budget by the Glasgow-based RJ McLeod, this historical piece of ground in Bridgeton, which was used as a cemetery in the 17th and 18th centuries has been transformed into a beautiful and peaceful Memorial Garden.
Seemingly hidden but just 250 yards from the landmark Bridgeton Cross, the land between Tullis Street and Landressy Place closed as a burial place in 1870, with the bodies being exhumed not long after. Over the past 139 years, it has been retained as open space and used as a walking route to and from Bridgeton Cross, but in recent times it had become unkempt and unsafe for many local residents, particularly the elderly.
The improvements carried out by Clyde Gateway, at a cost of £315,000, have seen the removal of fencing, the replacement of some old trees, landscaping. lighting and planting which have all made the area immediately more attractive and secure. In addition, repairs to the boundary walls and a widened entrance have incorporated four works of art.
Councillor George Redmond, who is also a Board Member at Clyde Gateway said “Residents have been looking for improvements at Tullis Street for a very long time. The team at Clyde Gateway has gained a lot of goodwill from the local community by listening to them and acting promptly.
"I’m delighted with what has been unveiled today. It’s a fantastic upgrade that manages to look modern and yet be totally sympathetic to the history and past use of the ground as a burial space. I’m particularly pleased to see the very high quality of landscaping and planting, and there’s no argument that the new artworks will capture everyone’s imagination."
The artworks consist of a piece of sculpture that has been placed in what was a former bricked-up window in the boundary wall along with three new pillars – one carved from sandstone and the other two manufactured from steel. Between them, they tell the story of the cemetery and its significance to the Bridgeton area.”
Alison Brown has led the project on behalf of Clyde Gateway. She said “Not long after Clyde Gateway was established, local residents told us that Tullis Street should be an early priority. We listened to what they had to say and we also asked for their views as we started to work up a design for the Memorial Gardens.
“The end result is just the first of numerous physical changes that we will deliver over the next 20 years. All of us at Clyde Gateway hope that local residents, having been given an idea of how much we like to directly involve them in these sort of projects. will want to get fully involved in our ongoing work and activities.”
The Tullis Street Memorial Garden has opened just as the second major environmental improvement works in the area were about to go on site with a £1.1m redevelopment of Bridgeton Cross, including a full restoration of the A-listed Umbrella scheduled to begin on Monday 26th October.
22 October 2010
34 local residents and business owners defied atrocious weather conditions to come along to the first ever Clyde Gateway URC Annual Public Meeting on the evening of Thursday 29th October at the Bridgeton Community Learning Campus In Dale Street. The event saw Robert Crawford and Ian Manson, Chairman and Chief Executive respectively of Clyde Gateway, give an overview of the progress made since the formation of the URC in December 2007. The Public Meeting also saw the official launch of the Annual Report for 2008/09.
There was a lively Q&A session following Ian's presentation, with residents keen to find out the views of Clyde Gateway on a wide range of issues it had responsibilty for, but also asking that the URC to make representations to its partners and other organisations on matters such as transport, housing and the environment.
The Annual Public Meeting came on top of 51 people attending an exhibition held earlier in the day, at the same venue, between 10.30 and 4.30pm during which they had they had a chance to look at a display highlighting some of the significant achievements made thus far by Clyde Gateway, as well as pick up information on other key projects such as the M74 and the Commonwealth Games, while members of the Clyde Gateway staff were also on hand to answer questions and discuss issues.
Ian Manson said "It was a great turnout over the course of the whole day and it is very reassuring to find that so many people are interested to hear about what we are doing and our plans over the next 20 years across the Bridgeton, Dalmarnock, Rutherglen and Shawfield communities. We want to get our message out to as many people as possible, and part of this will involve repeating the exhibition at other venues within our communities over the coming months."
Copies of the Annual Report are available on request from the Clyde Gateway offices or by calling Jim Clark on 0141 276 1576. Taped copies of the Annual Report, along with other Clyde Gateway publications, are available for those with visual impairments.
11 March 2010
The continued efforts to revitalise the East End of Glasgow have received another lift with the news that a proposed office building in Bridgeton is to be the new home of Glasgow Community Safety Services (GCSS), bringing 500 jobs to the area.
The new 65,000 square foot office block is being developed by Clyde Gateway, at a cost of £9.7million, on a brownfield site at the junction of London Road and Brook Street, just 300 yards east of the historic Bridgeton Cross. The sole occupant will be GCSS and the majority of its workforce will relocate to the East End from various sites in the city centre.
Ian Manson, the Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway said: "This is an important milestone in the regeneration proposals for Clyde Gateway and the latest piece of good news for the Bridgeton area. Local residents have given great support to all of our work and activities over the past year, but we never lost sight of the fact that attracting jobs into the area is top of their agenda.
"The jobs from this office development will have a significant impact on the local economy both during the construction phase and its eventual occupation by the 500 staff. More importantly, the fact that an organisation such as GCSS is so keen to place their HQ building in the East End is proof that Clyde Gateway is an area which provides an efficient, effective and attractive place to work."
Phil Walker, managing director of GCSS said: "I’m delighted to announce our move to our new office premises in the East End.
"This move will not only help to regenerate the area, but will also provide a facility for local residents to enjoy, and has been designed to include a community exhibition area.
"The new premises have been tailored to meet our needs and this cost-effective move will allow us to consolidate our staff under one roof, enabling us to streamline our services and provide an even better service to the people of Glasgow.
"The environmental impact of the new facility was an important consideration and the building will be designed to BREEAM ‘excellent’ standards, giving it a top rating for sustainability and environmental performance.
"The area is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with many changes and developments linked to the forthcoming 2014 Commonwealth Games, and I know that everyone at GCSS is eager to be a part of the continued regeneration of the East End."
The new offices will be the only development of its type to start construction in Glasgow this year. Work will get underway in early summer, and GCSS will move in upon completion in March 2012.
Clyde Gateway will work alongside a private sector developer to fund and construct the new office, and discussions are already underway with five potential partners, all of whom have a proven track record in the development industry.
For further information on GCSS go to http://www.saferglasgow.com/
17 February 2010
The Secretary of State for Scotland, Jim Murphy MP, paid a visit to the Clyde Gateway area on 17 February 2010, during which he was taken on a guided tour of a number of key development sites and met with some of the construction team currently involvd in the refurbishment work at Bridgeton Cross.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Mr Murphy gave his backing to the work and plans of Clyde Gateway, saying "It’s absolutely brilliant. The area will be entirely transformed and the lives of the people on the East End will be a lot better."
The Secretary of State was the latest in a number of important politicians to have a look at what is happening in and around the Clyde Gateway area, following on from recent visits by Alex Neil MSP, the Minister for Housing & Communities, and Nicola Sturgeon MSP, the Deputy First Minister.
16 January 2010
The possibility of Strathclyde Police taking an historic decision to relocate the Force Headquarters to a new site in the East End of Glasgow has moved one step closer to being realised.
The Strathclyde Police Authority has agreed to undertake a full and detailed business case, at a cost of up to £1,000,000, to be funded by Clyde Gateway URC, that will look at the design and costs of a new building on a site adjacent to the River Clyde in South Dalmarnock.
Ian Manson, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway, said “We have been in discussions with the Police Authority for the past few months, and having listened closely to the requirements they have for a new HQ building, have identified a riverfront site which will be adjacent to the East End Regeneration Route and no more than a half-mile from the M74. It is also within walking distance of Dalmarnock station which will be soon be undergoing an extensive refurbishment that will be completed in advance of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
“Clyde Gateway has always been determined to attract a significant and influential anchor employer to this area who would be the first to commit to the vision of the long-term regeneration over the next two decades. I am delighted that the Police Authority has shown this firm belief in what we are setting out to do, and I look forward to working closely alongside them to deliver a business case that will make the relocation from Pitt Street to South Dalmarnock an absolute certainty.”
The development of a full and detailed business case will see the selection of a design team of an architect, engineer, quantity surveyor and project manager to determine all aspects of a new building, including layout, parking, security and costs. It is expected to take around 9 months to complete, with the timescale allowing the Authority to make a final decision in late 2010.
Councillor Paul Rooney, chair of the Strathclyde Police Authority said “It is well documented that the current facilities at force headquarters in Pitt Street are no longer fit for purpose. The Police Authority has been well aware and indeed budgeting for the possibility of relocation.
“However, before any final decisions can be taken, it is imperative that the Police Authority is fully informed of the costs, design and risks associated with relocating.
“We are grateful to Clyde Gateway for providing the finance to proceed with a full business case which will allow the Police Authority to make a fully informed decision in the future.”
A new HQ building is anticipated to cost in the region of £45m and will be home to up to 1200 employees, with a mixture of serving police officers and civilian staff. It would become the single biggest employer in the Clyde Gateway area.
The HQ building could be constructed and fully operational in four years time.
4 January 2010
Construction work has now begun on the National Indoor Sports Arena (NISA) and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, a facility sits in the very heart of the Clyde Gateway area and one which will host two events - badminton and cycling - at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
The NISA and velodrome is located on a 10.5 hectare site in the East End of Glasgow, close to Celtic Park and the Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village. The indoor arena has a 5,000 all-seated capacity while the velodrome will have a permanent capacity for 2,000 seated and 500 standing spectators viewing the 250-metre cycle track, to be increased to 4000 seats at Games time for the track cycling events.
National Indoor Sports Arena (NISA) and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome
The facility will also be a national training centre for athletics, basketball, netball, track cycling and volleyball, providing elite training and an international competition standard venue, while the new headquarters of sportscotland, the national sports agency, will be located on the same site, adjacent to the NISA and velodrome.
The facility will also be the administrative base for several other national sports federations and Culture and Sport Glasgow’s sports development unit. Other features include a community sports centre with sports halls, outdoor floodlit five-a-side courts, extensive health and fitness provision, indoor roller sports park, provision for cycling and a crèche. There will be dedicated and shared facilities for school use. The construction project will require a total workforce of 200, including 20 new apprenticeship places and will be built by Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd.
Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, said: "The beginning of the construction of the National Indoor Sports Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome is another landmark towards the creation of a world-class sporting complex for Glasgow. The arena and velodrome will be seen around the world when the badminton and indoor cycling events of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games are held here. There will be many other top-class sporting events held at the venue, with fantastic facilities for users to improve their health and fitness, and this will undoubtedly be a fantastic asset to Glasgow and Scotland."
Building work is due to be completed by late Spring in 2012.
1 October 2009
The work on the £1m plus investment for Bridgeton Cross, one of Glasgow’s most famous and historic landmarks, began on Monday 26th October.
Clyde Gateway has awarded A £1.1m contract to Land Engineering, one of the biggest Scottish firms involved in public realm improvement works, which will the firm on-site over a nine-month period, the end of which will see the actual Cross completely transformed, while new and improved pavements will be provided on James Street, Landressy Street and part of London Road.
The changes have come on the back of extensive consultation, including a three-day exhibition in March 2009, and a steering group of local residents and businesses have had a large say in the final designs and improvements. The most noticeable part of the work will see new Caithness and Granite stone paving, similar in look to the pedestrianised areas of Glasgow City Centre, while the Grade ‘A’ listed Bridgeton Shelter and Clock, known locally as ‘The Umbrella’, will be fully restored to the grandeur of its original unveiling in 1875.
The Cross will become more pedestrian-friendly, while some of the improvements include new street furniture such as benches, bins and planters, together with an upgraded CCTV system and bus shelters. There will also be improvements to the existing street lighting while the addition of some new lights will improve visibility and security around the Cross. The existing trees will be removed and replaced, while the long-closed toilets will be infilled and the surrounding railings taken away.
There will also be a memorial to Robert Burns, Scotland’s national bard, in recognition of the historical existence of the Bridgeton Burns Club, one of the oldest in the world formed back in 1870.
Audrey Carlin is the Project Manager at Clyde Gateway and she said “I’m thrilled that we are just about ready to make a start on such an important landmark project. The residents on the Steering Group have been absolutely fantastic over the last few months and this project would never have got off the ground without all of their hard work and effort.
“Clyde Gateway has listened to local views and what we are now going to deliver is a Bridgeton Cross that is high-quality, attractive, safe and central for shoppers, pedestrians and public transport users while improving business for local services and suppliers.”
The use of community benefit clauses within the Contract will ensure that three local residents from within the Clyde Gateway area will be taken on by Land Engineering for the duration of the works. The three workers are currently being recruited on behalf of Clyde Gateway and Land Engineering by the Glasgow East Regeneration Agency (GERA).
Pupils from Dalmarnock and Sacred Heart Primary Schools are getting involved in arts and education projects, with plans to incorporate some of their engraving work into the new pavements.
In addition to Clyde Gateway’s improvements to Bridgeton Cross, a commitment has been given by First Scotrail and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) for some new signage and general improvements to Bridgeton Station.
Owen Stewart is a long-term resident of Bridgeton and member of the 12-strong Steering Group who is looking forward to the work finally getting underway. He said “Over the years, people in Bridgeton and the wider East End have looked on as other parts of Glasgow have been changed for the better. It’s fantastic to see that its now our turn.
“I’m really pleased to have been able to get involved with Clyde Gateway at such an early stage of their work, and it’s been really interesting watching how projects such as this go from an idea to reality.
“The fact that the Bridgeton Umbrella and the surrounding area are such a priority with Clyde Gateway is definitely giving the whole area a real lift and feel-good factor, and I know I’m not alone in being excited about next summer when the wraps come off and the drawings and images become reality.”
Click on the link below to look at a video showing an artists impression of the restored Bridgeton Umbrella
http://www.clydegateway.com/pages/clyde_gateway_pro_bridgeton.php