John Swinney announces cash boost for urban regeneration scheme

A project hailed as a “shining example” of urban regeneration is to receive £3.5 million of Scottish Government cash, the First Minister announced.

John Swinney confirmed the funding for Clyde Gateway, with the money going towards its work to redevelop the former Shawfield Chemical Works site in Glasgow.

The site is being transformed into a hub for high-value manufacturing businesses – with the project being part of Clyde Gateway’s efforts to develop homes, hotels and businesses on land which is the equivalent of 130 football pitches across Rutherglen and the east end of the city.

The urban regeneration company has already developed almost 750 acres of contaminated land, with its work supporting the creation of more than 8,000 jobs and delivering 4,000 homes in the area.

The Scottish Government has provided more than £200 million for Clyde Gateway’s work since 2007.

The First Minister announced the latest funding ahead of visiting another of its projects, the Innovation Scheme, where £660,000 of government cash has been used to help develop Scotland’s first renewable district system.

It is hoped the site will become one of the largest office parks in the UK, with the heating system – which also uses solar power and heat pumps – helping to provide buildings there with low-cost energy.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s visit, Mr Swinney said: “Regenerating our industrial heartlands of the 20th century is an integral part of transforming Scotland’s economy in the 21st, and Clyde Gateway is a shining example of what can be achieved.

“Its ambition is creating jobs, improving communities and tackling poverty.

“I am delighted to be able to announce funding to help it continue that work and also to see first-hand this innovative project which will provide affordable green energy to businesses.

“This part of Glasgow has a proud industrial past and the Scottish Government is determined that it will have a strong economic future.”

Adding that he wanted to see such benefits “continue to spread across Scotland”, the First Minister said the government was providing £62.15 million this financial year for regeneration projects “that will revitalise town centres, derelict sites and green spaces”.

Martin Joyce, executive director for regeneration at Clyde Gateway, said the £3.5 million of funding will “accelerate our efforts to transform the east end of Glasgow and Rutherglen”.

Mr Joyce added: “Working alongside the Scottish Government and other key partners, we have already remediated nearly 750 acres of contaminated land, supported the creation of more than 8,000 jobs and delivered 4,000 much-needed new homes, helping to build vibrant communities where people can live, work and play.”