A Glasgow City Council committee today (13 June) was told that the city has a budget of over £104million – the highest-ever figure – for its 2019/20 Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP).  This funding will help deliver over 3,500 affordable homes in Glasgow over the next two years.

 

The committee also approved the building of new affordable homes through this programme.

 

The figure of £104.44million for the AHSP covers funding not only for the continuation of ongoing projects and the beginning of new projects, but also for medical adaptation to homes in Glasgow, allowing tenants to remain in their own homes.

 

In terms of numbers, there are 1325 homes in ongoing projects, with some of the biggest developments in Govan, Dalmarnock, and Govanhill, and 2094 homes in new projects, with the biggest developments in Calton, Hamiltonhill, and the former Victoria Hospital site.  A further 106 affordable homes are being built in East Balornock through the LSVT programme for housing associations who acquired former Scottish Homes’ estates.

 

The AHSP is guided by Glasgow’s Housing Strategy and the city’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan.

 

The increase in investment is reflected in a number of ways, including a 79% increase in new and improved homes compared to the previous year.

 

Councillor Kenny McLean, City Convener for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Public Realm at Glasgow City Council, said: “The record levels of funding that we are allocating allows thousands of new affordable homes to be built all over Glasgow – this is fantastic for the city as key to everyone’s quality of life and health is a good standard of housing. There is of course an additional economic boost to the city with jobs created through this level of housebuilding, and we look forward to working with our partners to bring these high-quality, energy-efficient homes for people and families in the future.”

 

The increases in funding for affordable homes in Glasgow will allow the city to contribute to the Scottish Government’s More Homes target of 50,000 new affordable (35,000 for social rent) homes by 2021.  The Scottish Government has indicated the AHSP budget for 2020/21 in Glasgow will increase further, to over £110million.

Glasgow City Council was today (4 June) given an update on £25million proposals to use Glasgow City Region City Deal funding to transform Custom House Quay, which sits on the north bank of the Clyde in the city centre between Victoria Bridge and Glasgow Bridge.

 

Custom House Quay is the City Centre’s main frontage to the River Clyde but it does not currently make the contribution it should towards the council’s aspiration for a multifunctional and vibrant waterfront.  Concerns about the structural integrity of the quay wall mean that use of this section of the waterfront for large scale events is discouraged and a lack of attractions means that the area does not benefit from footfall, particularly in the evening.

 

It is proposed that City Deal funding of approximately £25million is used to fund the construction of a re-aligned quay wall and provision of development platforms within a high quality public realm setting, enhancing pedestrian and cycle connectivity along the waterfront.

 

Initial feasibility work has demonstrated that the construction of a new quay wall 20 metres into the river enables the site to accommodate a mixed-use development which retains public access along the river edge and delivers significant public spaces at the axis with Dixon Street and in front of St Andrew’s RC Cathedral.

 

A mix of residential, hotel and commercial uses with active ground floor uses such as bars and restaurants will generate footfall and offer the level of passive surveillance necessary to ensure the area achieves its full potential as an attractive waterfront destination for Glasgow’s citizens and visitors to the area.

 

Soft market-testing indicated significant developer interest on Custom House Quay as a development opportunity.  The redevelopment of this site would be expected to act as a catalyst for other regeneration projects on the Clyde.

 

The council recently consulted on the Strategic Development Framework for the River Clyde, which aims to reposition the river corridor as a vibrant and multi-functional part of Glasgow.  These plans are being supported through just over £50million of Glasgow City Region City Deal funding that has been allocated for investment in quay walls on the Clyde between the city centre and the Riverside Museum.

 

This particular City Deal funding has four specific aims: addressing the structural integrity of quay walls; enhancing pedestrian and cycle connectivity along the waterfront; unlocking the development potential of vacant and derelict land close to the waterfront; and bringing greater vibrancy to the river and its banks.

 

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, said: “Custom House Quay is very important both in terms of its location on the riverside in the city centre, close to Buchanan Street and St Enoch Square, and as an attractive development opportunity.  Glasgow City Region City Deal funding means that its redevelopment can now take place.  Investment in strategic sites on the Clyde is currently taking place at Glasgow Harbour and at Tradeston with the Barclays campus, and the development of Custom House Quay would be another step towards realising the full potential of the waterfront.”

 

A previous residential-led plan to develop this site did not happen due to changing market conditions, and the cost of a new quay wall meant the project was not commercially viable.

 

Next steps for this planned transformation will be the development of design for the proposal and the submission of an application – supported by a masterplan – for planning permission in principle.  Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2022 with completion in Spring 2024.

Glasgow City Council today (13 June) presented proposals for the regeneration of the St Enoch district in the city centre, and also approved a public consultation on the proposals, which will begin tomorrow and last for 12 weeks.

 

Some of these proposals include the creation of a River Park along both banks of the Clyde; the development of more green and public spaces; establishing a lively waterfront district that both attracts more people to live there and increases the vibrancy of the city centre; a better connected district with an increased active travel network and less congestion; improving the area around Argyle Street Station; and more night-time economy attractions.

 

The St Enoch district is one of nine districts identified in the council’s City Centre Strategy, and is the third – after Sauchiehall/Garnethill and the Broomielaw – to commence a consultation on the best way to take forward its future development.

 

This district is seen as a diverse, dynamic and distinctive city quarter with connections to the wider city centre and communities on the south banks of the Clyde, with gaps that present potential for mixed-used development that includes a residential component.  It forms the main frontage to the Clyde in the city centre, and will benefit from the Glasgow City Region City Deal Avenues project.

 

The St Enoch District Regeneration Framework (SEDRF) has been developed collaboratively by a multi-disciplinary team led by Austin-Smith:Lord and MVRDV, who worked with local residents and businesses, stakeholders and other organisations.  The consultation period will offer further opportunity for local parties to input to this process and comment on the proposals.  The final SEDRF and Action Plan will be produced after the consultation period has concluded on 9 August 2019.

 

A number of strategic themes have been developed for the St Enoch District Regeneration Framework and associated draft action plan:

 

• (Y)our River Park: this is a proposal to create a world-class linear public space along both banks of the River Clyde. This continuous urban park would transform the river, kick-start development and become a key destination and attraction in the city centre. The aim is to create a quality urban park characterised by water, green and public spaces activated by event and play spaces, recreation and cultural activity for all ages in all seasons, all weather, all day, for all Glaswegians and visitors;

 

• (Y)our Great Buildings: this theme promotes actions to respect Glasgow’s historic built heritage with the highest quality contemporary design. Clear guidance about the desired qualities of new design will assist development, and the SEDRF promotes the development of character-specific areas with an emphasis on pedestrian and cyclist accessibility;

 

• (Y)our Great Streets and Spaces: this theme seeks to respond to the car and bus dominated character of the district and address the shortage of quality green and public spaces. Broken connections and gaps in the urban form need to be addressed throughout the district and investment in public spaces and the physical environment is essential. It also focuses on connection and re-connection to further develop the diverse and distinctive character in the SEDRF;

 

• (Y)our Updated Mobility: this incorporates proposals to enhance the city centre’s public transport and active travel networks to create a sustainable, walkable city, and will include a review of the City Centre Transport Strategy in the context of the SEDRF objectives and the recommendations of the Connectivity Commission;

 

• (Y)our Vibrant St Enoch: this theme proposes the establishment of an attractive mixed-use riverfront district and a significant uplift in the residential population so that the city centre becomes more lively, with more night-time economy, more viable amenities, better connections to the existing cultural and creative infrastructure  and a more sustainable, walkable and activated district; and

 

• Y)our Transforming St Enoch: this focuses on the creation of agile policies and shared objectives to attract investment, secure funding and foster collaborative working in the district. Transforming this district cannot however be delivered by the Council alone; this must be a truly collaborative partnership between all stakeholders. Despite the lack of public ownership, GCC will look to identify and work with partners to develop masterplan strategies for both sides of the river.

 

Council leader Susan Aitken said: “The St Enoch District is one of the most historic in our city centre, but its true potential just hasn’t been realised.  However, these new proposals – which reconnect the community with the River Clyde – have the potential to absolutely transform how people see St Enoch as a place to live, work and socialise.  We have worked closely with residents and businesses to bring them together and, over the next couple of months, everyone with an interest in the area will have another opportunity to get involved and let us know what they want for St Enoch.”

 

Those wishing to take part in the SEDRF consultation can – lasting 12 weeks from 14 June – can do so by visiting Glasgow City Council’s Consultation Hub at: https://www.glasgowconsult.co.uk/KMS/dmart.aspx?strTab=PublicDMartCurrent&NoIP=1, or by email or post.

 

After this period, the SEDRF and its Action Plan will be brought back to the council’s City Administration Committee for formal approval.

 

The draft St Enoch District Regeneration Framework can be found at: https://glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=45485&p=0(summary) or (full report) at: https://glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=45486&p=0.

Glasgow City Council today (13 June) approved the Built Heritage, Community Asset, Vacant and Derelict Land Asset Plans underpinning the Council’s Property and Land Strategy, and also gave the green light to proposals for the £20million first phase of Community Hubs across the city.

 

Earlier this year, the council approved its Property and Land Strategy, put in place to ensure the council makes the best use of its substantial estate, the biggest in Glasgow with more than 1,000 operational properties.

 

These three asset plans will support this strategy, with the Community Asset Plan reflecting the council’s commitment to the greater involvement and empowerment of Glaswegians, the Built Heritage Plan providing a consistent and considered approach to the stewardship of the council’s built heritage, and the Vacant and Derelict Land Plan addressing the potential blight, cost and missed opportunity that vacant and derelict properties and land can represent for both the council and the city.

 

To deliver Asset Plan objectives, work will now progress to establish what resources are required, targets to be set and the identification of initial priorities for action, communications and engagement arrangements with communities.

 

The first phase of the city’s Community Hubs is a £20million project which will see the development of six hubs acting as single locations from which multiple council and partner services will be accessed and delivered.  These hubs will be in the Bailieston, Calton, Canal, Drumchapel/Anniesland, Greater Pollok and Pollokshields wards.

 

Alongside this first phase, work will be ongoing to consider what further opportunities exist to establish community hubs in other areas of Glasgow as part of the wider implementation of the council’s Property and Land strategy.

 

Councillor Kenny McLean, City Convener for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Public Realm at Glasgow City Council, said: “The approval of these asset plans is an important step in delivering the council’s Property and Land Strategy, leading to better use of our estate and the regeneration of areas across the city.  The strategy also means that the people of the city will have a greater and closer role in how council and partner services are delivered, and the establishment of the first phase of Community Hubs in Glasgow is a great example of this.  We can all look forward to the social and economic benefits that the hubs will bring.”

 

Glasgow City Council’s Property and Land Strategy is available here: http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/Councillorsandcommittees/viewSelectedDocument.asp?c=P62AFQDN0GT10G81DN.

Glasgow is rolling out a £1.2 million support package to secure its future as a ‘Fair Work City’ ensuring everyone benefits from our economic success.

 

Councillors today (13 June) considered an update on a wide programme of activities being carried out to deliver inclusive economic growth, reducing poverty and inequality.

 

One example is the major Barclays development in Tradeston where, thanks to work done in partnership with Scottish Enterprise,341 disadvantaged residents will be supported into quality, sustainable jobs.

 

To help deliver this inclusive economic growth, a number of priorities have been identified as necessary: fair work practices such as the Living Wage (2019 marks 10 years of the Glasgow Living Wage); advanced digital skills for the local population; entry level skills/work readiness; access to flexible, affordable and good quality childcare (0-16yrs); a transport network that takes people to jobs; support for health and wellbeing, including mental health being in employment is a key intervention to prevent ill health; and basic digital skills/literacy.

 

Earlier this year, the council approved £1.2million to help deliver these priorities and ensure Glasgow becomes a Fair Work City.  Fair Work has been described – by the Fair Work Convention – as work that offers all individuals an effective voice, opportunity, security, fulfilment and respect, generating benefits for individuals, organisations and society and balancing the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers.

 

In order for Glasgow to become a Fair Work City, these principles are embedded across the council, including areas such as business support, procurement and inward investment.

 

The council also supports parts of the city economy such as the care sector, retail, hospitality and tourism where employment is sought by residents who may face barriers to employment or are removed from the labour market.  In partnership with other organisations, the council is developing a range of in-work progression models where employees in the public and private sectors can gain access to learning and training opportunities that advance career prospects.

 

The council is also working – through its Social Enterprise Strategy – on proposals on how best to support a sector that plays a vital role in creating a fairer and more inclusive society and generates around £800million for Glasgow’s economy.

 

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “For too long, too many people in Glasgow have been excluded from the economic success that the city has enjoyed. Becoming a Fair Work City is about closing that gap.  There are a number of major large-scale economic opportunities coming our way over the next few years, and it is crucial for the city’s social and economic wellbeing that we ensure that all of our people have access to them and can benefit.  Our Fair Work programmes are geared towards allowing everyone in Glasgow to share in its growth – something that will be good for all of us.”

 

The success of Fair Work businesses will be recognised by the council’s sponsorship of the Glasgow Business Award for Fair Work at the Glasgow Business Awards, to be hosted by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce in October.

 

To support new and existing businesses in some of the most deprived areas of the city, the council offers the Community Business Boost, which provides part-funding of premises costs over a two-year period to support local job creation and economic growth.

 

As part of the efforts of the council’s Invest Glasgow team to attract investment to the city, there will be a focus on attracting investors who recognise Fair Work practices which help to reduce inequality and improve people’s lives.

 

Other programmes helping Glasgow residents into training and employment include the Assisted Garden Maintenance Service, which supports young people and the long-term unemployed into employment through a partnership between the council, Jobs and Business Glasgow and the Scottish Government.

 

The council is working with Skills Development Scotland to ensure that an increasing number of Glasgow’s young people gain IT skills and qualifications – the city is Scotland’s biggest digital, with almost 13,000 technology job vacancies every year.

 

Finally, the Glasgow Guarantee – which has placed over 9,000 young people into employment over the past decade – will be reviewed with a view to expanding its reach beyond solely supporting young people.  Some of the changes proposed include a wage subsidy for Glasgow residents furthest from labour market on recognised employability programmes; support of apprenticeship costs of up to 50%; promoting apprenticeship opportunities to care leavers and those with disabilities up to age of 29; and a training fund of up to £1,000 where participants can gain relevant and recognised qualifications.