The £¼ billion worth of work ranges from the speculative build of a new office development on the banks of the Clyde and the first phase of the Athletes Village for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, to the construction of a major business park with direct motorway network links and the rebuilding of a key railway station giving direct access to the city’s urban and suburban network, and only minutes from Glasgow city centre.
Clyde Gateway chairman Neil McDonald said: "The regeneration of the East End has only just begun and all of our partners are committed to the long-term nature of the project over a 20-year period. However, this incredible amount of activity in the current year, made even more remarkable by the fact that we are all caught up in a severe recession, is a sure-fire sign that many success stories are on their way. The message is that there has never been a better time for investors, developers and entrepreneurs to come and be part the exciting story that is happening here and now.
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He added: "There is no doubt that 2013 is a pivotal year for us as we edge ever closer to the Commonwealth Games, in just over 18 months time. Over the first four years of our existence, Clyde Gateway itself has spent £80m on providing a long-term and sustainable transformation. In addition, the two local councils in Glasgow and South Lanarkshire have also been investing heavily in the area and our combined efforts are now delivering substantial economic benefits - with more than 700 permanent jobs locating in the new offices, trade and business parks that have been built as well as those associated with the world-class Emirates Arena.
"It's also encouraging to have private sector partners in MEPC and SCOT Sheridan at Clyde Gateway East Business Park, and heartening that the first tenant to move in was an engineering and manufacturing company. The East End of Glasgow was always known for making things, and it’s good to see that returning. We are looking to bring in investors in all sectors."
MEPC chief executive Rick de Blaby said: "Clyde Gateway East is a important strategic acquisition for us where we hope to replicate and deliver the modern Hillington Park, a highly successful business estate we own in the west of Glasgow. The infrastructure that Clyde Gateway has committed to these particular areas of Glasgow and South Lanarkshire is enormous and we have been happy to invest alongside that. Indeed we would like to be in a position to extend that investment."
(GK)
