A major regeneration project in Glasgow's former industrial heartland is set to create new jobs and breathe life into derelict land, thanks to a £3.5 million funding boost announced by First Minister John Swinney.

The funding will be directed to urban regeneration company Clyde Gateway to support the ongoing redevelopment of the former Shawfield Chemical Works site. The aim is to transform the area into a centre for high-value manufacturing, contributing to a wider vision of converting land the size of 130 football pitches across Rutherglen and the East End of Glasgow into vibrant communities with homes, hotels and commercial premises.

-- Advertisement --

The First Minister announced the investment ahead of his visit to Innovation Shawfield, another key Clyde Gateway project. The site features Scotland’s first renewable district heating and cooling system of its kind, which is set to power one of the UK’s largest office parks. The innovative system draws energy from solar power and heat pumps, and has already received £660,000 in Scottish Government support.

The First Minister 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 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.

"I want to see these benefits continue to spread across Scotland and this financial year we are providing £62.15 million towards regeneration projects that will revitalise town centres, derelict sites and green spaces."