Delegates from China yesterday were shown some of Glasgow's successful regeneration and affordable housing projects as part of the Government's UK/China Sustainable Development programme.

The group of 12 planners, engineers and economists from the cities of Nanjing and Wuhan, located on the Yangtse River in central China, arrived in Glasgow on Sunday following a two-day visit to Sheffield.

Both Glasgow and Sheffield were selected as case study cities which would inform research projects on urban regeneration planning and housing for people on low incomes, as part of this programme.

Their visit to the UK follows a similar exchange in June of this year when a number of UK officials, including representatives from Glasgow City Council, visited China's case study cities of Nanjing and Wuhan.

The Glasgow fact-finding visit will focus on two particular areas of economic sustainability: affordable housing and regeneration projects.

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Glasgow shares many similarities with the cities of Wuhan and Nanjing having suffered economic and employment problems in the past due to heavy engineering and manufacturing industries and struggled with the issues of inadequate housing for citizens. But they to are experiencing economic and physical growth and with it the pressures that expansion brings such as the need for a skilled workforce, adequate housing and infrastructure.

Their schedule included site visits to the International Financial Services District, Glasgow Harbour, new Riverside Museum, the new BBC and STV headquarters; all examples of current regeneration projects that are transforming the city’s skyline and fortunes.

The delegation also viewed some of Glasgow Housing Association's ongoing regeneration work at Shawbridge in the southside of the city and the new neighbourhood at Oatlands, a prime example of what can be achieved with public and private sector partnership working and with support and consultation with the local community.

In the evening, a civic dinner was held in their honour at the City Chambers.

Councillor George Ryan, executive member for development and regeneration, said: "There are few more vital issues that that of sustainability. It presents both our countries with challenges to overcome and I'm delighted that we are working on addressing them together.

"I hope this visit will help to strengthen our links with China and foster a range of business opportunities for firms in Glasgow."

(GK/JM)