£1bn to turn Clyde fortunes

The project aims to revitalise the Clyde

A £1bn plan to build new offices, homes and leisure facilities along derelict parts of the River Clyde has been unveiled by Glasgow City Council.

Overall, nearly 80 different projects are planned to make the waterfront an economic force in the city once again.

Transport vision

Waterbuses on the river

Trams running along the north bank

Bridges linking communities north and south of the river

Many miles of disused land now litter the river where shipbuilding and its related industries once stood.

Councillor Charlie Gordon, leader of Glasgow Council, said: "I have always said that one of my key objectives is to see the River Clyde come alive again.

"The Clyde is now being reborn. Projects for the river currently total £1bn.

"New communities are being created, including the new Oatlands community which recently received the go-ahead from the council.

Harbour project

"More needs to be done, however, to reconnect Glasgow and Glaswegians to the Clyde.

"The city council plays a key role by encouraging the regeneration of the Clyde so that once again it becomes a centre for enterprise and also living and playing.

Councillor Charlie Gordon: Glasgow City Council leader

"This is Glasgow's river and everyone in Glasgow has a stake in it."

Some of the first projects have already been completed, including the science centre and millennium tower.

The council has also given the go-ahead to a new community of 1,250 houses near the Gorbals.

Other private sector developments like Clydeport's two mile long harbour project will create more houses, business districts and shopping and leisure areas.

The proposed and planned investments include;

• £500m on the Glasgow harbour project which will create 3,500 jobs

• £300m on establishing an international financial service district with the hope of creating 20,000 jobs over ten years

• £100m on the Oatlands project

• £15m on the second phase of Pacific Quay business park

• and £14m to develop Glasgow Green.

And in all, it is hoped that some 3,750 new homes will be created.