West Dunbartonshire Council leader, Martin Rooney, along with leaders of local authorities and representatives from the UK and Scottish Governments, came together to commemorate a decade of the Glasgow City Region City Deal. This celebration reflected on the accomplishments made through the £1.13 billion in funding over the past 10 years.
During the event, the progress of a £44 million project for the development of an A82 relief road was highlighted. The project involves transforming the former Exxon site at Bowling into a mixed-use development comprising storage, distribution, industrial, business, and office spaces. Additionally, road improvements, including a 1.95km relief road through West Dunbartonshire, will be implemented to enhance connectivity to the site.
Out of the 150-acre site, 47 acres are designated for development, with plans for green network enhancements such as a waterfront pedestrian and cycle path. Moreover, a heritage area surrounding the listed structure Dunglass Castle has been identified. The project is set to create up to 980 full-time jobs, along with 660 jobs during the construction phase.
Councillor Rooney expressed his satisfaction with the progress at the former Exxon site, emphasizing the collaborative effort between West Dunbartonshire Council and the Glasgow City Region to enhance infrastructure in the area and attract new developments. Investment Minister Tom Arthur praised the Glasgow City Region Deal for driving substantial investment in Greater Glasgow, resulting in new job opportunities, businesses, and infrastructure projects.
Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, commended the thriving projects in the Glasgow City Region for fostering economic growth, facilitating housing and commercial developments, and advancing technology. The Glasgow City Region Deal, signed in 2014, has brought about significant benefits, with contributions from both the UK and Scottish governments, as well as the local councils.
Employability programs under the City Deal have supported nearly 14,000 individuals in securing employment. The City Deal has also catalyzed over £880 million in follow-on investments since 2014 for new developments. Moreover, additional external funding of £65 million has been attracted for City Deal projects, creating business opportunities and securing employment for the local community.
In conclusion, the Glasgow City Region City Deal has been instrumental in driving economic prosperity, infrastructure development, and job creation across the region, marking a decade of successful collaboration and progress.
Summary:
The celebration of the Glasgow City Region City Deal’s accomplishments over the past decade, including the progress of the £44 million A82 relief road project, signifies a significant milestone in driving economic growth, infrastructure development, and job creation in the region. The collaborative efforts between various stakeholders have led to substantial investments, new job opportunities, and improvements in connectivity and infrastructure, fostering a promising future for Greater Glasgow.