The Glasgow east end could receive a brand new commercial property, which will not only create jobs in the city, but also house international athletes during the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014, if plans are accepted by Glasgow Council.
The £44 million development, which will be built next to the National Indoor Sports Arena, will include a 160 bedroom hotel owned by Dutch chain The Golden Tulip. The hotel will be important during the Commonwealth Games as it will house athletes and the media, along with spectators, during the summer of 2014.
As well as the hotel, the development will also include a restaurant and retail commercial properties, which will create around 400 jobs for local people. Speaking of the plans, Kevin Fawcett, a developer stated: “This development is an essential component of the regeneration of the area already being achieved by Glasgow City Council and Clyde Gateway, and will make a real difference to Glasgow’s east end and most importantly those who live there.”
The plans have been put forward to the council and a decision is set to be made by July of this year. However, the plans are in line with the Scottish Government’s ‘A Games Legacy for Scotland’, with two aims in particular, sustainability and flourishing. The aims state: “Helping to create a regenerated, well-designed and sustainable community in the East End of Glasgow,” and “A Flourishing Scotland – maximising the opportunities the Games present to strengthen Scottish businesses, to provide pathways to employment and volunteering, and to enhance Scotland’s international profile as a tourism and events destination.”
Similar to the Olympic legacy, the Games Legacy plan to offer lasting positive impacts well beyond the games themselves and give the local economy and tourism a much needed boost.
Speaking of the legacy, Lord Howell, Foreign and Commonwealth Office minister, said: “I have been hugely impressed by the vision and ambition of Glasgow City Council and the organising company to deliver a world-class Commonwealth Games in 2014.
“What is even more important is the lasting economic legacy that this event will deliver. It will raise the profile of Scotland and the UK in the Commonwealth and lead to significant trade opportunities for businesses in Scotland and throughout the Commonwealth.”
Do you think the council should accept the commercial property development plans? Or do you think the city has enough developments planned as part of the Games Legacy?
