The Glasgow City Deal will be crucial in unlocking areas of growth and investing in infrastructure, said experts at EG’s latest Question Time debate.
But there were differing opinions on what sort of infrastructure the money should be spent on.
Bruce Patrick, director of UK development, Savills, said infrastructure was key, as long as people could see the changes.
Speaking on a panel of industry heavyweights at Glasgow’s SECC on 12 January, he said: “There are parts of the city and the conurbation that need infrastructure more than others.
“We like the idea of peripheral parts of the city core having improvements to the streetscape and infrastructure. Our hope is that the money spent on these areas is clearly seen by the public and that is about engaging with owners adjacent to the properties where money is being spent, so they can improve their properties at the same time.
“The idea of the tramlink is great and my greatest wish from that is that has some sort of impact on Paisley town centre, because that really needs a helping hand.”
Stephen Lewis, managing director at HFD Property Group, agreed but added that short-term projects would be beneficial too.
As well as streetscape, cycling was touted as one of the important areas to be investing in by Clare Kemsley, director of Hoskins Architects and Leah Hutcheon, founder of Appointedd, who said anything that could get the city moving was a good thing.
“Glasgow is way behind cities like Bristol and London in safe cycle routes, and I think that would be particularly welcome,” Kemsley added.
For Paul Curran, managing director of Quartermile and chairman of the Scottish Property Federation, the airport was “absolutely key” but he didn’t think cycling should be a priority.
“You’re looking at international investment and buyers from international funds in the office investment. You have to do these major projects to really show what is being invested in and the benefits of coming and investing in Glasgow. I maybe disagree slightly with cycleways – what are they adding to economic development?
“Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are growing and compared to the connectivity of Manchester airport, it is night and day. For me it’s a starter for 10.”
The money was being spent as per extensive consultation, said Richard Brown, executive director of development and regeneration services Glasgow City Council. He added that affordable housing and improving the Victorian drainage systems were both areas earmarked for investment.
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