A Glasgow events space is set to be transformed into a year-round cultural destination under a new Scottish Government scheme.
It comes as part of the £11 million Clyde mission fund, which looks to create jobs and benefit communities along the River Clyde – forming part of the government’s economic stimulus funding to support the economic recovery from Covid-19.
The SWG3 multi-discipline arts venue is one of 12 projects which will benefit from the initiative. It will receive £1.85 million towards its plans to redevelop vacant and derelict land around the perimeter of its site into workspaces for artists and creative businesses. Plans also include a new thoroughfare which links the site to regeneration routes through Govan, Partick, Finnieston and Yorkhill.
Other successful applications for funding include a new work and education space in Dunoon, installation of a low carbon heating system to support the redevelopment of the community owned Govan Old Church, and enabling works for the development of the Scottish Marine Technology Park (SMTP) in West Dunbartonshire.
The Scottish Government’s economy secretary, Fiona Hyslop, said, “These projects will create hundreds of jobs, benefit places and communities, contribute towards achieving Scotland’s environmental ambitions and help support economic recovery. Importantly, they will capitalise on the unique opportunities and competitive advantage of the river and its immediate surroundings as we work with our partners to build a stronger, fairer, greener Clydeside.
“This is key to the Clyde mission’s goals of making the Clyde an engine of inclusive and sustainable growth for the city of Glasgow, the region and for Scotland.”
Andrew Fleming Brown, founder and director of SWG3, added, “This grant will enable us to deliver an ambitious transformation programme for the area around and leading into SWG3. From a new creative thoroughfare with public art and improved lighting on Eastvale Place, to opening up access to a new community garden and growing space, the grant will help us to dramatically improve this vibrant corner of the city for local people and visitors to discover.”
John MacSween, chief executive of the Malin Group, which is behind the Scottish Marine Technology Park development, said, “We are delighted at the support the park has received in this latest step. We are excited about the potential that the Marine Technology Park offers Scotland’s marine industry, as well as for local residents and the wider economy.
“Once complete, the SMTP will offer new, previously unimagined, roles to local residents, whilst also attracting new organisations and sustainable green work to the Clyde to create a thriving, inclusive and progressive working community.”
