GLASGOW City Council has launched a £30 billion portfolio of investment projects designed to aid the city’s ambition of becoming net zero by 2030.
The ‘greenprint’ includes the creation of a Glasgow metro which would service both the city and wider region, as well as the construction of a ‘cap’ over a major interchange of the M8 at Charing Cross to bring a new public realm over the motorway.
The local authority said that it is hoped the £30 billion greenprint attracts external investment, stimulates economic activity and creates new jobs and business opportunities in the city.
The plan also details increasing woodland in the Glasgow region by 3%; a £10 billion programme to upgrade the insulation of all homes in the region; the kickstart of a Glasgow district heating network; making the Glasgow City Innovation District 100% climate neutral and climate resilient; opportunities at Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland; an expansion of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC); creation of a new location for fashion production in the UK; and investment opportunities in the Clyde Gateway – including commercial, residential and hotels.
Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said, “Glasgow is ready to meet the challenges of the climate emergency head on, addressing long-standing social, economic and environmental challenges around fuel poverty, poor connectivity and community blight whilst meeting our climate targets. Our net zero future is about safer communities, warm and efficient homes, sustainable jobs and a prosperous economy. Transition has to be about the social and economic well-being of Glasgow and its people.
“This will require levels of investment never seen before in local government and adaptation plans which will be vital in delivering a modern, resilient and inclusive city economy. A core element of Glasgow’s Green Deal our ‘Greenprint’ brings together transformational, investable and shovel-ready projects. From an entire new transport system better connecting citizens to opportunities, generating renewable energy from the River Clyde and upgrading hundreds of thousands of homes across our city region, the Greenprint projects will deliver the infrastructure necessary for a low carbon, climate-resilient future.
“All cities face huge change. Glasgow’s challenges are typical of those of so many of our global peers. As cities rebuild to decarbonise, we can be the demonstrator in shaping those solutions. The success of COP26 will be measured by how cities can take the practical steps necessary to secure the future of our planet. Our Greenprint provides a major part of our roadmap to doing just that.”
