MORE than 300 new jobs have been created by the arrival of Topgolf Glasgow in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire.
The business, which opened late last year, offers high-tech golf games, food and drink, and entertainment. Events spaces and meeting rooms are also available.
Once developer Ashfield Land announced Topgolf was coming to Rutherglen, local partners came together to support the company to ensure the project would deliver jobs and opportunities for local people and suppliers. The group consisting of Topgolf, Clyde Gateway, South Lanarkshire Council, Skills Development Scotland, Routes to Work South and Job Centre Plus worked during the months leading up to the opening of the facility to ensure a successful result.
Of the new jobs, a number have been ring-fenced for people aged 16-17 to help tackle youth unemployment in the area. Since launching, the partnership has engaged with over 100 people out of work in South Lanarkshire.
A key part of the remit was to ensure local suppliers were identified and supported as much as possible, with 30 local businesses attending a ‘meet the buyer’ event.
Topgolf was delivered by Luddon Construction. Will Rudd Davidson provided core civil and structural services.
Niki Spence, head of sustainable communities at Clyde Gateway, explained, “Clyde Gateway and partners have been working hard to secure local jobs at Topgolf and we are so excited to see the venue now up and running, providing recreation and job opportunities for local people in Rutherglen and further afield. We are delighted that so many Rutherglen and Clyde Gateway residents have gained employment with such a fantastic international company and look forward to continuing our partnership with Topgolf for years to come.”
Simon Green, director of operations at Topgolf Glasgow, added, “Topgolf is Glasgow’s premier entertainment venue, and we have a brilliant team made up primarily of local people. We are proud that we have created over 300 jobs and are working with a number of local suppliers to support the local economy.”
Alastair Gillen, growth and inward investment manager at Skills Development Scotland, commented, “Working with Clyde Gateway and partners, Skills Development Scotland have supported Topgolf in engaging and benefitting from a wide range of skills support across the region aligned to the company’s needs. This has resulted in developing relationships with schools, skills specialists and apprenticeship providers that will ensure high quality training opportunities for Topgolf’s current and future workforce.”
Stephen Barr, chief executive at Routes to Work South, said, “Topgolf brought a wide range of opportunities to the local area and it was a pleasure to support them with their recruitment. It has been fantastic to see so many of our clients secure employment as a result of the partnership.”
