WORK is complete on a new £9 million creative business hub for Clyde Gateway in Glasgow’s east end, which has resulted in the transformation of a Victorian industrial building.
EastWorks in Dalmarnock provides over 30,000 sq ft of modern office space. Funded by The Scottish Government’s Regional Capital Grant Fund, the project has breathed new life into a former gas purifier shed which dates back to 1843.
Work to create flexible offices and studio accommodation was delivered by main contractor Clark Contracts and supported around 70 jobs during construction.
The structure is described as having been ‘sympathetically preserved’, with the protective coatings on the cast iron and brickwork conserved. A new roof has been added.
Clyde Gateway worked with INCH Architects and Sheppard Robson to create five units of office space over ground and mezzanine levels with showers and changing facilities, locker storage and break-out spaces, together with cycle and car parking, EV car charging points, bike racks and landscaping. When fully occupied, EastWorks has the capacity to support up to 300 jobs.
EastWorks is the first commercial building to be connected to Clyde Gateway’s District Heating Network. The building has also been accredited with an EPC ‘A’ rating.
Martin McKay, chief executive at Clyde Gateway, said, “The former purifier shed dates to 1843 so it’s a privilege to bring this historically important building back to life. We are already seeing high interest levels from businesses, attracted by this modern and flexible approach to suit the changing demands of office space post-Covid.
“Not only is it conveniently placed beside Dalmarnock Station, but businesses will also benefit from being connected to the District Heating Network, providing heating and hot water in a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective way.”
Michael Scanlan, director at Clark Contracts, added, “It has been fantastic to continue our relationship with Clyde Gateway to deliver this major refurbishment project, which makes a huge contribution towards the overall regeneration of Dalmarnock. We have enjoyed working with Clyde Gateway and the design team, as well as supporting the local economy through the creation of jobs and support for local businesses.”
Stacey Phillips, partner at Sheppard Robson, commented, “The gas purifier shed was a joy to work with and – with its openness and expansive volumes – naturally lent itself to be reimagined as a vibrant, contemporary workplace. We felt a responsibility to not only judiciously repair the wonderful original building but also to use modern, strident design interventions to clearly articulate the future possibilities of the building.”
