TWO High Value Manufacturing (HVM) industrial units have been built on formerly contaminated land in South Lanarkshire.
Named Innovation Shawfield, the development was recently visited by Scottish Government investment minister Tom Arthur, who toured the commercial spaces that form the first phase of a new £500 million regeneration programme called ‘Clyde Gateway Innovation’.
Innovation Shawfield has been jointly funded by the UK Government, Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Clyde Gateway, with additional funding for further infrastructure works provided by South Lanarkshire Council.
The works are spearheaded by Clyde Gateway, which in addition to the construction of the two new units, also includes further site acquisition and remediation works as well as the treatment of contaminants from the old chemical works near the Polmadie Burn.
The site has been remediated over a number of years, transforming derelict land that had been empty for decades.
The units are built on the former J&J Whites Chemical plant, also known as Shawfield Chemical Works, which operated from 1820 to 1967 and at one point produced up to 70% of the UK’s chromate products. This activity generated significant volumes of hazardous chromium waste, which continues to be remediated by Clyde Gateway.
The two industrial units, totalling (29,000 sq. ft), received planning permission in March 2024 and have been constructed by Heron Bros. Designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ status, they are intended for High Value Manufacturing (HVM) use.
Tom Arthur MSP said, “Our significant investment in this project has helped to remove toxic chemicals from the former Shawfield Chemical Works site and transform it into a thriving hub for businesses. The completion of these works is welcome news for Glasgow and Rutherglen, creating up to 90 permanent jobs and ultimately reducing pollution in the River Clyde. To benefit people throughout Scotland, we are providing £62.15 million for regeneration projects in 2025/26. This will revitalise green spaces, town centres and derelict sites across the country.”
Martin McKay, chief executive of Clyde Gateway, added, “Remediating this land not only removes an eyesore from the local community, it will also bring jobs and economic activity well into the future. Clyde Gateway has remediated the equivalent of over 400 football pitches since our inception and this work has transformed the areas of Rutherglen, Dalmarnock and Bridgeton, with new housing, green spaces and businesses now filling what was dead space.
“With the help of funding from our partners, including the Scottish and UK Governments, we have been able to create these new spaces on time and on budget. This development forms part of our £500 million vision for Clyde Gateway that will establish the area as a hub for innovation, green jobs and advanced manufacturing, bringing new homes, hotels and employment opportunities.”
