A conference in Glasgow has celebrated the innovation and investment helping to unlock a new future for Scotland’s towns.
The Scottish Government’s business minister and the leader of Glasgow City Council were among the speakers at the Scotland’s Towns Conference.
More than 300 attendees were at the event – held at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre – organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) and supported by the city council.
Speaking after his address, Richard Lochhead, the Scottish Government minister for business, said, “Town centres play a vital role in the everyday lives of people across Scotland. They are central to our social, economic and environmental wellbeing and are uniquely placed to help tackle inequality, drive sustainable growth and strengthen local services.
“With up to £62 million of regeneration investment continuing into next year we’re backing projects that are already transforming towns across the country. By supporting innovation and strong local partnerships we can reimagine and revitalise our town centres of the future.”
The conference was held as Glasgow celebrates its 850th anniversary year.
Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, added, “Scotland’s towns and cities have undergone a period of profound change in recent years. So, these conversations about adding momentum to their renewal and unlocking their potential couldn’t be better timed.
“Our partnerships across politics, business, academia and civil society have a strong record in delivering for people and place. In coming together, we can rethink and reshape our town and city centres – helping find new purposes, attract new economies and build resilient and prosperous futures for these cherished places. I’m delighted to have been asked to contribute to these discussions.”
Ahead of the main conference business, visitors had the chance to take part in a tour of the Merchant City – led by Glasgow City Heritage Trust – to see how the area’s architectural heritage has been embraced to fuel regeneration. They also heard how neighbourhoods including Shawlands, Govan, and the Barras are being reimagined.
People and projects from across Scotland showcased new thinking, creative collaboration, and innovative financial models for regeneration, discussed resilient and liveable neighbourhoods, as well as future-proofing sustainable places.
Among those represented were the Scottish National Investment Bank, Historic Environment Scotland, Zero Waste Scotland, the Scottish Property Federation, and Renfrewshire Council.
STP is the voice of Scotland’s towns and places, highlighting their economic importance and evolution. Chief officer Kimberley Guthrie hopes the models of investment and community action highlighted will give communities and organisations ideas on which they can act.
She said, “Localism will be at the heart of a stronger, more sustainable Scotland. This conference highlights the significant tools available to unlock the potential which exists to make every community better.
“What’s been reinforced today is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all model when it comes to regeneration – and no single sector has all of the answers. Every place is unique and different models will suit different places. But it is only through acting innovatively and collaboratively that real change will be delivered.
“Glasgow itself is a fantastic example of how investment in reimagined regeneration, creative collaboration and resilient neighbourhoods can future-proof places. The way in which it has embraced Scotland Loves Local Gift Card to lock money into the city has driven millions of pounds into the economy.”
The conference was hosted by broadcaster and journalist Rona Dougall. The day also featured a live demonstration of the updated Understanding Scottish Places website as new research revealed the number of towns across Scotland has risen by 30 in 11 years, taking the total to 509.
