The chief executive of Clyde Gateway, Scotland’s largest urban regeneration company, has retired from his role after almost 15 years at the top.
Since its inception in 2008, Ian Manson’s leadership has seen the areas of Dalmarnock, Rutherglen, Shawfield and Bridgeton transformed, with more than £1.5bn of investment from the public and private sectors.
Around 7,000 jobs have been attracted to the area and more than 3,500 new homes have been built, with thousands more fully refurbished by community-based housing associations.
This helped to create a legacy for the Commonwealth Games in 2014, as the Athletes Village for the games and a number of sporting venues - and new leisure destinations - are based in Clyde Gateway. The Emirates Arena helped to attract businesses such as the recently-opened Topgolf.
A key target of Clyde Gateway was to bring derelict and often contaminated land back into productive use. Now, more than 680 acres of land have been developed for both commercial and residential space.
Other key milestones included the construction of Clyde Gateway East and Rutherglen Links business parks.
Brought up in Argyle and Clackmannanshire, Manson previously worked in the regeneration of inner city Birmingham, before taking on senior roles for Glasgow City Council.
Martin McKay, former executive director of regeneration at Clyde Gateway, has been appointed the new chief executive and will take over immediately after Manson’s retirement.
“I am immensely proud of what Clyde Gateway has achieved since 2008 - it was important for me personally that the people living and working in Dalmarnock, Rutherglen and Bridgeton could be part of the success of their area,“ Manson said.
“We have achieved so much, often against the odds, but there is more to do to complete the physical regeneration and to help local people improve their incomes, gain more skills and achieve long-lasting health.
“This talented team, under the stewardship of Martin McKay, will no doubt continue to make Clyde Gateway a huge success story and an enviable place to live and work.”
Alison Thewliss, chair of Clyde Gateway, said: “We often hear of people returning to the area after many years and not believing the transformation that has taken place and also from local people whose families have benefitted from our work.
“We can now build on Ian’s legacy by focusing on the huge opportunities for the community arising out of net zero, green jobs and skills, whilst cementing our position as Scotland’s first Green Regeneration Innovation District.”
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