Clydebank Re-built is an Urban Regeneration Company (URC), limited by guarantee and a registered charity. It was set up in 2002 by West Dunbartonshire Council and Scottish Enterprise and receives financial support from the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and West Dunbartonshire Council. The URC has one clear purpose: to help regenerate Clydebank. The Clydebank plan will guide the regeneration of the town over the next decade. It includes an investment strategy of over £235 million, targeted along the riverside and in the town centre.
On October 21, 2009 learning network members had the opportunity to see how some of the major projects are progressing and providing real benefits to the people of the local area.
Eleanor McAllister, Claire McGinley and Alan Robertson shared their experiences of the work that Clydebank Re-built has been involved with to date and where honest and frank about the challenges being faced.
Some of the main points discussed during the day include:
- compromise - its a balancing act to harness crucial investment for the area whilst ensuring this 'fits' with the overall vision
- the importance of community involvement cannot be underestimated. This requires a significant investment of time and money. Clydebank Re-built were able to ensure a thorough process due to obvious commitment and significant European funding.
- bold architecture and design approaches - the people of Clydebank, like all parts of Scotland, have the right to expect excellent quality architecture and design
- if the URC or local authority doesn't own the major land, its a huge challenge to manage to get anything developed
- success often relies on personalities who know what they would like to deliver, are willing to drive things forward and take difficult decisions
The SCR will be working with colleagues in the Scottish Government and Architecture and Design Scotland to develop a number of case studies on the URCs in Scotland, includeing Clydebank Re-built.
In the meantime, hear what members thought of the visit and join the discussion on the online forum [if you don't already have a password you'll need to register].