Michael Kelly: Why Glasgow doesn’t own the future

Developments such as the Riverside Museum is one permanent example of a significant £1bn investment in Glasgow since 2000. Picture: Contributed

Planning constraints, the conservation lobby and reduced economic status mitigate against my home city’s resurgence, admits Michael Kelly

Glasgow City Centre is the single largest location of economic activity in Scotland. It generates 34 per cent of Glasgow’s GDP, is home to 28,000 people and hosts 100,000 commuters every working day. Earlier this week city managers presented two consecutive five-year plans to partners in the public and private sectors, to ensure that, among other things, the city maintained its place as the UK’s most important retail location outside London.

The presentation is not short of a certain vision. In 50 years’ time its aspiration is that Glasgow is among the top ten European city centres for international business and visitors. It is not short on the “how” either. It proposes more than 50 action points to achieve the next five-year plan. As proof that these plans are grounded in reality, the council points to the success and progress made since 2000. More than £1 billion has been invested in the city. It has seen the redevelopment of the Merchant City, the emergence of fresh, interesting buildings such as the Hydro and those which now house the BBC and STV, the development of the Science Centre and the expansion of museums and galleries.

Within the context of the UK and compared with where Glasgow was in the 1970s there has been significant progress. The city is cleaner, safer. The visitor industry has grown. Public infrastructure has improved. Private investment has continued. International sporting events are being attracted.