SWG3 has today announced the part-funding of its ambitious renovation masterplan - which will see a multi-million pound cash injection - to improve the venue and greater Clydeside area.
The venue has been granted £1.85million, which will specifically fund delivery of the first stage of the development which is the enabling and infrastructure works to enhance visitor experience.
The renovations will improve lighting and add more public artworks, creating Scotland's first 'street art district'.
I'll also link SWG3 to a new community garden and growing space.
But that's not all - the ambitious plans will see a whole new world built down by the Clydeside.
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The total development cost of the Masterplan project is £6.3 million, which will come from a combination of private and public sector investments.
The broader plans include a roof-top restaurant and sculpture garden, creative industry work spaces, community garden and growing space and Scotland’s first Street Art Hub.
Once complete, the Masterplan will contribute significantly to the regeneration of the River Clyde and the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District.
Works have already commenced on site, with excavation currently underway at the rear of the SWG3 grounds. Completion of this phase of the construction project is expected late summer 2021.
Funding has been granted by Clyde Mission, a Scottish Government initiative in partnership with Glasgow City Council and other local authorities who border the Clyde, as well as a range of other organisations in the public and private sectors, which aims to use the river as a focus to bring sustainable and inclusive economic growth to Glasgow, the city region and Scotland.
Andrew Fleming Brown, Founder of SWG3, commented, “We are hugely grateful to Clyde Mission for this grant. The funding is crucial in enabling us to begin work on the delivery of our masterplan; a plan designed to expand and transform SWG3 into a greener, year-round cultural destination, and to better connect us with communities surrounding the complex.
He added, “The Masterplan has been three years in the making with Stallan-Brand architects, so it feels really good to finally be on site with contractors. We are very excited to get started on this project and to be in a position to bring our vision to life.”
Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop commented, “The Clyde Mission's purpose is to use the river to drive sustainable and inclusive growth for the city, the region and Scotland. SWG3’s Masterplan is a shining example of urban regeneration. It is ambitious, thoughtful and innovative and I am pleased we are able to support such an exciting project.”
Andrew Mickel, Director of SWG3, added, “There has been significant effort to revitalise the River Clyde in recent years and re-establish it as the beating heart of the city. This new funding will really help us to level-up, upgrading one of the city’s most popular venues and transforming it into a truly world-class cultural destination for Scotland.”
