Glasgow arts and music venue SWG3 has secured a major chunk of funding that allows it to begin work on its ambitious masterplan.
The former galvanisers yard in Eastvale Place by the Clydeside Expressway wants to create a world-class cultural destination for Scotland.
And a major step forward has come with news the complex has been granted £1.85million - more than a quarter of the total estimated cost.
The money is coming from Clyde Mission, a Scottish government-led partnership of public bodies that is looking to revitalise areas along the Clyde.
The funding will pay for the first stage of the development including improved public access to and through the SWG3 complex.
Works will also see an enhanced visitor experience through improved lighting, the addition of public artworks, and linkage to a new public garden and growing space to the rear of the complex.
Andrew Fleming Brown, founder of SWG3, said: “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.
“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 said: “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.”
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 is expected contribute significantly to the regeneration of the River Clyde and the city council-driven Glasgow Riverside Innovation District.
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
Andrew Fleming Brown
Andrew Mickel, director of SWG3, said: “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.”
Works have already commenced on site, with excavation currently under way at the rear of the SWG3 grounds.
Completion of this phase of the construction project is expected late summer 2021.
