Clyde Gateway Welcomes £3.5 Million Investment to Drive Next Phase of Regeneration

Clyde Gateway has today welcomed a £3.5 million investment from the Scottish Government to accelerate the transformation of Glasgow’s East End and Rutherglen, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of our new 10-year masterplan.

The funding, announced by First Minister John Swinney during a visit to Innovation Shawfield, will support the continued redevelopment of the former Shawfield Chemical Works site into a thriving hub for high-value manufacturing businesses. This initiative is part of Clyde Gateway’s ambitious vision to revitalise an area equivalent in size to 130 football pitches, creating new homes, hotels, and business premises.

The First Minister also marked the official completion of Scotland’s first 5th generation district heating and cooling (5GDHC) system at Innovation Shawfield, part of the pioneering D2Grids project—a European initiative focused on developing ultra-efficient, low-carbon energy networks for urban areas.

Unlike traditional heating systems, 5GDHC networks operate at near-ambient temperatures and use a decentralised, demand-driven model. This allows buildings to both extract and inject heat depending on their needs, significantly improving energy efficiency. The system at Shawfield is powered by renewable sources including solar energy and heat pumps, and is designed to reduce emissions while providing affordable, sustainable energy to local businesses.

First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney said:

“Regenerating our industrial heartlands of the 20th century is an integral part of transforming Scotland’s economy in the 21st.

Clyde Gateway is a shining example of what can be achieved. Its ambition is creating jobs, improving communities and tackling poverty.

I am delighted to announce this funding to help it continue that work and to see this innovative project which will provide affordable green energy to businesses.”

Martin Joyce, Executive Director for Regeneration at Clyde Gateway, added:

“This £3.5 million investment will accelerate our efforts to transform the East End of Glasgow and Rutherglen. Working alongside the Scottish Government and other key partners, we have already remediated nearly 750 acres of contaminated land, supported the creation of over 8,000 jobs, and delivered 4,000 much-needed new homes, helping to build vibrant communities where people can live, work, and play.

The transformation of Clyde Gateway over the past decade demonstrates the value of long-term, adaptable regeneration in meeting the evolving needs of local people. While we are proud of what’s been achieved, there is still more to do. We are excited to continue this journey and deliver lasting change across our communities. This funding plays a vital role in driving that progress forward.”

Clyde Gateway’s regeneration efforts are central to Scotland’s wider economic transformation, with the First Minister highlighting the importance of revitalising former industrial heartlands to create inclusive growth and tackle poverty.