IT will bring millions of pounds to Glasgow but the decision to hold the 2014 Commonwealth Games in the East End raised more than a few eyebrows. It was not universally welcomed at first - critics claimed the money would be better spent improving living conditions in the area.
IT will bring millions of pounds to Glasgow but the decision to hold the 2014 Commonwealth Games in the East End raised more than a few eyebrows. It was not universally welcomed at first - critics claimed the money would be better spent improving living conditions in the area.
But as details of how the East End will benefit have been revealed there has been growing acceptance that the Games should be a catalyst for massive change.
Auchenshuggle still a name to savourTHE development taking place in the East End is ensuring a future for Glasgow's most quaint place name.Auchenshuggle's main claim to fame was always as a transport depot - the name emblazoned on the front of trams and buses for decades. For years the No 9 tram - operated by Glasgow Corporation - travelled between there to Dalmuir West. In September 1962 the city's final tram service ran between Auchenshuggle - it is Gaelic for "rye field" - and Anderston Cross and special souvenir tickets were sold. The newly-announced business park will sit beside Auchenshuggle Woods, a nature reserve with a protected species of orchid. And the new bridge being built to span the Clyde will be called Auchenshuggle Bridge. |
Along with the regeneration work being done by Clyde Gateway and bodies like Glasgow East Regeneration Agency, the Games will dramatically alter the local landscape.
And the M74 extension and East End Regeneration Route will transform transport links.
Dalmarnock and Parkhead will reap many of the benefits of the Commonwealth Games.
The 6500 athletes due to compete will be housed in a specially created village being built close to the site of the old Dalmarnock Power Station.
When the Games are over the 1000 housing units will become a new, part social/part private, housing estate.
Just across from Celtic Park a national indoor sports arena and cycling circuit will be created.
A 50-metre swimming pool will be built in Tollcross Park - after the Games it will be used by the community as well as for training elite athletes.
At Glasgow Green there will be two international size hockey pitches built.
The Games budget is currently £373million and - if history is anything to go by - that figure will certainly rise.
A city council spokesman said: "The village will be a huge change. A new hotel and office complex will also be built on that site.
"We want a lasting legacy."
The improvement of Dalmarnock Station - which many athletes will use to travel to and from the city - is also being looked at.
Ian Manson, chief executive of regeneration agency Clyde Gateway, is confident the Games will bring major economic benefits.
His agency has a 25-year remit to turn around the East End and today he announced the purchase of a 30-acre site at Auchenshuggle which will become a business park.
He said: "We are determined that local people will see direct benefit - not just through jobs but also from environmental improvements.
"The area will change utterly, the M74 will dominate in terms of a brand new bridge going across the river at Braidfauld. It will be the only Clyde crossing as part of the new M74 extension."
His organisation has, he said, made a good start and he has been delighted with the support from local people.
He added: "They know it's going to be a long and difficult job to turn round some of the areas but we have been delighted to find that we've got their full support.
"They are excited about what's happening and they believe that this time the area will change."
In Bridgeton, Clyde Gateway has plans to refurbish the famous Bridgeton Umbrella and to reopen the historic Olympia Cinema.
Mr Manson said: "Bridgeton Cross is a fantastic location. It's got lots of history and lots of stories to tell about its past.
"We think it's about time it was upgraded.
"The Olympia Cinema has been neglected for many years and we want to make that an important building again."
 With plans for a new multi-million pound sports stadium, a velodrome, an Olympic-standard swimming pool and the huge athletes' village, all above, the East End is looking forward to a bright future |  |  |  | |
Water bosses promise action to get rid of sewage works smell
COMPETITORS at the 2014 Commonwealth Games will be guaranteed a warm welcome by Glaswegians.
But they may be less enamoured by one feature of the East End - the pong from the Dalmarnock Sewage Works.
The plant is at Shore Street, only yards from the planned athletes' village site, and locals have complained about the stench for decades.
Now Scottish Water has confirmed it is taking steps to try to eradicate the smell.
Its officials have held talks with the Scottish Government-run Scottish Odour Steering Group.
It has promised investment in its 2010-2014 budget plan and has started a comprehensive survey of the problem, particularly during the summer months.
Gerry McAllister, Scottish Water's technical liaison manager for Glasgow, said: "We are committed to improving services from the Dalmarnock plant for residents, the Clyde Gateway and the 2014 Games"
