THE man in charge of breathing new life into Glasgow's East End has just one wish - that the transformation is "the best in the world".

Ian Manson, the new boss of Clyde Gateway, says the eyes of the world will be on the area when it hosts the Commonwealth Games in six years time.

But the event, he says, must showcase the changes in the East End.

Mr Manson, 48, was speaking exclusively to the Evening Times only days after being appointed to his new post at the agency which is charged with heading the regeneration process.

He is paid a six-figure salary and has vowed to create thousands of jobs for local people, help rebuild the economy and fortunes of the area and create a "wow factor".

Mr Manson, a former senior development official at Glasgow City Council, said: "I want the East End of Glasgow and South Lanarkshire to be as important as it was 100 years ago.

"It will become an economic powerhouse for Scotland again - it will just be putting back what was there before at the end of the day.

"We are aware the Government wants to grow Scotland's economy and to do that, it needs to bring all the land back into economic use.

"What we want to do is give people the chance to get back into the labour market, that's my understanding of a successful growing economy."

The Clyde Gateway area covers the East End communities of Dalmarnock, Bridgeton and Parkhead, as well as Rutherglen and Shawfield in South Lanarkshire.

Investment of around £1.6billion is expected to usher in massive change to the area, including the construction of the East End Regeneration Route as part of an extended motorway network.

Although the work will take 20 years, Mr Manson is aware the big changes will have to be made by 2014 when the Commonwealth Games are staged.

A patch of derelict land at Dalmarnock has been earmarked for the main arena, velodrome and athlete's village.

Mr Manson said: "All the sports facilities must be in place in time for the Games and I want to make a few special things happen.

"We know the eyes of the world will be on how the work is progressing.I want it to be seen as the best in the world."

He also pledged local people would see the benefits of the change, both in terms of new jobs and access to the new leisure facilities.

He said: "We will look at every penny of expenditure and ask how can local people benefit from this.

"This is a huge opportunity not only for business and the economy here, but also to attract people who want to come and make their home in this area.

"Some of the top developers in Scotland have got out of a taxi in Bridgeton Cross in recent weeks and are looking for an opportunity to invest.They are welcome but we will be no pushovers, we will demand from them high quality and community facilities and jobs for local people."

To those who questioned if it was possible to attract new housebuyers to an area known for poverty, he replied: "They will have to come and see me.

"I will take them to the parts of the East End that are really special already. People are living good lives here."

One of his priorities is to make sure the transport links are made use of and improve the area where the Commonwealth Games athletes will congregate.

He said: "I want people to come out of Dalmarnock Station and go wow' when they see the new mixed neighbourhood of shops and offices.

"Then to go down to the river and go wow' again when they see the Clyde in the East End like a green lung running through the city.

"The Clyde runs right past the area so why can't we aspire to having shops and cafes on the north bank - it will enhance Glasgow.

"My vision is to transform the economy of the area, its facilities and appearance and be the first regeneration project to truly deliver opportunities for local people."