by Macdonald Estates Regenerative Property Development
initiated and brought to fruition
“Stimulating regenerative development in challenging times is crucial in reviving and rebuilding our Scottish economy. The Gallowgate project is exemplar in that it shows how, if the entrepreneurial thrust of the private sector is brought together properly with public sector ability to grab the opportunity to make regenerative projects happen quickly, an outcome of great significance can come to fruition.
Through a policy which sees, prior to planning application, public engagement as the key to forming the structure of just what is needed and what is acceptable within the community, we can see how property development can be directed to dramatically improve impoverished land, bring focus to abandoned infrastructure, create quality new buildings within a desolate environment and create jobs.
We saw the opportunity to create a new development at Gallowgate, approached Glasgow City Council with the idea to develop a new retail centre on land though zoned for high density housing, had been cast into oblivion by the economic and property crash.
An immediate change of planning designation from residential to commercial including retail was met by Council officers very positively - ‘Just what the area needs’.
After six months of design work, engagement with the local community, analysis of what might be best for the area, we signed off Morrison Supermarkets to take a lease of a new concept foodstore of 50,000sqft. The project immediately spawned among the people of the Calton area of Glasgow’s East End, aspirations of jobs and a vastly improved environment in an area with more than its share of derelict property and land. It was, too, a facility that was previously absent from the area.
The lease to Morrisons gave us the ability to fund the development, subject to planning consent and other legislative requirements. Working with the City Council and backed by the local community, and of course Wm Morrison Supermarkets, a planning consent was delivered within 15 weeks of the application being made.
Special attention was paid to the architectural design of the building and the result will soon be seen in Glasgow’s Gallowgate when opening to the public takes place in January 2012.
The positive impact of the project will be felt throughout the East End of Glasgow and it will assist in stimulating the economic, physical and social regeneration of the area.
Macdonald Estates initiated, funded and will now, next month, complete this project. It is an example of the new approach that is required within our country to ensure the continuity of development in a property sector which has been devastated by illiquidity and lack of demand. An industry judged sometimes these days as “without purpose”.
The project will generate 280 jobs and is testimony to the fact that we will continue as a nation to create and generate development, jobs and wealth, no matter how difficult a downturn we face.”
Dan Macdonald, Chief Executive
For further information on the Gallowgate project or any of our previously completed and current projects, please visit our website at
www.macdonaldestates.co.uk
Macdonald Estates plc: 112 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4LH
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