Projects
Lead Partner: Merchant City Initiative / Glasgow City Council.
Other Partners: Scottish Enterprise Glasgow; Heritage Lottery Fund.
Project Team: Merchant City Initiative (Client); Rock DCM (Coordinator); U3 (Contractor); Helform (Contractor); DB Advertising
Website: www.glasgowmerchantcity.net/tradeinto.htm
Project HistoryClick an image to enlarge
Location:
Glasgow City Centre, Merchant City
Description:
This project involved the refurbishment of more than 40 previously vacant and often run-down council-owned shop units in the Merchant City and Glasgow Cross areas.
The shops were comprehensively refurbished. Work included structural refurbishment such as rot repairs as well as cosmetic works which included the removal of suspended ceilings and repairs to historic features such as cornicing.
Some of the units also had unsightly 1970's style shop fronts replaced. With grants from the Townscape Heritage initiative, shopfronts were replaced with more traditional fronts, in-keeping with the original historic style.
The units were then marketed to niche, creative businesses by the council. It is estimated that over 5000m² of new floorspace has been created with around 50 new jobs in 20 new businesses.
Current status:
The initiative is ongoing. It began in 2003.
Cost:
£1.1 million