More Than Infrastructure, Creating Lasting Social Value in Glasgow’s Cowcaddens
With the Cowcaddens Road and Dobbie’s Loan public realm improvements now complete, we’re proud to reflect not only on what has been delivered on the ground, but on the wider social value created alongside the project. The completed works have transformed this part of Glasgow, delivering improved walking, wheeling and cycling connections, enhanced public realm, segregated cycling infrastructure and green and blue infrastructure, creating a greener, safer, more accessible and better connected environment for those who live, work, study and travel through the area.
But the impact of a project should extend beyond the infrastructure itself…
Throughout delivery, the project team worked with local schools, employability partners, community organisations and education providers to create opportunities and support communities across Glasgow. This included working with Action for Children to provide work experience placements and site visits; engaging with pupils from Glasgow Gaelic School; collaborating with Glasgow Caledonian University; creating apprentice and graduate opportunities; and supporting employability activity alongside DWP and Developing the Young Workforce.
We were also delighted to support the CECA Scotland Academy, host a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teacher placement through the STEM Ambassadors in Scotland team, and provide support to local organisations including the local Men’s Shed and Glasgow City Mission.
With the project taking place during Glasgow’s 850th anniversary year, members of the team also got involved in volunteering activities helping the city celebrate this important milestone. These are just a snapshot of the organisations, initiatives and individuals we engaged with throughout the project.
Delivering social value means using the opportunity created by infrastructure investment to build skills, open doors to employment, support communities and create connections that can continue long after construction has finished. We’re proud of what the project has achieved, both in delivering an improved public realm for Glasgow and in creating positive social impact alongside it. We are pleased to have delivered this project on behalf of Glasgow City Council.
(Photos of the opening of Cowcaddens and Dobbie’s Loan, Courtesy of Glasgow City Council.)
