So, what does Glasgow do well?
It’s particularly pleasing to know that Glasgow stands out in our Inclusive Cities barometer. It was earmarked as one of the top cities across Europe for its spatial inclusiveness. This is a product of many elements but one particular driver is its transportation network, connecting people across disparate locales to the many areas of work and employment across the city.
The Glasgow subway, known locally as ‘The Clockwork Orange’, is actually the third oldest underground metro system in the world – behind London and Budapest, in case you’re wondering, so it’s good to note those cities are in good company. The metro covers a good portion of the city and allows efficient travel across the city. This translates to shorter commuting times and affordable transportation options, supported by a SmartZone ticketing system. Also incorporating a substantial train network anchored by Central and Queen Street, and similarly strong bus connectivity, Glasgow’s plans for a reshaped transport strategy External Link, that focuses not only on reducing carbon emissions but on tackling inequalities, has been improved as of early 2024.
The city has in recent years made significant improvements to its urban attractiveness as a result of improving its built environment – although, as ever there is plenty of work to be done. However, the city’s hosting of COP26 helped focus the mind for stakeholders across the city of the need for improving its built environment.
The city remains relatively affordable for residents, with a comparatively low ‘property price to income’ ratio relative to other major European cities. The city also has strong leadership in this area, with The Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) External Link setting out development priorities and resources available for investment over the next five years. This will include contribution towards housing supply targets, increasing the number of larger affordable homes, delivery of readily adaptable, accessible housing options and prioritizing low and zero carbon homes. As part of its housing strategy, 7,500 affordable homes were announced for construction in advance of 2029, with 80% of this designated social housing.
The city’s strong education and cultural offering continues to be a major attractor, with higher education bolstered by university subsidies across Scotland. Despite its attractiveness, what has been quite steady population growth means that there is comparatively limited pressure on infrastructure.
What can Glasgow do better?
Leadership of the city has long been progressive in particular with regards to championing Universal Basic Income External Link, focusing on alleviation of poverty – although if there is to ever be movement on this, it’s likely to be at least Scotland-wide, if not a wider national push. There is a need for continued focus on better private-public collaboration in order to further improve urban attractiveness to address obsolescence, particularly across the city centre. The city has a large supply of now obsolete high street retail and Grade B/C office accommodation in particular, with a clear requirement for more city centre living – combining the 2 challenges may comprise multiple near-term obstacles, but ultimately extensive opportunity for betterment of the city centre, particularly against the backdrop of Glasgow’s ambitious target to double the city centre population to 40,000 by 2035.
Strong demand for residential property is epitomized by the considerable growth in student numbers in Glasgow which is unsurprisingly driving a need for more purpose built student accommodation (PBSA). Our recent UK Student Accommodation Report reveals that in the last three years, Glasgow’s student population has risen by 12,220, second only to London in growth terms. However, there is now a significant imbalance between existing supply and upcoming demand. Glasgow City Council have stated their support for the creation of new, quality PBSA in locations offering access to the Universities and Colleges by public and active transport, with access to local amenities and with the potential to contribute to local regeneration.
