Ian Manson to head urban regeneration company in revitalising Clyde Gateway area ahead of 2014 Commonwealth Games
The new chief executive on Scotland's biggest-ever regeneration project has been named as Ian Manson.
Manson, who has worked extensively in UK public-sector planning and regeneration, most recently at Glasgow city council, will take over as head of the Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company with immediate effect.
The Clyde Gateway project aims to deliver 400,000m2 of business space, 21,000 jobs and 10,000 new homes over the next two decades, revitalising one of Scotland's most deprived areas. It will tie in with preparations for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which are to be based in the area.
Manson, 48, was part of the inner-city regeneration team in Birmingham in the early 80s, before leading the urban regeneration programme in Monklands, Strathclyde.
Since 1991 he has worked at Glasgow district council, with positions including head of corporate policy and senior deputy director of development and regeneration services.
Manson said: “This is a dream job, as there has never been a better time to be part of the massive and exciting changes that are going to take place in the communities of Bridgeton, Dalmarnock, Parkhead, Rutherglen and Shawfield.
“The whole area is going to be physically transformed thanks to new infrastructure and the 2014 Commonwealth Games, but I see my main task as ensuring that Clyde Gateway has a positive effect on the lives of local residents in both economic and social terms.
The appointment has been welcomed by the partners in Clyde Gateway - Glasgow city council, South Lanarkshire council, Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish government.
Dr Robert Crawford, chair of the Clyde Gateway board, said: “The tasks facing Clyde Gateway over the next two decades are very challenging and daunting, and it was essential that we found someone with the right blend of skills and relevant experience to head up the organisation. Ian clearly has all the professional attributes we were seeking, but all of us on the selection panel were hugely impressed by his drive, commitment and enthusiasm.”
