Strathclyde advises on sustainability

Strathclyde University architects and engineers are contributing their know-how towards plans for a multi-million pound sustainable business interchange in North Lanarkshire.

Dr David Grierson and colleagues at the university's David Livingstone Centre for Sustainability are working on the redevelopment of the former Gartcosh Steel Mill, a major regeneration project which aims to become Scotland's leading sustainable business location.

The team is working closely with Scottish Enterprise and North Lanarkshire Council on their green model, which could create 170,000m² of new business space and up to 4,000 jobs. Their role is to assess every tender from developers and advise the project managers on environmental best practice.

Dr Grierson, a senior lecturer in architecture who is leading the Strathclyde team, said :’We will be looking at everything from air quality to the types of materials bidders propose to use in the infrastructure. The end result should be a place which gives the community, workers and future generations a good quality of life.’

Kirsty Kirke, regeneration manager for Scottish Enterprise, added: ‘Gartcosh Business Interchange demonstrates a unique mix of commercial success and environmental sustainability and we aim to establish a strategic business location that will support key industries and the regeneration of North Lanarkshire. Gartcosh is a long term investment for the community and the partners expect to attract a number of businesses and provide local people with access to jobs and training.’

To date, more than £20m has been invested in the site in terms of land reclamation, development and transport upgrades. Developers are now being invited to submit proposals based on the principles of sustainability and quality.