Supporting documents - Renfrewshire Council

Proposed Mixed Use Development, Braehead : Socio-Economic Impact Report
compete with nearby venues such as the Scottish Exhibition and Conference
Centre in Glasgow, to attract top concerts, shows and events to Renfrewshire.
4.33 The provision of a new public square will bring about a step-change in the
quality of public realm at Braehead, substantially improving the external
environment, its accessibility, its attractiveness as a place to live, work, shop
and relax, and its ability to meet the needs of its catchment population who rely
on it for a wide range of services and functions.
Impact on Regeneration and Deprivation
4.34 Braehead is located on the eastern border of Renfrewshire adjoining Glasgow
City, an area which is characterised by pockets of relatively high levels of
deprivation. Its development has acted as a major economic stimulus in an
area of relatively high unemployment and poor image, raising investor
confidence and helping attract further investment to the surrounding area. As
part of the wider Clyde Waterfront renewal, Braehead now has the potential to
transform the area into an internationally competitive 'central belt' for
business, employment, living and tourism.
4.35 The Glasgow and Clyde Valley Strategic Development Planning Authority has
outlined its strategic aims within the Joint Structure Plan (2008) which include
increasing economic competitiveness, promoting greater social inclusion and
integration. Specifically, it aims to improve overall quality of life for local
communities by improving access to local employment, shopping, social and
cultural facilities.
4.36 In this context, the extension proposals will not only provide an enhanced retail
and leisure offer for Renfrewshire, but also provide access to employment
across a range of skill levels, community facilities and social opportunities. It
will also bring substantial economic benefits, including business investment
and 2,510 net additional direct permanent jobs to Renfrewshire, which in turn
will support wider residential, commercial and infrastructure development,
creating a balanced community which is key to the successful wider
regeneration of the Clyde Waterfront area.
4.37 The development proposals will also enhance Braehead’s existing transport
infrastructure (which currently comprises a dedicated bus station and travel
information centre) by providing a new state of the art transport interchange to
enhance local accessibility and support the development of a more sustainable
public transport network in the local area. This will include a new Fastlink bus
service route – a regional bus rapid transit system serving key sites along the
northern and southern banks of the River Clyde including Braehead, Glasgow
City and Paisley town centre.
Maximising the Impacts
4.38 Whilst the socio-economic impacts of the proposals will largely be positive, the
pro-active use of a number of approaches and measures could enhance and
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