07th Apr 2008 - Lanarkshire's £2.7bn transformation

Two of Europe's largest regeneration projects aiming to deliver £2.7 billion of private sector investment were outlined to over 100 delegates at an event held by the Lanarkshire Brand and Communication Project and the Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Under the banner of 'Transforming Lanarkshire' delegates heard from Jim McCaffer of the Clyde Gateway Project and Jim Fitzsimons, Director of Ravenscraig. The audience were also told of the opportunities for local businesses and future employment as both projects develop.

The event chaired by Graeme Waddell of Rolls Royce, also heard from Charles McGhee, editor of The Herald, about the transformation newspapers are undertaking as they embrace the new media world.

In an appeal to the Scottish Government, Ravenscraig Director, Jim Fitzsimons called for clarity of the administration's spending commitment for phase two of the redevelopment of the former steel works site - which is expected to deliver a new town centre, hotel and at least one railway station - as a result of the reorganisation of Scottish Enterprise.

Shona Hamilton of the Lanarkshire Brand Project said: "The event provided the chance for businesses in Lanarkshire to hear from two of the most significant developments in the region and two that will provide extensive employment, business, leisure and housing opportunities and economic spin off for the whole of Lanarkshire."