10.29 The area extends north from the M8 to the City boundary and from Maryhill in the west to Blackhill in the east. It has suffered from the decline in heavy industry and the demise of the Forth and Clyde Canal industrial corridor. As a result, the area has high levels of unemployment and deprivation, and large areas of vacant land. The creation of three SIPs within Glasgow North confirms the magnitude of the task facing the Council and other agencies charged with the area’s regeneration.

10.30 Over the last few years, physical renewal has gathered pace and large areas of inadequate housing have been cleared, particularly in Ruchill, Keppoch, Milton and Blackhill. Activities by housing associations and co-operatives have been significant in Royston, Possilpark, Springburn and Ruchill, with successful rehabilitation reinforced by increasing amounts of new-build development.

10.31 Non-housing investment has focused on a range of developments such as the Ardoch House sports complex in Possilpark, the remodelled Ruchill Golf Course, the new business units at Royston and site servicing and landscape works at Robroyston Business Park.

10.32 Two major projects in Glasgow North aim to regenerate the western part of the area. The Ruchill/Keppoch New Neighbourhood Initiative aims to retain and attract families to the area by providing a choice of housing supported by appropriate community facilities. The Millennium Link project has restored navigation along the length of the Forth and Clyde Canal to link Scotland’s east and west coasts and is generating interest in vacant or under-utilised sites with housing, leisure and employment potential.