FLEXIBLE COUPLINGS : Regeneration in Glasgow

Date: 25/1/12

In 2007, it was announced that Glasgow would be host of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The event will take place over 12 days in the summer and feature 17 different sports. Regeneration projects are underway to prepare the city for the Games, and to improve the area on a long-term basis.

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Regeneration in Glasgow

Back in 2005, regeneration of the East End of Glasgow was approved, starting with the completion of the M74 motorway at the current termination point at Fullerton Road, Cambuslang and the M8 motorway near Kingston. The completion and improved road network will enhance the accessibility to the East End and act as a regeneration catalyst. The East End is currently an area of deprivation, low population density, poor housing and high unemployment rates. The poor access means that 159 hectares 370 acres of land has been left vacant - but this is set to change. Regeneration will reconnect the community to the wider urban area and encourage business development.

The need for the improved road network started in 1965, when a regional strategic road was required. It is now the need for an urban road that provides high quality access that in turn will create a more desirable area to live, to set up business and offer the opportunity for new employment. The four main objectives of the scheme are to:

• Improve social inclusion, safety and well-being;
• Maintain a sustainable environment;
• Improve economic development through urban regeneration;
• Offer best value and service integration.

There were several routes to chose from that would join Rutherglen Bridge and Provan Road. The chosen route, which will be made up of 4 lanes for 3.8km, allows for best access to Celtic Park, Forge Shopping Centre and Retail Park whilst keeping its distance from existing residential areas.

Flexseal have had the opportunity to supply products for this large project to regenerate the East End area and to prepare for the Commonwealth Games. A renewed drainage infrastructure was required to replace the old system, and here is where a recent addition to our range came in useful. The large diameter Magnum coupling is our widest coupling at 370mm, larger than our Extra Wide coupling at 300mm and so suitable for connections requiring greater tolerance. The Magnum used at the site has a 3090mm diameter and was used for connection of concrete-to-concrete pipes. The Flexseal Standard couplings and Adaptor couplings were also used for the connection of wastewater pipes, as it was essential to renew the old drainage system to cope with the new architectural work, and growth in population and business activities.

As part of the regeneration project, around 40 of our FA Saddles were used around the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, for connection of lateral pipes into the new large diameter sewer pipes. The Velodrome, named after Scotland's gold medal winning Olympian and Commonwealth Games champion, is being built on derelict land and it is reported to be complete by summer 2012.

The Athlete's Village is an equally exciting addition to the area, as this will be transformed into a new neighborhood consisting of apartments and available to buy and rent plus a care home for the elderly.

The regeneration project hopes to create long lasting legacy that goes beyond the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and will involve the local people and businesses to continue the improvements and up-keep.

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