Glasgow - The Next 50 Years

Historically Glasgow has been a significant centre of commerce and industry within the United Kingdom but trading throughout much of the western world. For the latter part of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century it was the "second city of the empire". In 1905 elections were run in Cleveland where a key part of the platform of the successful party was to set up a tram system similar to that operating in Glasgow and to replicate a system of government not dissimilar to that then operating in Glasgow. The man who was responsible for operating Glasgow Trams (James Dalrymple) was even sent across to the States (to Chicago) to advise on what should be done there. There might be more issues in exporting the experience of Edinburgh Trams!

More than a century later things are and have been very different in relation to Glasgow. In the 60's and 70's Glasgow had severe economic and social problems and in many ways the city was effectively written off. There are also no longer trams in Glasgow. Despite still having significant social problems and despite having been written off 50 years ago, the last few years have however seen Glasgow successfully seek to reinvent itself starting with the wonderful marketing slogan that "Glasgow's Miles Better" and festivals such as the Garden Festival, being European City of Culture and the UK City of Architecture and Design. The city will shortly host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Glasgow now markets itself as "Scotland with Style".

While much has been done there is still much yet to be done and the City Council who over the past 40 to 50 years have proved themselves to be pragmatic managers of the city are now seeking to consult on a vision for the next 50 years.

One of the growth areas in Scotland following upon the devolution settlement (now under review) is the "consultation industry". The Scottish Government regularly consults on a range of issues and many consider there is a degree of "consultation fatigue" in Scotland. However the consultation which the Council are currently undertaking in Glasgow is one of considerable significance to the city and how the next 50 years will see the city develop.

As the document recognises while Glasgow may need to change equally the world may change (and will change) and Glasgow much be flexible to respond to the changes which occur. Glasgow cannot only be reactive it needs to be proactive to address issues which will have to be addressed come what may.

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