Athletes’ Village Construction begins for 2014 Commonwealth Games

Construction work is off and running on the £150million City Legacy Homes development, to be used as the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village and a new neighbourhood for the city thereafter.

The successful development of the 38.5 hectares site in Dalmarnock will be a key component in the delivery of the Games.  The Village will provide accommodation and facilities for 6,500 competitors and officials on a site only three miles from Glasgow City Centre and beside the new M74 extension.

After the Games, the Village will become a desirable new residential community  – the first stage will include 304 private houses, 300 homes for rent, 100 homes for mid-market rent and a new 120 bed care home for the elderly.

The removal of the temporary facilities within the Athletes’ Village after the Games will release additional land for further residential development.

The Athletes’ Village will be built by the City Legacy Consortium, which is made up of developers and contractors CCG, Cruden, Mactaggart & Mickel and W H Malcolm,   all of whom have an unparalleled local track record of residential development and job creation.

The proposal for the Athletes’ Village has high design and environmental standards and will deliver a highly desirable new residential neighbourhood within Glasgow’s East End.  The development will deliver a minimum 60% reduction in carbon emissions from the new homes to be constructed – a first in Scotland for a development of this scale, of over 1400 homes and the care home when complete.

Much more than a typical housing development, for the duration of this regeneration project, City Legacy will also bring community benefits to the city by generating employment and training opportunities and creating opportunities for small to medium sized enterprises and social enterprises, helping to create a lasting legacy for the East End of Glasgow.

One example of this is the number of new jobs – 93 – that will be created as part of an overall direct workforce of 620, including 60 apprentices.  The partnering agreements with sub-contractors and suppliers will see 36 new jobs being created there, 24 of which will be apprentices.  The indirect workforce will be around 200.

Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, said: “Today marks the beginning of work on a historic project that will not only deliver a fantastic new neighbourhood for Glasgow, but provide a home for athletes competing in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.  This development will leave one of the most visible examples of both the legacy from the Games and Glasgow’s regeneration, with the plans showing homes that will provide a memorable environment for athletes in 2014 and an attractive location for all those living in the development thereafter.  The construction of City Legacy Homes is a great opportunity for Glasgow to show what we can do on a world stage.”

Ed Monaghan of City Legacy said: “The City Legacy Consortium is investing £150m to transform the area into a much sought after riverside residential location which showcases the Athletes’ Village as the best in contemporary and sustainable design.  We are proud to be part of building a lasting legacy for the East End of Glasgow and bringing job opportunities into the area.”

Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, said: “The Athletes’ Village will be one of the most important aspects of the legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and this successful milestone shows we remain on track towards delivering an outstanding Commonwealth Games – on time and on budget.  The construction of the athletes’ village will create fantastic opportunities for the local neighbourhood by sustaining jobs, regenerating the east end of Glasgow and contributing towards Scotland’s economic recovery.”

John Scott, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, said: “It’s great to witness the beginning of construction at the Athletes’ Village, which has started on time. Designed for athletes in consultation with athletes, the Village promises to be a true ‘home from home’ experience for the 6,500 athletes and officials from all over the world coming to Glasgow in 2014.  The Athletes’ Village will be right on the doorstep of the new spectacular NISA and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and this proximity helps us deliver on our commitment to making this a truly athlete centred and sport focused Games.”

Michael Cavanagh, Chairman Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “It is great to see the Athletes’ Village construction get underway.  The Village is the heartbeat of every Games, providing that important home from home for all the athletes as they prepare for the performance of their lives.  There has been a lot of input so far from our athletes into the Village planning process and we will continue to work closely with the Organising Committee to ensure that when completed, it offers the best possible athlete experience and resulting performances.”