Best areas to invest in Glasgow.
As a focus on our new location, Glasgow, I will be writing about key areas of the city that interest me and that I see potential in. The first of these areas in Tradeston.
Tradeston, Glasgow: From Industrial Past to Emerging Urban Hub
Tradeston, an area located on the southern banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow, is rich in history and potential. Once a thriving industrial zone, Tradeston was home to warehouses, factories, and shipping yards that played a vital role in Glasgow's economic success during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Tradeston's industrial past and commercial present clash in a dynamic way.
As industries declined and Glasgow’s economy evolved, Tradeston, like many post-industrial areas, experienced a period of neglect and decay. However, in recent years, the area has been undergoing significant regeneration, with new housing and commercial developments giving Tradeston a fresh identity. It is now one of the best areas to invest in Glasgow.
Housing and Commercial Developments
The resurgence of interest in Tradeston has been driven by its prime location and increasing demand for urban living spaces. Residential developers have begun to recognize the area’s potential, with numerous projects focusing on transforming former industrial spaces into modern apartments. These developments aim to attract professionals and young families looking for affordable housing options close to the city centre.
One of the most notable commercial projects in Tradeston is the Barclays Campus, a major new office development that opened in 2022. The bank’s new headquarters spans 500,000 square feet and is home to over 5,000 employees. This investment has brought much-needed jobs to the area and created a ripple effect, encouraging other businesses to consider investing in Tradeston. On a smaller scale, some buildings in Tradeston have recently been converted into coworking spaces and start-up office spaces such as The Grain Store and Covault.
Transport Infrastructure and Connectivity
Map of Tradeston showing transport connections and proximity to the city centre.
Tradeston boasts excellent transport links that make it a highly accessible area for residents, commuters, and visitors. The area is located just a short walk from Glasgow’s Central Station, one of the busiest rail hubs in Scotland, connecting Tradeston to the rest of the city and beyond.
Additionally, the Squiggly Bridge (Tradeston Bridge) and Suspension Bridge provide pedestrian and cycle access across the River Clyde, linking Tradeston to Glasgow’s Central Business District (CBD) and city centre. This proximity makes Tradeston an attractive option for those working in the city centre who wish to live nearby without being directly within the hustle and bustle.
The urban grain of Tradeston follows a regular grid pattern.
Public transport is plentiful, with several bus routes running through Tradeston, offering direct connections to various parts of Glasgow. The M8 motorway is also easily accessible, providing convenient road links to the wider region and beyond. The strong transport infrastructure plays a key role in supporting Tradeston’s growth as a commercial and residential hotspot and key investment location.
Tradeston’s Potential: Glasgow’s Shoreditch?
Tradeston’s proximity to the city centre and its rich industrial heritage draws parallels with areas like Shoreditch in London. Once a neglected part of East London, Shoreditch has transformed into one of the city’s most vibrant cultural and creative districts. It is home to tech startups, art galleries, and independent businesses, all of which have flourished in a space that embraces both its gritty past and modern-day innovation.
Images showing the vibrant mix of regeneration in London's Shoreditch including the repurposing of the legacy of industrial architecture.
Similarly, Tradeston has all the ingredients to become Glasgow’s version of Shoreditch. With the right mix of investment and creativity, the area could develop into a cultural and commercial hub that attracts artists, entrepreneurs, and innovative businesses.
This map shows the extent of vacant land and buildings ripe for redevelopment.
The transformation of old industrial buildings into creative spaces and studios could ignite Tradeston’s evolution into a dynamic neighbourhood that offers something different from Glasgow’s established districts.
Its riverside location, combined with the already-existing infrastructure like Barclays Campus and excellent connectivity, positions Tradeston as a place of immense potential.
In conclusion, while Tradeston’s industrial history has left its mark on the area, it is now on the verge of a new chapter. The ongoing development projects, combined with strong transport links and the potential for creative growth, suggest that Tradeston could soon emerge as one of Glasgow’s most exciting urban districts. Just as Shoreditch became a symbol of urban regeneration in London, Tradeston has the opportunity to redefine itself with the right investment, creativity, and vision.
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