Council leader defends Glasgow, citing innovation and investment despite Sauchiehall Street issues.
Ms. Aitken spoke frankly. She rebuked someone online before about a broken building. It existed before her party’s time. You must accept criticism if you give it.
She said politicians should reflect and consider what they say about Glasgow. Their words affect the city’s prospects. Investors use Google like everyone else. Some politicians promote Glasgow’s decline; she thinks that’s wrong.
She believes some Holyrood politicians are clueless and lack basic research about Glasgow’s innovation. Glasgow is a global innovation leader. The firm Resonance lists top cities for investment. Glasgow ranked high these last three years; it was second in the UK, beating Manchester and Birmingham.
Manchester is a popular city for urban renewal, but it excludes many locals financially. Last year, Glasgow had the best FDI strategy. Ms Aitken stated this was for large European cities. Don’t blame service cuts on the city’s future. Glasgow is not declining; this is political opportunism.
Sauchiehall Street is special to Glaswegians. It holds deep, almost spiritual importance; no other place has such an impact. Childhood memories, first jobs, and life-changing events happened there. It’s painful to see it decaying. Why has it looked like a war zone so long?
She quoted Hemingway on bankruptcy: it happens gradually, then suddenly. Old buildings declined over time. Glasgow isn’t declining, she insists; this claim harms the city and its people.
Major fires happened, and empty shops increased after Covid. Retail shifted to hospitality earlier. Businesses come and go quickly but things don’t stay empty for too long. There’s still energy.
Sauchiehall Street needs a specific plan, and they absolutely have one. The street has Scotland’s richest cultural spots, from The Mitchell Library to the Concert Hall. There is the CCA, the Art School, the Glasgow Film Theatre, the King’s Theatre, the Theatre Royal, the Piping Centre, the Pavilion Theatre and the Concert Hall.
The Conservatoire wants more visibility. The GFT and CCA want to connect to the city. These institutions can anchor a new future. She wants people living on Sauchiehall Street.
Student housing resembles “Legoland” sometimes. She defends students’ importance, saying they bring vibrancy and sustainability. She believes modern student housing improved and could function for other residents. Glasgow has a high retention of skilled students, second only to Bristol.
They are working on difficult gap sites. Ownership is often fractured. Progress happens behind the scenes.
People ask why they dug up the street. The utilities needed improvements and could not support new developments. It also hindered heritage building reuse.
They needed to upgrade the utilities under the street. Victorian gas pipes caused delays as these pipes were unmapped. Plans changed to deal with the pipes. More communication is important, and people need details about the project.
She guaranteed significant changes soon, in two years. There are cranes around showing the construction going on. Cranes are always a good sign, she says.
She discussed public health and social problems. Glasgow suffered an unjust transition, she said. Does Glasgow need better advocacy? Does the city face challenges beyond other Scottish cities?
She said Swinney chooses his own cabinet. She would resent being told who to pick. As a voter, she cares about Glasgow. All deserve representation from the central city that makes trade in Scotland tick.