After years of high-profile construction work along Glasgow’s Clydeside, banking giant Barclays officially opened their brand new Tradeston office campus.
The new offices, which will bring together around 5,000 staff at the 500,000sq/ft site mark a major step forward in Glasgow’s burgeoning financial prowess. In a boost to the city’s economy, the new complex is expected to generate some 2,500 jobs which will naturally have a trickle-down effect on areas that include Greater Glasgow’s housing market, hospitality, and retail sectors to name but a few.
Alongside the company’s own staff there is also a curated space that has been developed for social enterprises and local entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products to the public. Further amenities include wellbeing facilities, community exhibition spaces, and a street food market.
The campus comprises five buildings in total, three of which are new buildings whilst the other two are conversions of two historic buildings; Clyde Palace House and the BECO Building.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the opening of the campus marked one of the biggest inward investments to have ever come to Scotland.
She added: “It is a real statement of confidence in the talent and skills of our people and reinforces Scotland’s status as a global finance and technology hub.
“It will contribute to the sustainable regeneration of a historic section of the Clyde Waterfront, and offer employment opportunities for local people and those who have faced barriers into work, including people with disabilities and school leavers.”
Scotland Office minister Malcolm Offord described it as a “fantastic new campus”.
“With decades of experience in the business and financial sectors, I know what an attractive option Scotland represents for global investment and this new flagship hub underlines that,” he added.