Four out of five residents of Glasgow’s east end think the Commonwealth Games will have a positive impact in their area according to a study published today.
Over a thousand people from Bridgeton, Calton, Camlachie, Dalmarnock, Gallowgate and Parkhead were asked their views in summer 2012 on the impact of significant investment in improved infrastructure, sports facilities and housing associated with the Games.
This is the first part of a five year community study to measure the success of the Scottish Government’s Legacy 2014 programme. The survey shows:
- 81 per cent think the 2014 Commonwealth Games will have a positive impact in their local area;
- 76 per cent support, or strongly support, Glasgow hosting the Games – levels improved during and after London 2012;
- 44 per cent thought their neighbourhood had improved in the last three years;
- 37 per cent agreed they have influence in decisions made about their local area.
The survey also identified the need for further improvements to the environment that can be addressed by regeneration and preparations for the Games, such as:
- Many people (75 per cent) thought their local environment was untidy, suffering problems of rubbish and litter;
- Feelings of safety walking in the area at night-time were lower (by 11 percentage points) than across the city as a whole.
Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport Shona Robison, said:
“The 2014 Commonwealth Games are central to the transformation of the east end of Glasgow, regenerating the area and creating physical, economic and social benefits for all.
“With the new Emirates stadium in place, the transformation of Bridgeton Cross, the creation of the Athletes Village and the Tollcross swimming pool being upgraded to a world-class standard, the investment to date has seen a dramatic change in the local landscape.
“As part of our firm commitment to delivering a lasting legacy from the Games, it’s vital we undertake robust evaluation in the run up to 2014 and beyond to understand how the Games are impacting on the lives and health of our communities.
“These study results provide us with a clear picture of the views and opinions of the people living at the heart of the Games action, one we believe we can build on as Games time draws nearer.”
Professor of Urban Studies at the University of Glasgow Ade Kearns, principal investigator for the study, said:
“The survey findings show that parts of the East End of Glasgow are already changing as a result of developments over the past few years, and that residents are aware of these improvements. But the results also show the need, and indeed the scope, for further action to achieve the legacy aims identified for the Commonwealth Games, for example around physical activity and neighbourhood quality.
“This initial survey is an important baseline for measuring change over time and the effects of regeneration and legacy programmes within our study cohort. As researchers, we are very pleased that the Scottish Government and other sponsors are supporting a long-term study of this kind in the host communities of the East End of the city.”
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, added:
“sportscotland is using Glasgow 2014 as a catalyst to accelerate our plans for implementing a world-class sporting system at all levels, and we want people from all over Scotland to be inspired by hosting this top-level multi-sport event and to take part in more sport and physical activities.
“The communities in the East End of Glasgow are benefitting tremendously from being able to use world-class facilities at the Emirates Arena and Tollcross International Swimming Centre, and will shortly also have access to the Glasgow Green Hockey Centre.”
The ‘GoWell’ study in the east end of Glasgow, a partnership between the Scottish Government, NHS Health Scotland and sportscotland, will record over five years the changes to health and quality of life of east end communities as a result of the significant investment in the area.
The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring the Games delivers positive and lasting benefits for the whole of Scotland through Legacy 2014, the Government’s programme to capitalise on the economic, social and cultural advantages of the Games.
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