The creation of the UK’s first Community Improvement District is an inspiration that could deliver terrific benefits for other places across the country.
Remaking Saracen has made history by becoming the trailblazer for the newest route to embrace the improvement district vision – a way which both widens the net for the number of organisations involved and opens up opportunities for more communities to feel the benefit of being one.
The work being undertaken by the group in North Glasgow, is improving the look, feel and prospects of the community in and around Saracen Street – the main thoroughfare and shopping area through Possilpark, an area where residents feel they have suffered from a lack of investment in regeneration over many decades.
It is work that is being led from its grassroots, with ng homes becoming the first social landlord to become the anchor organisation of an improvement district, working together with local people and businesses to deliver on the community’s aspirations for the area.
Scotland’s Towns Partnership and Scotland’s Improvement Districts have supported the improvement district team in getting off the ground and starting to make its mark.
Being a community improvement district opens the door for a greater number of organisations – not simply businesses – to influence and be part of the organisation’s work.
Brian Kelly, chair of Remaking Saracen and owner of Eyepad Opticians on Saracen Street, said: “This area boasts a huge and diverse range of businesses – more than 90 at the last count.
“Some of these continue with family businesses established by their parents and grandparents, while others are entirely new to the area. They range from home interiors, florists, hair and beauty salons, international foods, butchers, bakers and general grocery stores to opticians, pharmacies, solicitors and funeral parlours.
“Whatever the business, there is a great sense of community on Saracen Street and we are all proud of the area’s heritage.
“In recent years, like many other places, there has been a decrease in footfall in the street which impacts on local businesses. But, with a commitment to working together for positive change and the energy that brings, things are on the up and looking very positive.”
Gary Walker, of Walker’s Butchers on Saracen Street, added: “This is a great way for us all to work together and make our voice heard. We always hear from people how good Saracen Street was. Let’s make it that way again.”
The improvement district has grown from initial discussion with Traders; Brian Kelly, Gary Walker and Omar Afzal (then owner of Saracen Street Post Office). This was then moved forward with the strong support of ng homes’ Regeneration Department who went on to host the improvement district and helped develop partnerships and resources.
Social landlord ng homes has played a critical part in the creation and work of Remaking Saracen. You can hear more from its chief executive John Devine, pictured left, who has been closely involved with the project, in the video below
Since its formation, it has helped unlock a programme of shopfront upgrades which have improved the look of the area, alongside the installation of bespoke planters, banners and lighting installations. Members have also worked alongside Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council Enforcement teams to tackle concerns around anti-social behaviour and to tackle issues around waste management along the street.
But this is just the beginning of what residents hope to achieve, including further shopfront and streetscape improvements, with additional funding from Glasgow City further shopfront programmes are being progressed through Council Place funding. It is hoped the work will encourage people to take even greater pride in their community, attract further investment and inspire people to spend more time and show greater support for the businesses in and around Saracen Street.
Find out more: www.possilparkbid.co.uk