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Re-use derelict land to support economic growth and wellbeing, says Taskforce
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Last week, the Scottish Land Commission (SLC) published a report stating that derelict land is a wasted resource that should be used to help to deliver national ambitions for a fair and green recovery.
The Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce, led by the SLC and to which the Scottish Futures Trust is an active member, has made a series of recommendations to Scottish Government which aim to transform Scotland’s approach to tackling the legacy of derelict land and ensure that it is no longer acceptable to allow land to fall into long term disrepair.
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Following extensive consultation, construction recovery plan is live
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The Scottish Construction Leadership Forum has published a plan for the sector’s recovery from the impact of COVID-19.
The plan, which has been created following extensive consultation, focusses on the joint action required between the industry and the public sector to respond to the pandemic.
Peter Reekie, chief executive of the Scottish Futures Trust and chair of the editorial group of the Scottish Construction Leadership Forum, said: “The construction industry in Scotland has received a major blow from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the level of collaboration which has gone into preparing this Recovery Plan is unprecedented and sets a strong foundation for transformative recovery for the industry.”
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Dr Willie Mackie appointed chair of hub South West
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Dr Willie Mackie has been named as the new chair of hub South West Scotland Limited, succeeding John McClelland CBE.
Mr McClelland, who has guided the construction hub over its seven years in operation in Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, is retiring.
His successor, Dr Mackie, is also the deputy chair of Scottish Enterprise and chair of its audit and risk committee.
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Latest mast in 4G infill programme has gone live
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Being able to use your mobile phone, no matter where you are, is regarded as a vital element of modern living. But across many parts of rural Scotland there has never been a mobile signal impacting negatively on local businesses, the community and tourist trade.
Scottish Government and SFT's digital infrastructure team have been working together to develop the Scottish 4G Infill (S4GI) programme to deliver 4G infrastructure and services to around 40-50 “notspots” in Scotland, and earlier this week the latest mast, in the Highland estate of Strathconon went live, providing the local community with a 4G signal.
The SFT-managed programme is backed by £15 million of Scottish Government funding and £10 million from the European Regional Development Fund and is being delivered by WHP Telecoms.
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hub South East completes largest project in national programme
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The new East Lothian Community Hospital in Haddington has been completed after the last phase of the project was handed over to NHS Lothian and the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership.
The £69m East Lothian Community Hospital is the largest hub project in Scotland and has been delivered in a number of stages following the successful handover of the main building in 2019 and the Outpatients Department in 2018.
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Economic recovery from COVID - implications for place
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In late September, SFT's place experts, Neil Rutherford and Diarmaid Lawlor took part in a debate on the implications for place in relation to the economic recovery, post COVID.
They were joined by:
- Stephen Boyle, Visiting Researcher, Fraser of Allander Institute. Former Head of Group Economics, Royal Bank of Scotland
- Phil Prentice, Chief Officer, Scotland’s Towns Partnership
- Emma Mackenzie, Head of Asset Management, Director, NewRiver Real Estate Investment Trust
- Shona Glenn, Head of Policy and Research, Scottish Land Commission
You can watch a recording of the webinar by clicking the link below.
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National hub programme updated
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The quarterly hub dashboard has had a design refresh with the addition of some new statistics. As well as indicating the number of projects open, under construction and in development, the dashboard also has a new Social Value element.
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Operational PPP guidance updated
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The Operational Contract Management team at SFT has updated Operational PPP guidance that covers NPD and hub DBFM projects.
You can read the updated guidance via the link below.
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hub West starts on new affordable homes site
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Work has begun on a brand new affordable housing development located on the site of the former Tom Johnston House in Kirkintilloch.
The development will include social rented and shared equity flats and houses. The development is in partnership with hub West, with whom East Dunbartonshire Council has previously partnered on successful projects including Holy Trinity Primary School and Kirkintilloch Town Hall.
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