More than 1000 new homes were constructed in Glasgow as a result of the Commonwealth Games, as revealed by the SNP. The party stated that 700 houses and flats were already built in the Dalmarnock area, with 400 available for social rent, and an additional 125 in development. Moreover, 562 homes are being built on the old Dalmarnock Power Station site nearby.
SNP MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, John Mason, highlighted the positive impact of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games on the east end of Glasgow a decade after the event. He emphasized the regeneration of the area and the social and economic benefits brought by the development of over 1000 new homes in the region.
In addition to the housing initiatives, it was reported that almost 11,000 long-term empty homes have been repurposed since 2010. The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP) disclosed that a record number of 1,875 empty properties were brought back into use in 2023-24, contributing to the total of 10,889 homes repurposed since the partnership’s inception.
The announcement of a national housing emergency by Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville in May was met with criticism due to budget cuts in affordable housing. Despite the challenges, the efforts of the SEHP and empty homes officers have been recognized for their impact on meeting housing demands at local and national levels.
The Commonwealth Games Village, a collaborative project between Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government, aimed to create an athletes’ village for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. With a joint investment of £425 million, the partners focused on major capital projects for sporting venues and housing developments.
The Scottish Land Commission highlighted the long-term value of the athletes’ village project, emphasizing the role of public interest-led development and regenerational activities in shaping new markets and places. The successful sale of 300 private market homes within 18 months post-Games demonstrated the potential for development and regeneration to instill consumer confidence and revitalize markets.
Overall, the legacy of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games extends beyond sporting achievements to encompass lasting benefits for the community through housing developments and regeneration efforts. The collaborative efforts of government bodies and local authorities have played a crucial role in addressing housing needs and revitalizing areas in Glasgow.