The event brought together professionals from across the built environment, from architecture and planning to development, design and property, to discuss everything from investment and infrastructure to public realm improvements and the changing role of residential property. A key theme was how Glasgow can create the right balance of Live, Learn, Work and Play, with more people living in the city centre seen as an important part of that mix.
Having worked in Glasgow’s property market for almost 30 years, I’ve seen a significant change in city centre living. Previously, the market was largely geared towards young professionals and buy-to-let investors. Today, we’re seeing a much broader range of people actively choosing to make the city centre their home. Our sales data shows that 40% of buyers are now first-time buyers, while buy-to-let investors account for around 10%, compared with almost 50% historically.
Merchant City is a great example of what successful city living can look like. Having lived there myself for 18 years, I experienced the real sense of community created by bringing homes together with independent shops, cafés, restaurants and businesses.
We also discussed the investment taking place across the city, including the Avenues Programme and transformation of George Square. While there has inevitably been disruption, we are beginning to see the difference that better public spaces, greenery and infrastructure can make.
There is still work to be done, but the discussion reinforced just how much Glasgow already has going for it. The opportunity now is to build on those strengths and create a city centre where even more people choose to live, work and spend their time.
For more insights from the discussion, read Material Source’s full article: City centre mix – the future of Glasgow?.