Greater Glasgow

First in Glasgow Submits Plans for £25 million HQ and Depot

Bus operator First in Glasgow has submitted plans to Glasgow City Council for a major new bus depot and company headquarters on Glasgow's southside, representing investment of more than £25 million in the local economy.

The objective of the proposals, which, if approved, will see the existing Larkfield site replaced by the new development at Gushetfaulds on Cathcart Road, is to provide First with larger and more efficient, modern facilities that will enable the company to maintain, improve and expand its existing operations within the Glasgow area.

The proposed site, which will provide capacity for 120 additional buses (450 in total) and almost 1,100 employees, the majority of whom will be drivers, will actually be split in two and will sit on either side of the new M74 extension. The two sides of the site will be connected by means of a new underpass and will provide accommodation for three separate buildings, a four-storey head office and engineering depot and service building on one side, and the repair facility on the other side of the motorway. It will significantly change the landscape of the local area and will provide a new landmark on the south side of the city.

The new facility will be an important factor in generating passenger growth across the city and beyond " a key element of First's Growth and Stability Pact with Glasgow City Council and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport. It will also ensure that First is geared up for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which will require 'a massive expansion to the bus network', as stated by Councillor Steven Purcell, Leader of the Council.

Ronnie Park, Deputy Managing Director of First in Glasgow, said: "These plans, subject to approval, will revolutionise how we operate in Greater Glasgow and the surrounding areas and will provide a terrific opportunity for the further development of our network and services as we move towards the 2014 Commonwealth Games in particular. This is a very exciting time for our business, and for the city, and a major project like this will have an important role to play in the regeneration of the local area and economy.

"The new depot will also bring tremendous benefits for everyone currently working at Larkfield, with improved facilities in every area of the business, and the capacity to accommodate many more vehicles and drivers will create much-needed employment opportunities. It will change the local landscape forever and will help us achieve our ultimate aim of making bus the preferred mode of transport, transforming travel throughout the city and beyond."

Subject to planning approval, it is hoped that the new Gushetfaulds site will be operational by 2012/13.