Glasgow Fort Shopping Park is cited as an example of regeneration in the Scottish Executive‘s 2006 report 'People and Place: Regeneration Policy in Scotland.’ Since opening in 2004 it has helped to regenerate one of Scotland’s most deprived areas, bringing businesses and job opportunities into the area. The Park has provided employment opportunities for local people, with 68% of the 1,400 jobs secured by individuals living within Glasgow’s East End.
British Land is a member of Glasgow Fort Partnership. This partnership helps local people benefit from the economic impact of the Park. Other members include Job Centre Plus, Social Inclusion Partnerships, NHS Greater Glasgow, Careers Scotland, John Wheatley College, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, Glasgow City Council and over 50 retailers. Links with John Wheatley College support local people in securing and sustaining employment at the Park. Tailored training courses include retail, IT, communications, interview technique and finance.
In 2006 the Park launched an innovative Responsible Retailer Pack. This pack offers people working on the nine acre site user-friendly help and guidance on health, wellbeing, money advice and childcare.
Positive links with the retailers through Glasgow Fort Partnership and the Greater Easterhouse Development Company have helped deliver significant benefits. 60 local childcare and parenting groups are saving thousands of pounds, in an agreement between Boots and Childcare Greater Easterhouse. These groups, caring for 3,000 children locally, receive discounts on essential items such as nappies and baby food.
In 2006 childcare groups received over 550 children’s books, in an initiative involving Glasgow Fort Partnership and Early Learning Centre. Shoppers donated old books and the Partnership added one new book for every quality second hand book handed in. Over 20 local playgroups, nurseries, parent/toddler groups and family centres received a ‘book bundle’ of recycled and new books.
