Glasgow's Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has secured £6 million in UK Government funding for the first phase of its Destination SEC masterplan. The funding was confirmed as part of the Autumn Budget delivered by Chancellor John Healey on 28 October. The 64-acre riverside campus is home to the OVO Hydro, the SEC Armadillo and the SEC Centre, and the long-term plan aims to turn it into a year-round destination rather than a site visited mainly for concerts, conferences and exhibitions.

First phase of the campus transformation

The first phase will focus on redeveloping the large car park in front of the OVO Hydro. That space, described by the SEC as similar in size to Glasgow's George Square, would become a new outdoor events and public space known as the East Plaza and activation zone. Wider plans previously revealed for the campus include new indoor and outdoor event venues, riverside restaurants and bars, accommodation, offices and facilities for Scotland's creative industries, as well as a possible viewing platform over the River Clyde.

What the money will build first

SEC chief executive Dom McKay said the funding was a further endorsement of the campus's role in underpinning Glasgow's and Scotland's position as a global events destination. The SEC says it currently generates more than £605 million in economic value, welcomes 2.5 million visitors a year and supports 5,300 jobs. Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said the investment would help boost Scotland's economy, create jobs and ensure Glasgow remains a leading global events city, noting the campus's role in hosting COP26 and the Commonwealth Games.

Why the campus matters to Glasgow

Sources: Glasgow Times, Project Scotland.