Emillia’s Work Experience at Glasgow Waters

Emillia Freer is a student at University of Glasgow studying Geography. As part of Emillia’s research for her dissertation she spent time with the Peel Waters’ Glasgow Waters team, in this blog she shares what she learnt from her experience.

An insight into the work behind major development projects

I recently had the opportunity to spend two days with the Glasgow Waters team at Peel Waters, exploring the history, development and future of Glasgow’s waterfront. As a Geography student at the University of Glasgow, currently researching urban regeneration along the River Clyde for my dissertation, the experience provided a valuable opportunity to see the regeneration process and gain an insight into the work behind major development projects.

Day One

My first day began with a site visit to Yorkhill Quay, where I was able to see the development first hand and sit in on a contractor progress meeting. This gave me a deeper insight into the stages involved in delivering the project and the range of different people involved in bringing plans forward.

We also visited Castlebank Quay and several other sites across the Clyde, including developments that Peel has delivered in the past. Seeing these locations alongside Brian Lavalette, Property Director, provided a useful perspective on how the waterfront has changed over time and how previous developments have contributed to the wider regeneration along the Clyde.

Back at the office, Jemma Allen shared with me a variety of archival material documenting the history of Glasgow Harbour and the River Clyde including historic maps, photographs and newspaper articles. These materials provided a fascinating historical context for the developments that can be seen along the waterfront today.

I also had the opportunity to tour Peel’s office on Robertson Street with Jemma. The Grade A listed building has retained many of its original features, making it an interesting contrast to the modern regeneration projects I had been visiting throughout the day.

Day Two

On my second day, we travelled to a number of locations across the wider Glasgow Waters area, including sites in Renfrew, Albion Automotive and Greenock, where I was able to see a range of developments and existing infrastructure, including the historic sugar sheds and newer housing developments.

A highlight of the second day was interviewing Brian, about Glasgow Waters. Listening to his thoughts and perspectives on the wider benefits of waterfront regeneration and plans for the future was insightful. The 30-minute interview formed part of my dissertation research and gave me a valuable opportunity to hear directly from someone involved in the development of the Clyde waterfront.

The experience has encouraged me to consider a potential career within the property and development industry

I really enjoyed my time with the Glasgow Waters team and could not be more grateful to Brian and Jemma for their time and willingness to share their knowledge and resources with me.

The two days gave me a much better understanding of the different roles and processes involved in urban regeneration. Most importantly, the experience has encouraged me to consider a potential career within the property and development industry after university. I am very grateful to the Glasgow Waters team for giving me such an interesting and valuable insight into their work.