Martin McKay joined Clyde Gateway in 2009 and has played an integral role in transforming communities delivering holistic regeneration that focuses on People, Place and Jobs. Martin is a Chartered Architect and brings a wealth of expertise to the Chief Executive role, including leading and delivering large-scale urban regeneration and property development strategies. Martin also leads Clyde Gateway’s Green Regeneration and supports the company’s transition to Net Zero.

The mood music of the SURF annual conference was one of stark choices and the need for honesty. The sector is, of course, adept at facing challenges but how is it to face the current fiscal cliff – head in the sand or face it head on?

That theme of fiscal resources was set out in the first session on Culture and Leisure Services in Scotland and the impacts of cuts and reductions, against a backdrop of an ageing estate slow to adapt to the modern experience required. The need for partnership with wider and deeper engagement was noted as being needed – the easy wins are gone, and a longer-term footing is required but that transformation needs to be innovative and tactical.

The panel session that followed the theme of community cohesion and resilience was supported by spirited contributions from the audience about partnership and the need for quality dialogue between the Third and Public Sector.

The mood music became more buoyant with the case study and presentation on CentreStage, Kilmarnock – and the phrase – don’t underestimate the power of a welcome.

If ever there was a time to respect the role of the third sector and the critical role they play within our communities, it is now. The sector cannot be reasonably expected to take on roles and services without a recognition of the burden – ‘trust and transparency’ is needed on all sides. And the presentation on centre stage underlined this with the statement – Power, Authority, Funds – if we don’t have them why are we here? For many, the perception is that the wider public sector is passing on the cuts and the responsibility.

Those points were further explored in the panel session and the complexity and timescale required to deliver community transfer – which is much needed to support communities. It was noted we need to deliver places where people want to be, rather than have to be.

In the afternoon the need for honesty and openness was set out in the bleak position on health indicators and the assertion that degeneration is more visible than regeneration in many of our towns and communities and that the optimism of the 80’s and 90’s has been left behind with increasing vulnerable communities. Regenerating places, communities and democracy is an imperative that is linked to democratic renewal, and we need to recognise the huge challenges. It was proposed that we can navigate this:

  • Focus on mitigation and stop the decline.
  • Mobilise people to protect health as a national purpose.
  • Further development of local infrastructure to support communities.

Later in the afternoon, we heard from the Minister for Employment and Investment who was refreshingly frank. The desire to remain focussed on outcomes was clear as was the maintaining capacity over the longer term despite acute short-term pressures.

As the day ended it struck me that in considering place-based investment, if we are to have vibrant, safe, enjoyable, resilient places then we need them to be more than just the sum of the services provided. People drive places and we must always consider wider needs and ambitions.

A challenging but reflective conference with grounds for optimism – the exit music was a little more upbeat – maybe we could face the cliff end with confidence.

This blog is the fourth in a series of follow on blogs from the SURF Annual Conference. Read the next blog from Dr. John McCarthy of Heriot-Watt University HERE