Title: New industry in the central belt: Eurocentral. 07/08/2018 Aims: To look at new industry that has located in the central belt. To look at reasons why it has located there and what government and EU policies influenced it to locate there.

Eurocentral

Eurocentral Look at the map and google maps images of Eurocentral. Q) Why is this a good site for a new industry? Discuss – don’t write down.

Site plan

Location Factors Flat land Excellent communications Large potential workforce Pleasant environment Universities close by 3 airports close by Government grants available Amenities such as nursery, shops, restaurant and hotel Plenty of car parking space

Dakota Hotel

Aerial view of part of site

Eddie Stobart Ltd has just taken occupation of Pinnacle building at Eurocentral – 67,689 square foot for refrigeration and office accommodation

Main Characteristics of new industrial areas. Lower, smaller, modern buildings – mostly single storey and often with large windows to allow in plenty of light. Buildings are well planned/spaced out with trees and grassy areas and even ornamental lakes/ponds included in the layout to provide a more attractive working environment and create a favourable image to prospective investors/clients. Usually located on purpose-built industrial estates or Science/Business Parks commonly on Greenfield sites on the edge of towns/cities where land is relatively cheap and there is room for car parking and for future expansion.

Main Characteristics of new industrial areas. Usually close to major roads such as dual carriageways or motorways for ease of transport of the finished products to markets/ports, for bringing in raw materials/component/sub-assemblies and for the convenience of to-day’s more mobile, car-owning workforce. Similar sorts of industries/firms in similar looking buildings often locate on the same site to benefit from an exchange of ideas and information. Many of these businesses are connected with information, high technology and electronics industries and will have direct links with universities (often situated close by) for research and development purposes and to remain successful and competitive.

In the case of the central belt Good communications – M8 corridor and link to the M74 (to England) Large workforce close by – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Coatbridge, Airdrie, Hamilton, Livingston Eurocentral rail freight – direct link to the Channel Tunnel Low lying, flat land Government grants available for both Greenfield and Brownfield sites (area of former industrial decline). Eurocentral, in particular, has been identified as an area of growth Approximately 7 universities in reasonably close proximity to allow research and development links and skilled graduates for workforce Close to both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports for transport of small components/managerial staff