Glasgow Latest 7

[Steppish]

I posted this in the renewable energy thread in the main Scottish forum but i'll add it here for people (like me) that mainly just read the glasgow subforum

http://http://www.guardian.co.uk/env...k-doosan-plans

Britain's nascent wind industry has received a serious setback after a major foreign investor scrapped plans for a research centre and turbine factories that would have created 1,700 jobs – just 12 months after giving them the green light.

Doosan Power Systems of Korea blamed deteriorating confidence in offshore wind for its decision to suspend construction of a £170m "centre of excellence" in Glasgow plus longterm plans for manufacturing.

Concerns were underlined by Another major offshore services business, the FTSE 250-listed Petrofac, which warned that as only 30% of the expected wind projects in the North Sea might ever get built because of financing problems.

Doosan, whose plans were unveiled by Scotland's first minister Alex Salmond, said it had told the Scottish government and its customers four months ago, but it made no public statement until the news leaked out from an industry conference in Denmark on Wednesday.

"In light of the overall economic conditions and liquidity issues in Europe, Doosan Power Systems decided in December 2011 to withdraw from its plans for developing offshore wind turbines in Scotland," Doosan told the Guardian.

However, in a statement to the industry media outlet ReCharge, it blamed "sapping market confidence (for) putting a question mark over the future development of the offshore wind market".

Doosan announced its plans in March last year, saying it had already started to recruit 200 staff for a research arm that would work on developing a six megawatt turbine for the wider European market.

The company, which owns major industrial names such as Ingersoll Rand and Babcock, expected to build at least 200 turbines a year from a new assembly plant in either England or more likely Scotland. An additional 500 direct jobs were expected to be created in its assembly plants, and 1,000 supplier posts.

Ayman Asfari, the chief executive of Petrofac, said he wanted to build a wind business but the economic conditions made it difficult. "We think that between 30% and 50% of the targets set for Round 3 of the offshore wind expansion are likely to be realised. There are few utilities that have the financial strength to meet the required scale of necessary investment."

The gloomy predictions come just weeks after General Electric Energy's UK managing director, Magued Eldaief, said that his company's proposed wind manufacturing investment – amounting to at least £100m – was "on hold" pending ministers' decisions on reforms to the energy market.

The negative sentiment is a blow to the coalition government, which has been trying to champion a new manufacturing boom despite mixed-messages on the environment.

Conservative backbench MPs urged the prime minister, David Cameron, to slow down the drive to develop renewable power on the basis that it requires public money the country can no longer afford.

The arguments against wind have been heightened by the discovery of potentially cheap shale gas in Britain and comments from the chancellor, George Osborne, that the UK would allow itself to be made uncompetitive by chasing European Union environmental goals.

Meanwhile, a new national body opposing both onshore and offshore wind turbines will launch in Westminster on Thursday at an event sponsored by Lord Carlile, the Liberal Democrat peer and former Montgomeryshire MP.

RenewableUK, the wind industry's lobby group, admitted that Doosan's decision was disappointing, but insisted it ran against a largely positive trend.

A spokesperson said: "In the first quarter of this year we have seen Vestas submit a planning application for Sheerness, Siemens progress with plans for Hull, and of course the Gamesa announcement last month that they are discussing a memorandum of understanding with the port of Leith in the hopes of providing a factory employing 800 people.

"There have also been significant developments in the broader supply chain. Only last week Offshore Group Newcastle announced that they would create up to 1,000 jobs building foundations for offshore wind farms. With these developments, provided the policy framework and mood music is right we remain convinced that we can achieve up to 90,000 people employed in wind, wave and tidal industries by 2020".

But many clean technology companies have seen their share prices hammered by nervous investors. Vestas, the world's largest wind turbine company, dropped from 700 Danish krona in 2008 to below 50. Vestas has given two profit warnings in the last six months, and announced hundreds of lay-offs and its shares only boosted this week amid speculation that it might be bought by a Chinese rival.

[ForzaD]

Cameron, Osbourne and the Tories are clearly jeopardising this industry which is to be expected as it's mostly Scotland and the north that would benefit.

[djmaxliving]

Well they don't think the green industry will grow in Scotland ?. The rest of the UK is another matter they have done a U turn.

"Doosan's current wind power portfolio and position with the industry will continue to grow strongly over the coming years."

[ForzaD]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...-west-17769365

Almost 40% of Glasgow's heat could be provided by tapping into waters from abandoned mines underneath the city, according to the British Geological Survey (BGS).

[Mr. B]

Shocking decision!!!

Landmark hospital to be bulldozed after council loses appeal

Historic buildings on the site of Ruchill Hospital will be demolished after Glasgow City Council had their planning decision overturned.

A historic hospital is to be demolished after the Scottish Government upheld a planning appeal against Glasgow council.

Scottish Enterprise applied to Glasgow City Council to flatten 11 red brick listed buildings which form the Ruchill Hospital site last year as part of plans to sell the land on for housing development.

After the council refused planning permission, the publically funded body applied to the government to overturn the decision to knock down the buildings on Bilsland Drive.

A spokesman for Scottish Enterprise said that the fabric of the buildings - which had housed wards, administration blocks and a mortuary - had deteriorated so much since the hospital closed in 1998 that the site could only be sold to a developer if they were knocked down.

A government planning report stated that the buildings had been vandalised, with valuable lead and slate stolen, causing water damage and a poor condition.

The move has been welcomed by Alex Neil, the cabinet secretary for infrastructure and capital investment, who said it was a "significant step towards regeneration of a difficult site."

The hospital was built in the 19th century and specialised in the treatment of infectious diseases. The B and C listed buildings date from 1895.

Deteriorate

Scottish Enterprise's director of Business Infrastructure, Allan McQuade, said: “We will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government and local authority to explore all viable options for the Ruchill site.

“Despite ongoing maintenance over the last decade, the structures continue to deteriorate with pace.

"We have made every effort to market the site with its existing buildings, but regrettably the only feasible route forward is for demolition of the Grade B and C listed structures."

Scottish Enterprise have been trying to sell the land since 1999. One housing developer pulled out of plans for the site in 2008 and there have been no other developments earmarked since the start of the recession.

Mr McQuade added: "We are therefore pleased that listed building consent for demolition has been granted and will now proceed to implement a programme of works which includes retention of the Grade A listed Water Tower and prepare the site for future development."

Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, said: “This is a significant step towards regeneration of a difficult site and, given its scale, of Ruchill itself.

"I have been working closely with the local politicians, Scottish Enterprise and Glasgow City Council over the past few months with the aim of developing proposals to take to the community.

"A cleared site, apart from the iconic A-listed water tower which will be retained, will certainly provide further impetus to development.”

The council had refused planning permission because that they believed more work should be done to discover whether the buildings could be retained and that they were not convinced that it was not economically viable to restore the buildings.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “We are aware of the Scottish Government’s decision to uphold the appeal to demolish some of the buildings on the site.”

[Squirrelking]

Comedy moment driving down to the Clyde Tunnel earlier, got held up at a junction and noticed that our good friends at TFL and the Highways Agency have put up a billboard alerting us to possible road changes during the Olympics. How very handy.

[Sweet Zombie Jesus]

Originally Posted by ForzaD

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...-west-17769365

Almost 40% of Glasgow's heat could be provided by tapping into waters from abandoned mines underneath the city, according to the British Geological Survey (BGS).

Great idea!

[Squirrelking]

New source of energy?

Lol

Still, this is the sort of thing everyone should be investing in, look at how many mines there are all over Scotland. Good news for Glasgow, I hope it works out, community micro generation is the future...

[Pious Fraud]

Stonehenge you can bounce on

BBC News 19th April 2012

'A bouncy scale model of Stonehenge, specially commissioned to mark the Olympics, has been unveiled.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17777997

~o0o~

Gandalf

'Jump on.'

[Glasgow 2097]

Originally Posted by Mr. B

Shocking decision!!!

Indeed. SE performed little to no maintenance on the listed buildings and then had the cheek to display mock confusion as to why they had deteriorated. They've now got the outcome they wanted. Watch out for the A-listed Water Tower being mooted as "beyond saving" should the otherwise-flattened site lie empty for a few more years. It's not as if SE are going to be looking after it in the meantime.

[Xtreminal]

Originally Posted by Ahhhh

Some excellent news for numerous buildings here, right out of the blue!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...medium=twitter

Any chance, is there any date about bandstand's development? Really glad to hear it

[M_Riaz]

Originally Posted by Xtreminal

Any chance, is there any date about bandstand's development? Really glad to hear it

GBPT

Programme - Key dates

• Subject to outcomes of funding applications
  
• Present - May 2012: Design development
• Present – Dec. 2012: Funding applications:
• Consultations: Monthly
• On site: Jan. – June 2013
• Opening event: Autumn 2013

Funding - Summary Circa £1.4m

Confirmed Sources

Glasgow City Council Landfill Communities Fund

Applications Date

• Landfill Communities Fund Oct. 2011
• Heritage Lottery Fund 1st round - Nov 2011
• Heritage Lottery Fund 2nd round - May 2012
• Historic Scotland Jan or May 2012
• Creative Scotland Early 2012
• Robertson Trust July 2012
• Other private donations & charitable trusts Sept 2012

[Xtreminal]

Thanks a lot. So I guess they are building this before Commonwealth games.

[Mr. B]

Anyone know what's going on with the Doulton Fountain on Glasgow Green. Surrounded by metal fencing, with signs saying it's being repaired... Didn't it only get repaired a few years back?

[Gap74]

I had become increasingly concerned about its condition - a lot of the upper spouts were blocked, many just allowing a dribble of water out which fell straight onto the terracotta below, causing it to go black and mouldy - it had also started to chip.

Mentioned it on Twitter to the SNP councillor for Calton, after she mentioned being at the People's Palace one day last week, she said she'd noticed it looking shabby too and would get onto the council. Looks like it's had some results!

[Pious Fraud]

Glasgow to host Fraunhofer laser research hub

BBC News 30th May 2012

Europe's largest contract research organisation is to create a hub for laser research and technology in Glasgow.

The move by Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is a strategic collaboration with the University of Strathclyde.

The Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics will cover a variety of sectors including security, healthcare, energy and transport.

It will be the organisation's first centre in the UK.

The hub will be based in the university's Technology and Innovation Centre.

The photonics centre is being funded by Fraunhofer and the university, the Scottish government, Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Funding Council.

It is expected to be the model for more Fraunhofer research centres around the UK.

The research organisation said it would also be establishing its UK headquarters at the university.

Education Secretary Michael Russell said: "Scottish universities are known around the world for their excellence and Glasgow has a global reputation for advanced research and technology.

"It's great news that this success has helped to attract Fraunhofer to Scotland.

"Building on the links between education and industry is a win-win situation that will benefit our economy.

"Securing the UK's first Fraunhofer centre is a major achievement for the University of Strathclyde's Technology and Innovation Centre and I look forward to watching this exciting initiative develop," he added.

The innovation centre, which is due to open in a dedicated facility in 2014, aims to transform the way universities, business and industry collaborate to find solutions to global challenges, create jobs and support the economy.

University of Strathclyde principal Prof Jim McDonald commented: "It is fitting that the UK's first Fraunhofer Centre is dedicated to lasers, a thriving industry Scotland has excelled in for decades.

"The plans have already been endorsed by our partners in industry and we look forward to working together to innovate, design and develop the products and services of tomorrow."

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft executive board member Ulrich Buller said the university had an excellent reputation for industrial engagement and specifically for photonics research and commercialisation via its Institute of Photonics and other research groups.

"Consequently, Fraunhofer has been eager, for some time, to create a research centre in Glasgow in conjunction with Strathclyde," he added.

The UK headquarters and the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics will join a growing community of Fraunhofer centres globally.

Fraunhofer has more than 20,000 employees in more than 80 research units in Germany alone, and is establishing centres throughout Europe, Asia and North America.

Fraunhofer research has formed the basis of a wide range of technologies for industry and products in everyday use, such as the MP3 player and apps for mobile phones, including customised weather reports and music identification systems like the iPhone app, Shazam.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...iness-18256535

[Pious Fraud]

Scots team scan Mount Rushmore presidential heads

BBC News 18th June 2012

Scottish experts have produced the first fly-through 3D animations of Mount Rushmore - America's iconic monument of four former presidents.

The recording allows digital visitors to sweep up the granite cliff in South Dakota and across the sculpted faces.

It also shows the valley behind the heads, known as The Hall of Records, which is inaccessible to the public.

The work was carried out by the Scottish 10 project, led by Historic Scotland and Glasgow School of Art.

The joint venture aims to digitally document all five of Scotland's world heritage sites and five international sites.

So far, the team has scanned St Kilda, New Lanark and Neolithic Orkney in Scotland, Mount Rushmore in America and the Queen's Stepwell - or Rani Ki Vav - in India.

Work is set to get underway soon on the Eastern Qing Tombs in China.

Scottish Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "I am delighted to see Scottish expertise helping to interpret, manage and conserve this wonderful site.

"The Scottish 10 has recorded some of the world's most important and iconic heritage sites, and this new project at Mount Rushmore joins remarkable work already completed at locations including St Kilda, Rani Ki Vav Stepwell in India, and Neolithic Orkney.

"Historic Scotland through its partnership with Glasgow School of Art is taking Scottish digital expertise to a global audience, enhancing our country's reputation for innovation, creativity and scientific progress."

The project scanning Mount Rushmore was completed with American partner CyArk and the US National Park Service.

View Mount Rushmore fly-thru here

~o0o~

Scots team went out of its way to deliver high-quality project

[maccoinnich]

Awesome. NXNW is one my favourite films of all time.

[Pious Fraud]

South Clyde Energy Centre plans submitted

Urban Realm 5th July 2012

Peel Environmental has submitted plans for the construction of a new waste recovery centre adjacent to the M8, Glasgow.

The South Clyde Energy Centre would produce around 20MW of electricity, sufficient to power 38,000 homes, from up to 250,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste per annum.

An integrated recycling facility will also be built to cater for waste which can be re-used.

In future it is proposed to ship materials in via the King George V dock, currently the only operational dock on the upper Clyde, from where it is a short journey by road to the site.

The scheme has been designed by Fletcher-Rae architects.

http://www.urbanrealm.com/news/3613/...submitted.html

[indiekid]

Not sure what to make of the design, but the concept is welcome.