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High-value manufacturing push takes shape in Dalmarnock

July 8 2025

High-value manufacturing push takes shape in Dalmarnock

A key component of Clyde Gateway's ambitious manufacturing-led masterplan for Glasgow's east end has hit planning with the submission of XWorks Dalmarnock.

The Stallan-Brand-designed high-value manufacturing hub will be delivered on behalf of Scottish Enterprise as a shell, ready for adaptation by incoming tenants. Occupying a prominent junction opposite Dalmarnock Station development has been restricted by underground utilities, with the steel frame tip-toeing around this no build zone.

In a design statement, Stallan-Brand wrote: "The refined front façade presents the facility as a modern industrial landmark, with carefully composed glazing and dark metal cladding enhancing its civic identity. The entrance is positioned to create a welcoming arrival experience, reinforcing engagement with the urban fabric at Dalmarnock Cross.

"In contrast, the rear elevation prioritises servicing efficiency, incorporating loading bays, discreet service areas, and optimised circulation routes."

Solar-controlled glazing emphasises the jagged roof with 'XW' branding strips to lend identity. 

A structural grid optimises span to depth ratios
A structural grid optimises span to depth ratios
The manufacturing hub will stand as a new gateway to Dalmarnock
The manufacturing hub will stand as a new gateway to Dalmarnock

8 Comments

Fat Bloke on Tour
#1 Posted by Fat Bloke on Tour on 8 Jul 2025 at 14:43 PM
The box / wrapper is secondary to what happens inside.

Not holding out any high hopes for a full on high value add manufacturing tenant who will move the Glesga GDP needle.

Shoebox satellites is the most we can hope for.
Roddy_
#2 Posted by Roddy_ on 8 Jul 2025 at 22:16 PM
Perplexing why this particular site - so close to what was meant to be the new Dalmarnock Cross- has been designated as industrial use. This looks like something that ought to have gone in the Shawfield section of Clyde Gateway. The masterplan for this site always conveyed this site as a closed perimeter block with buildings addressing the street edge and more particularly the mooted cross. What we get is in essence is an industrial big-box development at key site that has neither urban scale nor grain. The first image conveys this rather well - bleak and misplaced and not contributing to the former ambition for continuous facades and active frontage right next to a major transport node. It looks and feels very much like a continuation of the low density New Prairie Planning* already put in place at the Commonwealth Games Village.
I'm sorry but I don't believe the dream-haze visuals and the softly landscaped interface with the street. If this is not ultimately hived off in 8ft high Orsogrill security fencing I'll be very surprised.
A disappointing - though not unexpected - anti-urban acretion.


PS after having read the D&A study, I'm actually a wee bit embarrassed for the designers to have included the undernoted:

"Crosses are unique parts of the city. They focus activity and density, they help to orientate people, and they provide hubs for transport and facilities. The Clyde Gateway area should be rebuilt around the new and historical hierarchy of streets and crosses to help people find their way around. A series of markers along the River Clyde will also be needed to signpost facilities and connect the river back to the streets and crosses."

*With apologies (and thanks) to Gordon Cullen

Local
#3 Posted by Local on 9 Jul 2025 at 08:08 AM
Is there any way of blocking people on this ?
TheFakeArchitect
#4 Posted by TheFakeArchitect on 10 Jul 2025 at 15:27 PM
@ Local :)
We're all wondering which of the above you refer?
Or is it both..
Georwell84
#5 Posted by Georwell84 on 11 Jul 2025 at 10:59 AM
Too much of a drive through feeling in Dalmarnock. When are we going to get a town centre?
Lovely
#6 Posted by Lovely on 11 Jul 2025 at 15:11 PM
Mid west, mid rent, mid tech, mid income, middle ground- aspiration, aesthetic, layout and intention here all dialled down to mid to low on settings.

Not really Glasgow is it, which was previously one of the densest and most dynamic cities in Europe.

Lovely
#7 Posted by Lovely on 11 Jul 2025 at 15:14 PM
I wouldn't go as far as to block any commenters and I do like Fat Bot's incisive and cutting wit even if I don't always agree with the viewpoint.

However, perhaps there should be a simple word count limiter on some of these 'word salads' that keep cropping up?

Discuss....
Maboza Ritchie
#8 Posted by Maboza Ritchie on 21 Jul 2025 at 07:57 AM
It’s not SB’s fault the brief and site demand this to be low density industrial. We are actually lucky in my view SB have the job and do take care in what they design.

Dalmarnock needs a civic heart though. It’s a really depressing place these days devoid of life and energy.

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