We are pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Claridge as the new Strategic Spatial Planning Group Manager for Glasgow City Region (GCR).

Heather is a chartered planner and urban designer and joins from Architecture & Design Scotland where she helped shape Scotland’s planning, development and placemaking agendas as Director of Design. In her role as Strategic Spatial Planning Group Manager, Heather will provide leadership on the development of a new Regional Spatial Strategy and other Regional planning priorities.

The creation of a new Regional Spatial Strategy continues a long and valuable tradition of joint working by the eight local authorities that form Glasgow City Region, and Heather will lead on a collaborative approach to its development ensuring it stimulates positive change and prosperity.

Kevin Rush, Director of Regional Economic Growth, said “This is fantastic news, and adding Heather’s knowledge and wealth of experience to the team will strengthen our plans for the future success of Scotland’s metropolitan region. 

The GCR Place team will also work with Argyll and Bute Council and other partners to create a Strategic Masterplan for Clyde Mission, described as the greatest development opportunity in western Europe and a national development priority. 

Ross Nimmo, Head of Place, said: “With a growing portfolio of activities, Heather’s energy, drive and passion continues the momentum we have gained building a high performance GCR Place team that collaborates to create ambitious strategies and deliver impactful outcomes.

Heather Claridge added: “I’m delighted to be joining GCR at such an exciting time of change and new opportunities. I’m particularly looking forward to continuing the legacy of successful joint working on strategic planning that underpins the long term prosperity of places across the Region.