THE first phase of a new National Business District, which could support 15,000 jobs, has been given the go ahead.

The £15million project to regenerate vast areas of vacant and derelict land around the former Shawfield Industrial Estate in Rutherglen was given approval at a meeting of South Lanarkshire Council's Planning Committee.

The decision paves the way for more than 350,000sq m of business space to be developed over the next 20 to 30 years.

Among the ambitious plans for the area is a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Clyde to links to Dalmarnock, which is an area also undergoing numerous regeneration projects because of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

There is also a proposal for the creation of a new Shawfield Cross on Glasgow Road, which would include a pedestrian square.

A new river walkway will provide a continuous route along the banks of the Clyde.

The site covers an area of land between the M74 to the south, River Clyde to the north, the boundary of Glasgow City Council to the west and a railway line to the east.

Leader of South Lanarkshire Council, Councillor Eddie McAvoy, said: "This is one of the most ambitious projects we have had the pleasure of giving approval to in recent years. It could make a significant contribution to growth in Scotland's economy.

"These proposals will bring the area back into use and create a first-class riverside business and leisure hub."

Rutherglen and Hamilton West Labour MP, Tom Greatrex, said: "This boost in funding for capital expenditure now puts the onus on Alex Salmond to deliver the shovel ready projects he has repeatedly claimed just needed the money to get started.

"Projects such as the Clyde Gateway regeneration developments in Rutherglen and Shawfield can create jobs and boost investment in the town."

The Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company was set up in 2007 as a partnership between South Lanarkshire Council, Glasgow City Council and Scottish Enterprise, with funding from the Scottish Government.

Chief executive of Clyde Gateway, Ian Manson, said: "I'm delighted we can now move on to the long-overdue regeneration of Shawfield with the delivery of the National Business District."

At the same committee meeting, councillors approved three separate applications for a derelict, five hectare site at Farmeloan Road in Rutherglen, which used to be home to the Monogram factory.

Clyde Gateway plans to create a site to be known as the Rutherglen Low Carbon Zone – a £6m scheme which will help deliver jobs and investment to the area.

stef.lach@heraldandtimes.co.uk