Barclays has officially opened its new campus on the south bank of the River Clyde in Tradeston, Glasgow, to house its technology, operations and functions teams, bringing thousands of new high-value roles to Scotland’s largest city.
Barclays has grown its workforce in Glasgow by over 90% in the last four years and is on track to have around 5,000 employees on the five-building campus by 2023.
Working with universities in Glasgow and Edinburgh, the bank is developing a robust pipeline of graduate and apprenticeship opportunities, the majority of which are going into high-skill technology roles.
“During the development of the site, there has been a focus on using local suppliers and contractors wherever possible,” said Barclays.
“Some of these firms have scaled their businesses as a result of their work on the campus.
“The 500,000 sq. ft. site has transformed a brownfield area into a new city centre park, including indoor and outdoor spaces for community events.
“A curated space ‘The Street’ has been developed for social enterprises and local entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products to the public.
“Amenities on campus will include wellbeing facilities, community exhibition spaces, along with a street food market offering fresh and healthy food options.”
The campus comprises five buildings.
Working in partnership with the University of Glasgow, Barclays has reflected the heritage of the city in their names.
Tradescroft, Windmillcroft and Wellcroft are new buildings and their names reflect the crofting and industrial heritage of the area.
Two historic buildings, Clyde Place House and the BECO Building have been restored for public use.
Barclays CEO Jes Staley said: “This campus will give us a competitive advantage through its technology and capabilities, and help us attract the best talent to drive our business forward.
“We wanted to create something transformative that would have a lasting impact on Glasgow, its people and the local economy.
“I am proud of the opportunities we have created – not just through jobs, but also through our supply chain and community initiatives.
“The UK is a world leader in financial services and Glasgow plays an important part. With this investment we are increasing the strategic importance of the city to our future.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The opening of Barclays’ Glasgow campus – one of the biggest inward investments to have ever come to Scotland – represents a landmark moment for our country’s thriving financial services industry.
“It is a real statement of confidence in the talent and skills of our people and reinforces Scotland’s status as a global finance and technology hub.
“This campus itself will be a fantastic asset for the Tradeston community and Glasgow.
“It will contribute to the sustainable regeneration of a historic section of the Clyde Waterfront, and offer employment opportunities for local people and those who have faced barriers into work, including people with disabilities and school leavers.”
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said: “The Barclays Glasgow Campus is a very significant development for the city and its centre, as well as the wider Clydeside.
“The opening of the campus is a landmark stage in a process which will see many high-quality new jobs coming to the city and contribute to our economic renewal.
“The huge investment made by Barclays in the campus reflects their confidence in Glasgow and the skills available in the city, and we are delighted to have worked with them to support this symbolic development on the banks of the river.”