NEW grants will fund the next phase of a Scottish multi-disciplinary arts venue as it plans to transform the entire campus into an iconic new cultural destination in Scotland.

SWG3 said that work has begun on the next phase of its ambitions: to reshape the venue and the surrounding areas into a world-class cultural destination. The venue has been granted £1,531,180 through a combination of funders including the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, Foundation Scotland, William Grant Foundation, The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise – the latter of which will specifically fund a purpose-built Yard Works Studio.

The new space will provide a home for hundreds of artists to create work in, as well as youth and community organisations and grow SWG3’s arts programme.

Andrew Fleming-Brown, founder and managing director of SWG3, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this funding support. Yardworks has been a big part of our arts programme over the past few years and having the opportunity to develop a purpose-built facility to grow the programme will not just benefit the area culturally, but also have wider social and economic impact through the community.”

Situated on the edge of Eastvale Place, the venue says the Yard Works Studio is the next step in the reimagining of the area into a striking street arts district and forms part of the ongoing improvements that SWG3 plan to carry out – transforming it into a unique and distinct cultural quarter.

Paul Burns, interim deputy director of arts and engagement at Creative Scotland, said: “The Yard Works Studio is another significant milestone in the development of SWG3 and importantly to the regeneration of Glasgow’s riverside.

The total development cost of the Masterplan project is £7.1 million (with £3.75m raised to date) which will come from a combination of private and public sector investments.

The first phase, which was major infrastructure works to improve public access and connectivity with funding from Clyde Mission, will complete this month.

Scottish Enterprise’s director of place, Elaine Morrison, said: “This project is a great example of how Scottish Enterprise is working with partners across the country to make places for communities, creating jobs and helping us become a net-zero emissions economy.

“The SWG3 Masterplan is really helping transform that part of Glasgow into a cultural hub, and more importantly using arts, creativity and nature to tackle poverty in neighbouring communities. As part of the regeneration of the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District, this is creative placemaking in action and we are really excited to be part of it.”