Friday July 31st 2026
Glasgow City Chambers
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Catherine Hunter
More than £1.8 million is expected to be allocated to Glasgow City Council in a bid to reduce the amount of vacant and derelict land across the city.
Next Thursday, members of the city administration committee are expected to accept the grant from the Scottish Government’s VDLF (Vacant and Derelict Land Fund) as Glasgow has the highest concentration of urban vacant land in Scotland – despite the rate decreasing.
A report also being presented to councillors claims that the amount of vacant and derelict land is “blighting” with 42.5% of the city population living less than 500 m away from said derelict land in concentrated areas of multiple deprivation.
The Scottish Government fund is allocated annually to Glasgow and four other local authorities to bring this land back into use whether that be for housing or new businesses.
There are four objectives of the VDLF – to support economic growth, create jobs, promote environmental justice and improved quality of life and support communities and tackle inequalities.
Last year council officers recorded 767 hectares of vacant and derelict land, a net reduction of 14 hectares and the equivalent of 19 full-sized football pitches with the decrease as a result of new residential developments.
A report being presented next week to Glasgow’s City Administration committee states: “The Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP) was established by the Scottish Government in 2020. The fund was open to local authorities and Clyde Gateway to apply under a competitive bid system.
“Over four years of VDLIP awards, Glasgow City Council has benefitted from £10.6m in funding across 11 projects. In the next six months, officers intend to bring a report to the Economy, Housing, Transport, and Regeneration City Policy Committee further outlining the successes and challenges of VDLIP funding, VDLF awards, and vacant and derelict land survey trends.”
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