Vision for Helensburgh:
Shaping our Working Future
Work is a vital part of our community's life and future. In this section of the "Vision for Helensburgh" initiative, we explore how our town can evolve as a place of employment and business opportunity. The Local Place Plan gives us a unique chance to shape Helensburgh's economic landscape, potentially influencing where businesses set up, what businesses we attract, and how we support local job creation.
Your ideas and insights are crucial in this process. Whether you're a student considering future careers, a professional looking for local opportunities, or a business owner with expansion plans, your vision can help create a thriving work environment in Helensburgh.
What’s the current situation?
To plan effectively for our future, we need to understand our present. Here are three key aspects of Helensburgh's current work situation:
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Commuter Town Status
Many residents travel to larger cities like Glasgow for work, showcasing our excellent transport links but also indicating a need for more local job opportunities.
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Strong Service and Tourism Sector
Our beautiful location and rich history support a robust service industry, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. This sector is a significant local employer.
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Limited Industrial Presence
Helensburgh has a relatively small industrial sector compared to some neighbouring towns, which impacts the diversity of local job opportunities.
Potential for Helensburgh's Working Future
Looking ahead, there are several exciting possibilities for Helensburgh that could be incorporated into our Local Place Plan:
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Technology Hub
With our proximity to Glasgow and excellent connectivity, we could position Helensburgh as an attractive location for tech startups or satellite offices of larger tech companies and those organisation supporting His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde.
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Green Jobs
Leveraging our natural surroundings, we could focus on attracting environmentally friendly industries, creating jobs in renewable energy, eco-tourism, or sustainable agriculture.
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Skills Development Centre
Establishing a local skills training centre could help residents prepare for emerging job markets and attract employers looking for a skilled workforce.
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Remote Work Support
By developing co-working spaces and enhancing digital infrastructure, we could make Helensburgh an ideal base for remote workers and digital nomads.
Considerations for Your Vision for Helensburgh
As you think about your vision for work in Helensburgh, consider the following:
What types of jobs would you like to see more of in Helensburgh?
How can we support existing local businesses while attracting new ones?
What skills do you think will be important for Helensburgh's future workforce?
How can we balance economic growth with maintaining Helensburgh's character and natural environment?
What infrastructure or services would make Helensburgh more attractive to employers and employees?
What can be done to attract more businesses into Helensburgh, and what services would they need to be sustainable?
Reducing travel will help the UK meet its Net Carbon Zero aims, and therefore, what can we do to reduce travel to places such as Glasgow and Edinburgh?
What can be done to enhance tourism to the area (such as coach parking, accessible access, and attractive shopfronts)?
Are there any sites in Helensburgh that could readily support small industrial units, and if so, what kind of businesses would we want to attract?
Your responses to these questions will help shape a vision for recreation and leisure in Helensburgh that reflects the needs and aspirations of our community. Together, we can create a town that offers engaging, diverse, and high-quality recreational experiences for everyone.