An aerial view of Hillington Industrial Estate, looking north, 1950s. The main Glasgow-Paisley railway line marks the division between housing in Glasgow and the industrial area, most of which lies in Renfrewshire. The labour force was drawn largely from Glasgow.
The first and largest industrial estate of its kind in Scotland, Hillington set new standards in the design and provision of industrial and commercial premises. Set up in 1934 by an Act of Parliament, it was designated a "special area" in response to the depression of the 1930s. Building work started in 1937 and a year later eighty-four factories had been let. Rearmament, followed by the Second World War, ensured that the industries on the estate thrived and provided employment for around 18,000 workers at its peak.
Hillington Industrial Estate remains a successful business location in the 21st century, helped by the proximity of the M8 motorway and Glasgow Airport. Retail units and service industries have taken over from many of the original factories.
Reference: Glasgow City Archives, P7608
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
aerial views, economic recessions, engineering, factories, Glasgow Airport, Great Depression, Hillington Industrial Estate, industrial estates, light industries, M8, motorways, railways, rearmament, retailing, Rolls-Royce, Second World War
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