Marking four decades ‘at the centre of Scotland’s cultural life’, the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) on Glasgow’s Clydeside has produced a new video telling the story of its creation and development.
Built on unpromising ground once dedicated to shipbuilding and industry, the SEC arrived as a bold move to reshape an economically defunct area, then went on to become a major factor in the transformation of the entire city.
With the more recent additions of the Armadillo – the Clyde auditorium – and the OVO Hydro, the site now attracts international artistes, huge conferences and a plethora of major events, which in turn drive huge footfall to its neighbouring ecosystem of hotels, restaurants and pubs.
Chief executive of the Scottish Event Campus, Dom McKay, said: “Reaching 40 years is an incredible milestone for the SEC, and it’s a moment to reflect on everything that has shaped this campus and allowed it to sit at the beating heart of not only Glasgow’s but Scotland’s cultural life.”
The foundations of the campus, extending from the edges of Glasgow’s city centre to the city’s west end, were laid following major works to clear the old yards and fill in the docks.
The campus ‘quickly found its rhythm’, populating a busy events calendar. As demand increased, the Clyde Auditorium was added, followed in September 2013 by the 14,000 plus capacity OVO Hydro, bringing a ‘world class arena’ to Glasgow.
“Over the decades, we’ve had the privilege of hosting world-famous artists from Bono to Beyonce, international conferences like COP26, and spectacular events like the MTV Europe Music Awards and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, that have left a lasting mark on both the city and the people who visit,” said McKay.
“The OVO Hydro and SEC Armadillo have become not just venues, but recognised parts of the Glasgow skyline, and the SEC has played a central role in driving economic growth and revitalising the surrounding area. The campus has grown and evolved alongside the city itself.
“This 40th anniversary is also a celebration of the extraordinary stories that make the SEC unique, from unforgettable personal memories to more poignant moments, such as when we became NHS Louisa Jordan during the pandemic. We are asking the public to share those memories throughout our birthday year in the SEC40&Me campaign,” he added.
“The video we’ve released captures just some of the highlights, but more importantly, it reminds us of the community, creativity, and spirit that have always been at the heart of the SEC. We look forward to the next 40 years of creating incredible, here in Glasgow.”
