Lord Willie Haughey has been appointed chairman of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Economic Leadership Board, and Professor Muscatelli has been appointed chairman of the Commission on Urban Economic Growth. These associated bodies have been created to assist the City Deal cabinet by dealing with the co-ordination and maximisation of wider economic development activity related to the project.

A special meeting of the cabinet took place in Glasgow City Chambers yesterday (Tuesday) with leaders of the Clyde Valley local authorities in attendance.

The City Deal brings together eight councils, including Renfrewshire, in the Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Region, sharing £1.13billion of public sector investment over the next decade.

It will fund major infrastructure projects, drive innovation and growth through the support of key sectors such as life sciences, and address challenges in the region’s labour market. These projects will allow a programme of work which will greatly add to the value of the local economy over the next 20 years.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Lord Haughey and Professor Muscatelli are highly accomplished and respected in their fields which are directly relevant to the role they will provide as part of City Deal governance. They are also powerful supporters and advocates of Glasgow and our city-region. I know they will make an enormous contribution to the delivery of this transformative economic project.” Lord Haughey added: “The Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal has the potential to deliver outstanding economic growth through job creation across this region. I am honoured and privileged to have been asked to play a part in overseeing the delivery of this major initiative. As Chair of the new Glasgow and Clyde Valley Economic Leadership Board, I look forward to working with all stakeholders to attract high calibre individuals from all sectors of business to be part of the Board.” The UK and Scottish Governments will each give the City Region £500million in grant funding, and the local authorities will borrow a further £130million.

Professor Anton Muscatelli, principal and vice-chancellor of University of Glasgow will chair the Commission on Urban Economic Growth.

He said: “This is a crucially important as well as a very exciting time for the Glasgow City region. In bringing together the expertise and innovation of business, universities and other stakeholders we can really help ensure that the future continues to be one of economic and social development and regional success. I am delighted to have been invited to Chair the Commission on Urban Economic Growth and look forward to working with colleagues to really deliver for the Glasgow City Region.” The City Deal was developed by officers from the eight participating local authorities in the Glasgow City Region and other local partner organisations.

Renfrewshire Council leader Mark Macmillan said: “Renfrewshire has much to gain from the unique opportunities that the City Deal will offer our community and our economy.

“Essentially, we have the chance to fast-track investment for a number of strategic projects.

“That is allowing all of the participating councils to more quickly deliver lasting benefits for our communities.

“There is a programme of approximately 20 projects which will deliver on the council’s and the region’s key priorities — boosting jobs and economic growth.”