 Parts of the Gorbals have already seen investment in housing |
Thousands of people are to take part in a new study which aims to improve the Scotland's "appalling" health record. The GoWell project - the first of its kind in Europe - will study the impact of a planned �1bn investment in Glasgow's most deprived communities.
About 6,000 households will be questioned over the next 10 years to chart the effects of the cash aid.
Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm said that information would lead to healthier communities in the future.
He said: "Poor housing, poverty and deprivation are key factors in determining health.
"The GoWell project will make a huge contribution to our understanding of these complex areas so that we can design and create healthier communities where people want to live."
People living in 12 areas will be asked about their experiences of community regeneration before, during and after investment.
It is hoped the responses will show whether the cash has had a positive impact on the health and well-being of those involved.
One of the investigators is Ade Kearns, professor of urban studies at the University of Glasgow.
He said: "Too many communities in Glasgow experience poor environments, are weakly connected to the rest of the city and face problems of drugs, alcohol and anti-social behaviour.
 | AREAS TAKING PART Castlemilk Carntyne Gorbals Govan Red Road Scotstoun Shawbridge Sighthill St Andrew's Drive Townhead Riddrie |
"GoWell will allow us to measure whether public policy together with the private sector can actually bring about the social, environmental and structural changes these communities need."
The project has been welcomed by Glasgow Housing Association.
Chief Executive Michael Lennon said: "Given the massive scale of GHA's investment programme, it is imperative that our policy is based upon solid, independent evidence.
"It should also help us ensure we do not repeat the mistakes of the past which all too often replaced Glasgow's slum properties with new slums."
Results will be reported every two years.
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GoWell should help us ensure we do not repeat the mistakes of the past which all too often replaced Glasgow's slum properties with new slums
