clyde waterfront - green network strategy, 2006

Clyde Waterfront is a public sector partnership established to promote and facilitate the implementation of the River Clyde's regeneration as a world classwaterfront location. The project will be a key driver of Scotland's economic development in the 21st century. A 15 year plan has been developed to transform

the environment, communities, transport infrastructure and economy along the river from Glasgow to Erskine Bridge in the largest project of its kind to beundertaken in Scotland. The partnership involves the Scottish Executive, Glasgow City Council, Renfrewshire Council, West Dunbartonshire Council, Scottish

Enterprise and Communities Scotland. The Green Network Strategy has been developed with the additional support of SNH and Forestry CommissionScotland.

Visit www.clydewaterfront.com for further information.

CONTENTS

Part 1 - Strategic Overview of the Clyde Green NetworkIntroduction ..........................................................................................................................................................................................3Key gaps and opportunities for the Clyde Waterfront Green Network.................................................................................................5Area wide priorities for delivering the green network.........................................................................................................................18Next steps ..........................................................................................................................................................................................20Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................20Priority Actions ...................................................................................................................................................................................21Partner Actions ..................................................................................................................................................................................22Seizing the opportunities and filling the gaps ....................................................................................................................................24

Part 2 - Action Themes for the Green NetworkTHEME 1: Planning and Development ..............................................................................................................................................25THEME 2: Community and Health.....................................................................................................................................................31THEME 3: Arts, Culture and Heritage................................................................................................................................................36THEME 4: Environmental Links .........................................................................................................................................................41THEME 5: Transport and Access ......................................................................................................................................................44THEME 6: Economic Regeneration and Tourism..............................................................................................................................49

Part 3 - Clyde Waterfront Green Network Action Area Plans and ProposalsACTION AREA 1: Clydebank.............................................................................................................................................................55ACTION AREA 2: Erskine to the White Cart......................................................................................................................................67ACTION AREA 3: Renfrew Waterfront ..............................................................................................................................................79ACTION AREA 4: Yoker to Whiteinch ...............................................................................................................................................93ACTION AREA 5: Govan .................................................................................................................................................................109ACTION AREA 6: Glasgow Harbour................................................................................................................................................123ACTION AREA 7: SECC and Pacific Quay .....................................................................................................................................137ACTION AREA 8: Lancefield and Springfield Quays.......................................................................................................................151ACTION AREA 9: IFSD and Tradeston ...........................................................................................................................................163ACTION AREA 10: Clyde Street and Laurieston.............................................................................................................................175ACTION AREA 11: Glasgow Green.................................................................................................................................................187

Part 1: Strategic Overview 1

CLYDE WATERFRONT GREEN NETWORK:A FUTURE TRANSFORMED

By 2020, the following vision for the ClydeWaterfront Green Network will havebecome reality:

The ambitions of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green NetworkPartnership have resulted in the transformation of the physicalenvironment of Clyde Waterfront and equally far reaching benefitsfor local communities, workers, visitors and investors. The benefitshave occurred at local, strategic and national levels.

All those involved in planning and managing Clyde Waterfront haverecognised and responded to the key opportunity presented by therelationship between environmental enhancement and economicattractiveness. The Green Network now has a central place on theagendas of communities, planning authorities, developers, investorsand public sector agencies. Partnership and co-ordination meanthat projects, initiatives and processes are complementary andachieve synergy across Clyde Waterfront.

The Green Network created an environment that is unique in itscombination of river, greenspace, civic space, modern developmentand cultural heritage. It forms a linear link along the waterfront andconnecting with adjoining communities and other environmentalassets. Clyde Waterfront competes with other world class cities,offering a high quality environment to all its residents, workers andvisitors, and attracting high value investment to the wider area.The Green Network has become an integral part of Clyde

A network of high quality and safe spaces reconnect communitieswith each other, with the River Clyde running through the heart ofthe area. Historic inequalities in provision have been addressed andeveryone has access to a wide range of high quality greenspaces.People are more actively involved in creating, managing and usingthe Green Network, having come to recognise the benefits itprovides for individual and community health and well being.

The Green Network provides opportunities to walk and cycle, linkingwith transport nodes and connecting visitor attractions, work placesand other services. The river itself has become a focus for leisureand recreation activity on the water and along its banks.

reflecting and responding to its industrial and social legacy whilstfacilitating, accommodating and providing new opportunities toengage with the arts.

The Green Network links existing and new habitats, having helpedto reverse their historic loss and fragmentation, and by connectingto surrounding areas. There are exciting opportunities for people toexperience nature throughout the Clyde Waterfront area.

Elements of the Green Network serve many purposes includingplace-making, providing opportunities for formal and informalrecreation, contributing to sustainable urban drainage and formingcomponents of wider habitat networks.


1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. The Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnershiphas a bold vision for the future development of the ClydeWaterfront Green Network. At this point in time, we havebeen presented with a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity to help transform the Clyde Waterfront, by creating a networkof connected green spaces that change the way that localpeople, visitors, workers and investors use, and think about,the river. In order to achieve this, the Green Network shouldno longer be an ‘after thought’ in planning and environmental decision making, but should be recognised as making afundamental contribution to quality of life for communitiesalong the Clyde.

1.2. This report sets out the key actions and projects across aseries of themes required to realise this vision. It alsodefines the changes that are needed to ensure that the roleof the Green Network is on the agenda of all thoseresponsible for planning, developing and managing theenvironment of Clyde Waterfront, from individualneighbourhoods to the area as a whole.

1.3. The report has been prepared following a study by Land UseConsultants on behalf of Clyde Waterfront, SNH, and theForestry Commission Scotland in 2006. The study includeda review of sites within the Green Network, analysis of plansand policies throughout the study area, and a series ofstakeholder workshops, which involved a range of differentpartners. These workshops were a first step towardsbringing together people across the Clyde Waterfront area tocollectively discuss the development of the Green Network.

Representatives of a range of different policy areas wereinvolved, including planning, environment, economicdevelopment, tourism, community, arts, culture and health.This reflects a cross sectoral commitment to workingtogether to deliver a multi functional Green Network for theClyde Waterfront. The study steering group also involvedthe Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership,including the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure PlanTeam, Glasgow City, Renfrewshire and WestDunbartonshire Councils, and Communities Scotland.

1.4. The Glasgow and the Clyde Structure Plan’s1 StrategicVision provided the starting point for the development of theGreen Network. The 2006 Alteration set out an Agenda forSustained Growth with the aim of delivering significantimprovement in the economic competitive position of theStructure Plan area over the next 20 years. The creation ofa high quality Green Network was defined as one of the keyactions required to deliver this Agenda.

1.5. The Green Network is intended to provide a cohesiveregional framework for the development of many differenttypes of site, delivered and managed by an equally broadrange of organisations. The aim of the Green Network is toachieve a quantum change in the scope, scale and quality ofgreenspace work being carried out across Glasgow and theClyde Valley, giving priority to:

1 Glasgow and Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan (2000), the Structure PlanAlteration (2006) and the supporting Technical Report TR9/06


Greenspace associated with the living and workingenvironment of local communities;

Greenspace supporting key strategic objectives such aseconomic development, regeneration, biodiversity,sustainable development and environmental education;and

Greenspace linked to flagship development initiatives.

1.6. The Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnershiphas been established to co-ordinate and facilitate thedevelopment of the Green Network. Clyde Waterfrontrepresents one of five flagship projects identified within theStructure Plan.

1.7. Clyde Waterfront is the focus for Scotland’s largest regeneration programme. Already a significant amount ofcommercial and residential development has been attractedto the area. This is reflected in the scale and rate of changeat many points along the Clyde. There are many otherprojects and initiatives, ranging from the development of newtransport infrastructure through to community arts projects.

1.8. Set against these indicators of success is a continuingpicture of social exclusion and poor health within manycommunities along the Clyde, allied to low environmentalquality and poor access to greenspace.

1.9. This document explores the role of the Green Network, andseeks to address many of these problems by providing theframework within which development projects andcommunity initiatives can be co-ordinated. This will helpensure that Clyde Waterfront becomes greater than a sum ofits parts, and helps to fulfil the Structure Plan’s aspiration to enhance communities’ quality of life and enhance the attractiveness of the area for business development.


KEY GAPS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THECLYDE WATERFRONT GREEN NETWORK

1.10. The following sections highlight current gaps in the network,and identify opportunities for filling them.


ACHIEVING THE GREEN NETWORK THROUGH CO-ORDINATED LAND USE CHANGE

Theme 1 Planning and development

Current Challenges

Major land use change is occurring within the area, with the creation of new residential, business and commercial areas. As noted in theScottish Executive’s Regeneration Statement People and Place (2006), the Clyde Corridor (Combining the Clyde Gateway and ClydeWaterfront) is a priority redevelopment area of national significance. Although this provides major opportunities for greenspace creation, areview of the existing Green Network shows that development is resulting in loss of some significant areas of open space, including extensiveareas of semi natural space along the waterfront. This means that more pressure is being placed on remaining space, as population and builtdensity grows and open space declines.

Some developments have led to the creation of new space that contributes to the Green Network, and others have led to improvement of widerspaces within communities. However, at the moment these projects are undertaken on a case by case basis, and there remain key gaps withinthe Green Network which could have been filled previously, had a wider framework for action been available.

New development areas have tended to make limited provision for maintenance of open space provided. In many cases, this has been passedto residents, as part of their factoring costs. This may have made them reluctant to recognise that their spaces form part of a city wide, publiclyaccessible network, and as a result it remains to be seen how sustainable and equitable these arrangements will be in the longer term.

Key Opportunities for the Green Network

There is a need for a more proactive approach to new development areas, with planning authorities providing more specific guidance on theway in which the wider aims of the Green Network can be achieved through planning agreements, site layouts and masterplans, and designguidance.

The key projects identified by this report (thematic and area specific) should provide a framework within which future new provision andimprovements to existing spaces can be more effectively targeted.

Local authorities should review their existing open space and Green Network policies, and seek to provide a more comprehensive, specific andconsistent approach as their plans are reviewed. The Green Network Partnership should co-ordinate this process.


CREATING A GREEN NETWORK FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY

Theme 2 Community and Health

Current Challenges

The River has not traditionally been recognised as an area for recreation in Glasgow. Communities use open spaces that are detached fromthe riverside and are unlikely to see the Waterfront as a leisure resource as it is widely inaccessible, and is considered unsafe in places. Inmany cases local people are unlikely to realise how close they are to the river, and will not be aware of how they can access it.

In contrast, new residents in areas such as Glasgow Harbour will have been drawn to the area because of its riverside location. They willalready be enjoying their own spaces, but may be unwilling to welcome public access. Conflicts are arising where there is an unclear definitionof public space. On several parts of the waterfront, including at Mavisbank and Riverview, public open spaces appear to have become part ofmore private space within developments, forming a barrier to public use. There is a need to address this, by balancing the city-wide aspirationto have open access to the riverfront, and the natural desire for privacy and security felt by residents. In parts of the area such as at GlasgowHarbour and in Govan this has been achieved by providing much clearer definitions of public, semi-private and private space. There is also aneed to take a closer look at public access to spaces within business developments, to stimulate higher levels of use and maximise theircontribution to the Green Network.

There is inequitable access to greenspace throughout the study area. In the city centre, many residents have very limited access to greenspace,and this is also an issue within a number of local areas further west. This means that there is a particular need to safeguard existing spaceswithin these areas, and to exploit opportunities to create new accessible spaces that together make a more complete waterfront Green Network.


Community driven projects should continue to be progressed in the area, where people recognise the value and identity of their local spaces,but also feel proud that their park or space is part of the prestigious Clyde Waterfront Green Network. They should be encouraged to shareideas and experiences with their neighbouring communities, so that a network of Waterfront Green Network community projects evolves.Community involvement in the Green Network should go beyond existing communities, to ensure that new residents also take ownership of theirlocal environment. This would help to build a greater sense of community cohesion across the area. Links between communities on the northand south sides of the River would also help to change perceptions of the cityscape, encouraging more people to recognise the river as aconnecting part of a Green Network, as opposed to a barrier.


REFLECTING THE CULTURAL AND HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CLYDE AND CREATING ASTIMULATING GREEN NETWORK

Theme 3 Arts, Culture and Heritage

Current Challenges

Glasgow grew up along the Clyde and, despite major changes over the years, the River still forms an important part of the City’s identity.

The area’s heritage has been recognised to some extent, with some key landmarks having been retained. However, there has been noconcerted interpretation or promotion of the River’s history, and the stories that link it with the history of the City as a whole are not apparent within the public realm. Glasgow’s visitors are not drawn to the areabecause they cannot easily access high quality spaces along theRiverside, and are likely to be dissuaded from using the waterfront as a whole due to safety and accessibility issues.


Heritage, arts and cultural projects should be progressed and co-ordinated to help orientate users of the Green Network and inspire them to visitother parts of the Waterfront to find out more about local histories along the river.

Key opportunities for heritage projects that could add interest and value to the Waterfront Green Network include Renfrew Ferry, Erskine Ferry /Harbour, the Stobcross Crane and Lancefield Quay, The Broomielaw, Elder Park and Govan Graving Docks. The Riverside Museum shouldaim to provide an accessible riverside civic space that is connected with the wider green network. Community based arts projects, such as theLinthouse Urban Village and the Gorbals Arts Project could also contribute to this theme.


BRINGING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT INTO THE CITY

Theme 4 Environmental Links

Current Challenges

The Clyde Waterfront Green Network includes some substantial areas of natural and semi natural space at present. However, the baselineanalysis showed that there is a higher level of ‘natural space’ towards the more rural western end of the area, with connections into the urbanarea having been eroded by development and land use change over the years.

Much of the new space which has been provided as a result of regeneration in the Waterfront area has been relatively formal–providing parksor amenity space, but contributing little to existing habitat networks.


There is a need to avoid further erosion of existing natural areas as part of the green network. A number of targeted enhancement projectscould be used to fill existing gaps in the network of natural resources, including projects focusing on and around the Clyde’s tributaries would enhance not only the green network, but also the ‘blue network’ and improving the biodiversity supported by the river system as a whole.

There is a need to particularly focus on links from the Clyde to the north and south, following the Kelvin, the Duntocher Burn and the Carts.Other opportunities could arise from regeneration in the Gorbals, where the Laurieston Masterplan will provide a more legible streetscape that iscomplemented by significant new open spaces. Environmental links could also provide more complete habitat networks, such as improvedlinear connections between key nature conservation Nodes at Renfrew and Erskine. Maintaining and reconnecting the disused railway linerunning parallel to the river in Whiteinch / Scotstoun / Yoker is also an important project that partly compensates for the relative lack ofwaterfront access in this area in the short to medium term.

Biodiversity corridors and links should also provide further functional benefits as part of the network of routes within and between GreenNetwork spaces. Where possible, provision of new space as part of developments should contribute to the network of natural areas sustainedwithin the Green Network.

The River itself should be recognised as an important biodiversity corridor, and scope to ‘naturalise’ it (e.g. by providing a softer river edge, stepping stones and creating a mosaic of wetland and shoreline habitats) such as the proposals for Lancefield Quay, should be prioritisedparticularly in Govan, Clydebank and Scotstoun where the decay of the river edge provides an opportunity for more ‘organic’ change. The needto maintain and improve water quality is a wider policy objective for the River, which the Green Network could contribute to, and benefit from.


CREATING AN ACCESSIBLE WATERFRONT GREEN NETWORK

Theme 5 Transport and Access

Current Challenges

Access to the Clyde Waterfront Green Network is currently fragmented. Some parts of the riverside can be accessed, whilst other lie behindbarriers. Key areas where this is a problem include Govan, Scotstoun and Yoker, due to use of key areas for shipbuilding and other industries The area between Erskine and Renfrew, which is largely farmland where access is not actively promoted, Areas in use for sewage treatment at Clydebank and Shieldhall in Govan, Partick and Thornwood, as a result of transport barriers including the Expressway Some areas which are working docks, but which could experience significant change over the coming years as they are redeveloped Areas closer to the City Centre where residents are unwilling to allow public use of the riverside, as a result of concerns about security and

because of poor definition of public, private and semi public space. Areas that could increasingly become detached from the river as a result of redevelopment and planned new infrastructure, including the

planned new Fastlink route.

Key Opportunities for the Green NetworkConsiderable work has already been undertaken to develop the Clyde Walkway. However, key gaps in the network of access routes remain,and will be difficult to fill in the short term. The Green Network provides an opportunity to fill some of these longstanding gaps, by buildingmomentum and fostering a new assumption that the river is a shared, accessible asset that belongs to all of the city’s residents. There are some specific opportunities to create new linking routes, and these could be taken forward as part of the ongoing regeneration anddevelopment of the area.

Throughout the area, there is a need to make better use of the existing network of purpose built routes and pavements, to provide better linksfrom the north and south of the area to the riverside. This could be achieved through signage, providing information, carefully locating strategiccrossing points and by connecting walking routes with the public transport network.

Some gaps will not be easily filled as a result of established land use. The River remains a working area and this should be respected.Diversions around areas such as the Govan and Scotstoun Shipyards could be facilitated by parts of the Green Network.

New access to the river itself should continue to be created as regeneration continues. This will help to reinforce the role of the Clyde as atransport route in its own right. Access points should be well connected to the land based access network.


A FUNDAMENTAL PART OF PLACE MAKING

Theme 6: Economic Development and Tourism

Current Challenges

This final theme brings together all the challenges examined on the previous pages to show how the opportunities combine to transform theenvironment of Clyde Waterfront. This transformation will help realise the Structure Plan aspirations for the Green Network–making a placethat benefits residents, workers, visitors and investors.

This is a sizeable challenge for everyone involved in planning, creating, managing and using Clyde Waterfront. While there are already somekey jewels in the form of accessible greenspace, riverside walkways, new commercial and residential developments and fine riversidetownscapes, few of these are connected to form a coherent network. The river itself is an under-recognised, often hidden asset. Many existinggreenspaces are of low quality and do not meet people’s needs or aspirations. The provision of greenspace is unequal in terms of both quantity and quality. Barriers such as major roads, railway lines and industrial areas separated communities from each other and from the river.Connections with surrounding greenspaces, access routes and the wider countryside are often missing.


The cumulative strategic diagram opposite shows how the Green Network will transform Clyde Waterfront. The river will be restored as keyfocus, with a series of interlinked community, heritage and greenspace projects set within a broader network of green corridors and linksextending from the river into surrounding areas. The eastern part of the river realises its potential as an important cultural and tourism resource,linking into the city centre, through the SECC and Pacific Quay to Glasgow Harbour and onwards to Kelvingrove. There are new opportunitiesfor communities to become involved in the Green Network and to be reconnected with the River Clyde.


AREA WIDE PRIORITIES FOR DELIVERINGTHE GREEN NETWORK

1.11. Realising this vision will require a creative approach todelivery, drawing together a range of different methods andapproaches to ensure that key short, medium and longerterm actions all contribute positively to the development ofthe Clyde Waterfront Green Network.

1.12. The following sections define the key components of thisdelivery framework.

1.13. The Clyde Waterfront Green Network sets out an ambitiousvision of the future that will depend on strong leadershipand advocacy on the part of the principal organisationsinvolved. Many of these organisations have already set outa clear commitment to development and implementation ofthe strategy and it is important that this is reflected bothinternally and in the way that they engage with otherinterests.

1.14. Partnership working will be essential for the successfuldelivery of the Clyde Waterfront Green Network. Effectivepartnership working will be required in the broadest sense.Co-ordination will be required within and between keydelivery organisations, including Glasgow City Council,Renfrewshire Council and West Dunbartonshire Council. Itshould also involve other public sector organisations such asClyde Waterfront, Forestry Commission Scotland,Communities Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish NaturalHeritage, National Health Service and Greater GlasgowHealth Board, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport andStrathclyde Police. Community Planning has a key role toplay in promoting such co-operation. This partnership must

extend beyond the public sector, however, to engage withkey developers, existing industrial and commercial interests,the voluntary sector and communities across the area. TheGlasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnershipprovides a vehicle within which such partnership working canbe developed and supported. Specifically with regard to thestudy area, Clyde Waterfront is also a key delivery partnerthat co-ordinates many different interests to provide acoherent approach to regeneration.

1.15. One of the most important steps in delivering the ClydeWaterfront Green Network will be to develop a strong‘brand’that can be used to give it a clear and recognisableidentity. This will help raise awareness of the networkamong decision makers, developers, local communities andvisitors. It will also help challenge perceptions of the riverand the quality of greenspaces within the Waterfront area.One option would be to develop the concept of a park with atleast regional status, focusing along the River Clyde andlinking to communities along the riverside. The brand shouldacknowledge the industrial and cultural heritage of the river,but also highlight its role in contributing to recreation andquality of life. It should be reflected in signage and otherinformation across Clyde Waterfront and neighbouringareas.

1.16. There is no single mechanism or funding source that willdeliver the vision set out for the Clyde Waterfront GreenNetwork. Instead, it will draw upon a broad range of existingmechanisms and should be sufficiently flexible to respondpositively to new sources of funding. Key examples ofexisting mechanisms include the following:


the Planning System is one of most importantimplementation mechanisms. The aims of the ClydeWaterfront Green Network must be reflected in detailedplanning policies, in supplementary planning guidance,including development briefs and through the operationof the development control process, including pre-application discussions with developers. The planningsystem should provide clarity for all those involved in thecreation of greenspace within Clyde Waterfront;

the increasing need to address the quality and quantity ofsurface run-off means that Sustainable Urban DrainageSchemes (SUDS) are an increasing requirement for newand existing development. Frequently such schemesinvolve temporary or permanent waterbodies capable ofretaining run-off following heavy rain. SUDS provide amechanism for creating publicly accessible greenspacewhich also delivers flood management and biodiversitybenefits;

the public sector is a major procurer, developer andlandowner in its own right. The redevelopment of theSouthern General, for example, provides an opportunityto demonstrate how development can contribute to thedevelopment of the wider Green Network. Network Railand Transport Scotland manage extensive elements oftransport infrastructure and could have a major influenceon the visual and biodiversity value of rail and major roadcorridors;

the private sector also has an important role to play. Thepositive use of the planning system can help ensurethat new development contributes to the quality of theGreen Network. Businesses should also be encouraged

to mange their own green spaces positively and becomeinvolved in the creation or management of localgreenspaces, for example through business sponsorship.In the longer term, the quality of the Green Networkshould play a role in attracting investment to ClydeWaterfront;

the development of Core Paths Networks, comprisinglocal networks and longer distance routes such as theClyde Walkway, Kelvin Walkway and national cycleroute, provide one way of linking elements of the GreenNetwork together, increasing levels of use andresponding to new opportunities for public access alongthe waterfront;

there is a remarkable range of arts and heritageprojects across the Clyde Waterfront, many relatingdirectly to the greenspace or the river itself. To datepromotion of these resources has been piecemeal,suggesting that there is scope to achieve a strongeridentity by better co-ordinated action on a river widebasis. There is also further potential to engage with, andsupport local level projects, helping to ensure that theGreen Network is rooted in the history and culture of theClyde Waterfront, reinforcing the area’s unique sense of place and bringing the green network to life;

the creation of a Green Network that is valued and wellused will depend on the full involvement ofcommunities across the Clyde Waterfront. While thisdocument aims to set the strategic framework fordevelopment of the Green Network, local people shouldplay a key role in defining local priorities, planninggreenspace projects and even managing and


maintaining them. Community planning, together withspecific local initiatives have a key role to play inachieving this. There is a need to build on the widerange of community and health related initiatives alreadyunderway in parts of the area. The focus of suchprojects is likely to vary, reflecting local priorities and thepartners involved, but could include local history, training,employment, education, health or environmental work;

there are a range of environmental initiatives thatshould be used to enhance the natural heritage value ofthe Clyde Waterfront Green Network, and people’s awareness and understanding of it. The ScottishForestry Grant Scheme prioritises funding for plantingand managing woodlands in urban areas, and improvingpublic access to them. Scottish Natural Heritageprovides grant aid to aid the creation of new Local NatureReserves, placing an emphasis on habitat managementand public access. Scottish Executive land managementgrants provide a way of promoting habitat creation andmanagement in those parts of the area currently inagricultural use. Organisations such as the RSPB workwith developers to encourage the inclusion of biodiversitymeasures within new developments, and with the publicto raise awareness of the richness of the biodiversity inrural and urban areas. There is a wide range of othersources of funding and assistance, including theCommunity Environmental Renewal Scheme, Awards forAll, Big Lottery Fund, and the Landfill Tax. However, itshould also be noted that the scale of development in thearea is leading to significant levels of investment, and aproportion of this should be channelled back into thepublic realm as a means of supplementing relativelylimited public sector funds;

the momentum of implementation should be maintainedby celebrating achievements and sharing goodpractice across the Clyde Waterfront Green Network.Much can be learned from sharing the experience ofgreenspace projects and initiatives across the ClydeWaterfront and Scotland and the UK more widely;

there is a need to support these mechanisms withcarefully targeted guidance and advice for thoseinvolved in implementing the Clyde Waterfront GreenNetwork Strategy. Some of this support can be provideddirectly via the Green Network Partnership. These isalso likely to be a need for practical guidance, illustratedwith examples from elsewhere, addressing issues suchas development control, SUDS, community safety andgreenspace in mixed use development.

NEXT STEPS

Overview

1.17. Part 1 of the Strategy has described a bold vision for thedevelopment of the Green Network within the ClydeWaterfront area. It has highlighted the unique nature of theopportunity, but also the challenges that must be addressedby all those involved in planning and developing theregeneration of the area.

1.18. This final section of Part 1 defines the priority actions thatwill help ensure that the vision is translated into reality, andthat the Green Network realises its potential in deliveringbenefits for local people, workers, visitors and investors.


1.19. These priority actions are described in relation to strategythemes and partner actions. The section concludes with asummary of shorter term priority projects.

Priority Actions

1.20. Planning and Development. Considerable redevelopmentis underway or is planned. A priority is to ensure that theGreen Network forms part of the agenda of developers,development control staff, decision makers and policymakers. Tools will include guidance, training and the use ofdevelopment briefs and masterplans. Clyde Waterfront, withthe support of other partners, will play an important role inplacing the Green Network on the development agenda.

1.21. Communities and Health. Communities must be involvedin planning, developing and using the Green Network. Theyshould be supported and encouraged to develop projectsand initiatives within the broader framework of the ClydeWaterfront Green Network. The role of the Green Networkin contributing to local and national health agendas shouldbe highlighted. Communities Scotland, with the activesupport of other partners, will help ensure communities areinvolved in, and benefit from, development of the GreenNetwork.

1.22. Arts, Culture and Heritage. The Strategy has outlined avision which reflects Clyde Waterfront’s cultural, social and industrial past, whilst aiming to provide new opportunities forpeople to engage with arts and cultural events. An Arts,Culture and Heritage working group should be established toensure that development of the Green Network realisespotential in this area.

1.23. Environmental Links. The potential of the Green Networkto enhance biodiversity links throughout Clyde Waterfront,and to provide opportunities for people to engage with naturerepresents a key priority that should be progressed byScottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotlandworking closely with councils and other groups/organisationswith biodiversity interests.

1.24. Transport and Access. Priority actions include creatingadditional riverside access and links to communities,transport nodes and cultural and visitor facilities. Councilswill work with developers, communities and the police tocreate a network of safe, attractive and usable routes andspaces. A further priority is to ensure that new transportinfrastructure, including Fastlink, does not result in the lossof important elements of the Green Network, or reducepeople’s access to it. Clyde Waterfront will work withorganisations responsible for planning and managingtransport infrastructure to ensure the Green Network is takenfully into account.

1.25. Economic Development. The Green Network will result ina step change in the environmental quality of ClydeWaterfront, and in the way that people perceive and use thearea. Promotion, branding and awareness raising will becritical in demonstrating to local people, workers andpotential investors, that the Green Network has created aworld class environment in which to live, work and relax.Clyde Waterfront, working closely with Scottish Enterprise,councils, and the Structure Plan team, will implement acommunications strategy to guide the way the area ispromoted and branded.


Partner Actions

1.26. Priority actions for the Green Network Partnership include:

the Partnership should take forward the priorities andproposals set out in the Strategy;

the Partnership should continue to disseminate theStrategy amongst all those involved in planning andmanaging Clyde Waterfront and its communities;

Councils should formally adopt the Strategy and ensure itis implemented through the planning process,greenspace and access strategies, core path plans,biodiversity action plans, local transport strategies,economic strategies and flood management andsustainable urban drainage initiatives;

other partner organisations should agree to support theStrategy’s implementation;

the Partnership should work to build capacity within keyorganisations, particularly councils, with the aim ofraising awareness and buy in to the Green Networkconcept and strategy for Clyde Waterfront;

the Partnership should also work to raise awarenessamongst local communities and the wider public,highlighting the Strategy’s vision, and the benefits that will result.

1.27. Priority actions also relate to projects that are currentlyplanned or could be progressed in the short to medium termwith the involvement of communities, land owners,developers and other interests. These include:

at Clydebank, creating Green Network links through newdevelopment to provide links between communties andthe riverside. Creating links between the river and theForth and Clyde Canal;

around Erskine, further developing the network ofbiodiversity sites, enhancing opportunities forunderstanding and enjoyment;

at Renfrew, improve Robertson Park and create GreenNetwork links between the town centre and the Ferry,and between existing communities, new developmentsand the waterfront;

at Yoker, improving links between existing and temporarygreenspaces, including along the Forth and Clyde Canal,promoting health walks and improving signage andinformation;

at Scotstoun, improving links between Victoria Park,cycle routes, Scotstoun Leisure Centre and JordanhillCampus;

at Whiteinch, working with the local community to realisethe potential of Whiteinch Park;

at Govan, integration with the proposals in the CentralGovan Action Plan and the restoration of Elder Park, andthe involvement of the local community to realise itspotential as local as well as city-wide resource. Thelinking of currently underused spaces to create a networkof habitats and green spaces, linking to the riverside;


at Glasgow Harbour, develop the Green Network to linkwell established and new greenspaces, and connect withnew and existing local communities. Creating a habitatlink along the Clyde Expressway, connecting with theClyde, the Kelvin and other biodiversity sites;

at Pacific Quay, securing physical and qualitativeimprovements to routes accessing Festival Park, andraising wider awareness of the resource and its role as alink between Cessnock subway station and the ScienceCentre;

at the SECC, creation of a Green Network Link toKelvingrove Park and Museum;

at Finnieston, improved links between communities andthe river in the Lancefield Quay area;

at the International Financial Services District, measuresto improve the usability of riverside greenspace alongBroomielaw, particularly in the context of the Fastlinkproject;

at Tradeston, the development of quality Green Networklinks and spaces as part of the proposed redevelopment;

at Customhouse Quay, the creation of high quality GreenNetwork links and spaces associated with the newfootbridge and connections to Buchanan Street;

at Glasgow Green, the development of initiatives toencourage stronger links with surrounding communitiesand to develop its role as a city-wide venue for events.

1.28. In Part 3, the Strategy also defines projects to be prioritisedin the medium and longer terms.


SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITIES ANDFILLING THE GAPS

Part 2 of this document defines a series of actions that arerequired to turn this vision into reality. It considers theseactions in terms of a series of inter-related action themes:

planning and land use;

community and health;

arts, culture and heritage;

environmental links;

transport and access;

economic development and tourism.

In Part 3, these themes are developed through a seriesof action areas:

1. Clydebank.

2. Erskine to the White Cart.

3. Renfrew Waterfront.

4. Yoker to Whiteinch.

5. Govan.

6. Glasgow Harbour.

7. SECC and Pacific Quay.

8. Lancefield and Springfield Quays.

9. Broomielaw and Tradeston.

10. Clyde Street and Laurieston.

11. Glasgow Green.

Part 2: Action Themes 25

THEME 1: PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Planning and the Clyde Waterfront GreenNetwork

2.1. Greenspace is a key part of any sustainable settlement, andin the study area the Glasgow and Clyde Valley StructurePlan (Third Alteration 2006) has prioritised the developmentof a strategic Green Network that provides a range offunctions and benefits.

2.2. The Clyde Waterfront is undergoing major land use changeat present through numerous regeneration and developmentprojects. The planning system has a key role to play inachieving a high quality, more coherent Green Network.This brings challenges and opportunities for a number ofpartners, including planning authorities, public and privatesector developers and the communities within whichdevelopment is taking place.

2.3. Planning can contribute to the Green Network, but cannotdeliver it in isolation. The land use planning system sitswithin a wider framework provided by Community Plans.Community Plans encompass a range of other partners andpolicies, including housing, health, social and economicdevelopment. It is important that planning policies recognisethese broader aims and define how the statutory planningsystem can support, and be supported by, wider policymaking.

Key Challenges and Opportunities

Existing Policy Commitments

2.4. National policy relating to the Green Network is provided inSPP1 The Planning System, NPPG14, Natural Heritage,which focuses on both biodiversity and wider environmentalaims, NPPG 11, Sport Recreation and Open Space (1996)2

and PAN65: Open Space (2003). Collectively, these policiesprovide guidance to local planning authorities on their role inprotecting and enhancing open space, and particularlyemphasise the need for open space to deliver on a broadrange of benefits, particularly within more urbancommunities.

2.5. Under this national framework, the Glasgow and ClydeValley Joint Structure Plan (2006) has prioritised the creationof‘A Green Network’throughout the plan area, based onexisting resources, and potential new spaces andenvironmental links. The Plan also provides guidance on theClyde Waterfront, which it defines as a nationally importantMetropolitan ‘Flagship Initiative’ and outlines the overall aim of reclaiming the Clyde Waterfront. The Structure PlanTechnical Report on the Green Network (2006) providesmore detailed guidance, and particularly emphasises thepotential role that large scale development proposals have toplay in the process.

2 A replacement for NPPG11 (SPP11) is currently being drafted and wasexpected to be published imminently, at the time of writing.


2.6. Local Plans relating to each of the three Council areasprovide further amplification of the Green Network at theLocal Level. This includes:

Policies protecting greenspace and promoting on and offsite open space enhancement as part of developmentwithin the Glasgow City Consultative Draft Plan(March 2006). The Plan also supports the continuingdevelopment of the Clyde Walkway and providesguidance specifically in relation to the Waterfront area.The plan also emphasises the use of Sustainable UrbanDrainage Systems (SUDS) in new developments,recommending that this is taken forward primarily bydevelopers.

The West Dunbartonshire Local Plan ConsultativeDraft (2005), which states a commitment to deliveringthe Green Network, and to providing improvedenvironmental links with neighbouring areas. Policy RP1also discusses regeneration plans within the area,including Clydebank where major development isplanned (and already progressing).

The Renfrewshire Local Plan aims to deliver the GreenNetwork through open space enhancement, accessconnections and environmental improvements. It goessome way towards characterising the Green Networkwithin the area, emphasising the significance of theCarts, regional and country parks, and longer distancelinear routes. It also recognizes the importance of urbanopen spaces within the network. The plan alsoemphasizes the potential benefits of SUDS projects.

2.7. In summary, at the local level, Glasgow, WestDunbartonshire and Renfrewshire Councils have alldeveloped and applied planning policies that seek to protectgreenspace, and to enhance it. Commonly, standardsbased approaches to new greenspace provision have beenused to ensure development areas include specified levelsand types of new greenspace. Other approaches haveincluded application of Glasgow City Council’s off site openspace enhancement policy, which facilitates developercontributions to the local authority for existing greenspacewithin communities surrounding development sites in lieu ofthe developer developing greenspace on site. This currentlyplaces a requirement for the council to spend thecontribution on open space, and if this cannot be achieved itis returned to the developer, providing no benefits for localpeople. Given experiences in implementing this policy inGlasgow, a review of the policy is required, with a view toensuring this does not occur.

2.8. A more consistent approach to greenspace policy makingand development control decision making is required acrossthe study area. This ‘multilateral’ approach would help to deliver the Green Network in a holistic and co-ordinated way,and in ensuring that areas are not deterred from increasingenvironmental and greenspace requirements within theirpolicies on the basis that they might push potentialdevelopers into adjacent areas. The central aim of thistheme is therefore to provide clearer guidance for all partiesinvolved in the development process.


The Green Network and Planning and Development

2.9. The baseline study identified the key sites wheredevelopment has progressed, is underway and is plannedfor the future. Some major sites have already been throughthe planning process, including Renfrew Riverside and largeparts of the waterfront at Clydebank, Yoker, GlasgowHarbour and in the City Centre. Further development isanticipated, although there remain only a very small numberof derelict sites in the waterfront where plans fordevelopment have yet to be progressed.

2.10. The stakeholder consultation revealed that the approach toprovision of new greenspace and improvement of existingfeatures has varied significantly between these areas. Insome cases developers have been encouraged to deliversignificant new spaces, such as a new public park providedas part of the Renfrew Riverside development. In others,greenspaces have been provided following a standards-based approach to provision, although the function andcharacter of some of these spaces has not been as clearlydefined. Other development areas have not necessarilyprovided new space on site, but provide contributions to offsite enhancement of greenspaces within the widercommunity, such as at Yoker where the RES3 policy of theCity Plan is being applied as an alternative to on siteprovision.

2.11. The baseline study showed that it is essential that newgreenspace, and improvements to the existing network,continue to be delivered as development progresses. Inmany areas development will open up access to theriverside, but will also result in the loss of existing openspace, including significant areas of derelict land whichnevertheless has ecological and local value as a partly

regenerated and varied semi natural area. In addition, manyriverside communities will grow significantly over the comingyears, putting more pressure on available greenspace bystimulating further demand. It is crucial that consideration ofthe Green Network takes into account both the current andfuture communities within the waterfront area, and therelationships between them.

2.12. Stakeholder consultation also highlighted concerns about thestatus of greenspace within the development process.Some developments have included greenspace ‘as an afterthought’ as opposed to it being planned into developments from the start. As a result, specifications andissues such as maintenance can be downgraded asresources decline during development projects. Maintenanceis also a wider concern in the long term, with currentmechanisms varying, and not always being sustainable as aresult of the responsibility it places on private owners tosubsidise the management of public spaces.

2.13. In some cases, greenspace has been recognised as anintegral part of a mixed use development area, whilst inothers, there has been more limited recognition of itspotential. There is a need for concerted efforts by all threeplanning authorities to generate sufficient momentum and agreater degree of certainty in terms of the use of the GreenNetwork on the waterfront. There is also considerable scopeto develop more robust policies that provide a more positiveapproach to the provision of new or enhanced open spaces.This is important for gaining stakeholder support, but wouldalso help to ensure that the Green Network becomesrecognised as a shared resource, is used more widely andultimately becomes a more attractive and safer area toenjoy.


2.14. When current approaches to greenspace planning anddevelopment is considered in relation to the baseline whichidentified existing greenspace, it is clear that the planningsystem has a role to play in creating a more completenetwork of greenspace within the area. This should fulfil arange of functions, including creation of more completebiodiversity and habitat networks to functional transport links,recreation provision, tourism development, supportingcommunity pride and improving health. Access to the Clydeand improving perceived and physical linkages via the GreenNetwork could also be assisted by a more consistent andclearer approach to planning for greenspace.

Thematic Objectives

2.15. In response to the issues identified in the baseline and inorder to reflect stakeholder ideas and concerns, the followingthematic objectives have been identified for the ClydeWaterfront Green Network:

a. Standards based approaches to greenspace policywithin Local Plans should be developed further inorder to cover the quality and type of space, as well asthe quantity. This approach to new provision has beenachieved in some major development areas, but is notyet fully understood or consistently applied. It is crucialthat such planning action is set within the Green Networkframework (as defined spatially for the Clyde Waterfrontas a whole, and more specifically within each of theaction areas). In some areas new provision ondevelopment sites may be appropriate whilst in others offsite enhancement policies could be strengthened, ifcurrent weaknesses in the policy can be addressed, andimproved guidance (such as this report) can be used toensure effective implementation.

If all three council areas developed more consistentpolicies which allowed for either option, developmentcontrol officers would have the option to apply one orboth policies in order to achieve strategic priorities setout for the network as a whole. This includes prioritiesdefined in order to address current deficiencies in thenetwork, as well as the aspiration of creating a moreconnected and continuous network of greenspace acrossthe area as a whole. In particular, the findings of thisstudy show how different redevelopment strategies ‘fit together’ so that continuity in the network can be achieved. Key areas where this is likely to beproblematic, such as those where contrastingapproaches are advocated by neighbouring waterfrontsub areas, are highlighted in the action areas provided inSection 3. Further advice on this, that applies thefindings of this study, could usefully be provided by theGreen Network Partnership.

b. Greenspace provision should be reviewed in termsof phasing of development and built intomasterplanning, so that improvements and newprovision are not relegated to providing ‘add ons’ to the overall development process.

c. Clearer guidance on mechanisms for maintenance ofgreenspace should be shared amongst the area’s planning authorities. By establishing a planningworking group, this could be achieved in a focused andparticipative way. Lessons learnt from developments todate could be usefully shared and discussed in order tohelp steer future policies and decision making.


d. Where possible, local authorities should continue towork with developers to address priorities identifiedfor each of the action areas defined for the purposesof this study. This might include provision of newgreenspace, but is likely to also include projects thatseek to improve existing spaces within widercommunities, as discussed under (b) above. All suchactions should seek to contribute to the specific prioritiesidentified by this study. Tools which can be used toachieve this include provision of supplementary planningguidance or design briefs (particularly for largerredevelopment areas), the use of planning conditionsand Section 75 agreements. Planning authorities shouldtake a lead in the process of greenspace developmentand improvement, helping to improve transparency andcoherence and creating a higher degree of certaintyamongst the development industry. This would alsoassist with realising Objective 2 above.

e. The different approaches to greenspaceimprovements in different action areas should berecognised. The action area proposals aim to reflectthe fact that different land values and developmentdensities will necessitate a varying planning response toprovision of new greenspace in different parts of theClyde Waterfront area. New space should be provided inall new development areas to better meet the needs ofnew communities, but the scale and character of thesespaces should be varied in response to the context withinwhich they are set.

f. Further awareness raising is required, particularlyamongst development control officers. This couldinclude providing this study report together with tailoredinterpretation that sets out the potential role of planningand key tools which can be used to fulfil the objectivesidentified for the Clyde Waterfront Green Network. Theimportance of greenspace in improving overall quality oflife should be emphasised as part of this process, toensure it is recognised as more than a recreation orgeneral amenity resource.

g. Planning authorities should aim to co-ordinate theirwork, particularly in areas which extend acrossadministrative boundaries. Where possible,greenspace supply and demand should be recognised asextending across these boundaries, with new provisionand improvements to existing space in one council areapotentially being facilitated by development in another.

h. Planning authorities should link their work ongreenspace with access planning. The developmentof core path networks (as required by the Land ReformScotland Act 2003) provides a particular opportunity tohelp improve access to the riverside, as well as to betterconnect existing greenspace.

i. The links between this theme and others for theGreen Network should be recognised in order toensure that new provision and improvements help todeliver multiple benefits from greenspace within thestudy area. For example, when considering provision ofnew space, scope for delivering health or transportimprovements through the planning process should berecognised and pursued.


Case study: Greenspace Planning andDevelopment - the East London Green GridProgramme

The Thames Gateway stretches for 40 miles along the ThamesEstuary from the London Docklands to Southend in Essex andSheerness in Kent. It is a national priority for regeneration andgrowth as identified in the Sustainable Communities Plan, launchedby the Deputy Prime Minister in February 2003. By 2016,Government's targets for the Gateway include creation of 120,000new homes, 180,000 new jobs, improved education and skills,better access to health care and major improvement to the imageand environment of the Gateway, including high quality design andattractive open spaces facilitating access to the river.

To date 82% of approved developments have been onbrownfield sites, reflecting a similar regeneration context tothat currently experienced on the Clyde Waterfront.

The Thames Gateway Partnership has been co-ordinating the EastLondon Green Grid Programme which seeks to achieve open spaceenhancement as part of social and economic regeneration. TheVision for the East London Green Grid isgreen spaces, river and other corridors connecting urban areas tothe River

Its objectives are to:

provide high-quality strategic public areas along the rivertributaries and green areas;provide a diversity of leisure, recreational uses and landscapesfor people to escape, relax, learn, play and enjoy, and promotehealthy living;manage water collection, cleansing and flood risk with multi-functional spaces; andprovide beautiful, diverse and managed green infrastructure tothe highest standards for people and wildlife.

The East London Green Grid will be delivered through high qualitybespoke projects and by incorporating green infrastructure andaccess rights of way within Strategic Employment Locations,residential and commercial regeneration. The adoption of GreenGrid visions and principles into Borough planning policy will improve

green space and the improvement in open space quality. Thisillustrates the importance of local level adoption of the ClydeWaterfront Green Network Strategy.

Delivery mechanisms include: establishing key deliveryorganisations, integrating the Green Grid into London BoroughSpatial Plans and the London Plan and securing revenue funding toensure the continuity of the Grid into the long term.


THEME 2: COMMUNITY AND HEALTH

Community, Health and the Clyde WaterfrontGreen Network

2.16. The Green Network should seek to provide spaces whichare used and valued by the communities along thewaterfront, as well as resources which improve the widerimage and attraction of the Riverside and City as a whole.Well planned and designed spaces can be communityassets, whilst those which are less appropriately managed,located or laid out can be contested spaces which facilitateproblems such as antisocial behaviour, inter communityconflict and crime.

2.17. Many community and health policies and plans seek toimprove quality of life by improving the places where peoplelive. Recent research on environmental justice has alsoshown that there can often be a mismatch betweencommunity needs and local environmental quality, with poorquality streets and spaces compounding social exclusionwithin many communities. Greenspace therefore has a keyrole to play in supporting the social inclusion andenvironmental justice policy agendas.

2.18. People often work together to take forward improvements totheir local spaces, with greenspace problems andopportunities often inspiring communities to join forces. Thescale of community involvement in greenspace projects hasvaried significantly–local community gardens and pocketparks through to more formal public parks have formed afocus for action within different communities.

2.19. The new communities that are emerging along the waterfrontare also likely to have a vested interest in maintaining thequality of spaces within their neighbourhood, both in terms ofgeneral involvement and use and financial responsibility, asmaintenance of new space is included within their factor’s fees.

2.20. Greenspace can also provide an important recreationresource, inspiring people to exercise more and improvetheir physical health. Research has shown that exercising ina ‘green’ environment can provide added benefits, for example by lowering blood pressure. Throughout Scotlandhealth walks are being developed which encourage peopleto use the outdoors for regular exercise. When used forgeneral recreation, less formal spaces can provide as greata contribution to health as more formal sports pitches.

2.21. Greenspace can also contribute to individual mental healthby creating better environments for people to live in, andproviding places for people to meet and interact as acommunity. In addition ‘community health’ and capacity can be built through the process of community led greenspaceinitiatives, providing a focus for involvement and creating agreater sense of collective empowerment.

2.22. Greenspace also has an important role to play in reinforcingcultural and civic identity, particularly within an area such asthe Clyde Waterfront, where communities traditionally havestrong links with the river. The design of spaces, and theresources within them, can reflect the past by providinghistoric buildings and other features, and can equallyintroduce contemporary ideas through art, planting andlighting. The cultural and heritage theme discussed below isof direct relevance to community priorities.


Key Challenges and OpportunitiesExisting Policy Commitments

2.23. Numerous policies exist which aim to promote socialinclusion and improve health. At the national level, this isexpressed in documents such as Better Communities inScotland: Closing the Gap (2002), the Scottish Executive’s statement on community regeneration which seeks to narrowinequalities and opportunity gaps across Scotland. ‘Let’s Make Scotland More Active’ (2003)is Scotland’s strategy for physical activity, which emphasises the importance ofenvironments in encouraging higher levels of physicalactivity.

2.24. At the local level, the Glasgow Community Plan 2005-2010sets out priority themes for the City, including those relatingto employment, education, vibrancy, health and safety. TheRegeneration Outcome Agreement for Glasgow also aims toachieve development in consultation with the city’s residents. The City Health Development Plan aims to stimulate morephysical activity and focuses on the way in which poor healthis particularly concentrated within areas of deprivation.

2.25. Similarly, the West Dunbartonshire Regeneration OutcomeAgreement sets out an action plan for change, aiming todeliver stronger communities, employment improved healthand better educational attainment. It recognises theimportance of regeneration of areas including Clydebank aspart of this.

2.26. In Renfrewshire, theCommunity Plan ‘A Pattern for Partnership 2000-2010’ is based on the following key themes also emphasises the importance of education andemployment, health and social care, and quality of housing,local environments and community safety. The area’s

Regeneration Outcome Agreement (2005-2008) prioritisesfunding spatially, within key areas of current social exclusion.

The Green Network, Community and Health2.27. The baseline study showed that there is considerable

community led activity being undertaken within the studyarea. Some of this has been directly linked with greenspace,whilst other projects have a more indirect, but neverthelesspotentially beneficial link with the Green Network.

2.28. The baseline study also showed that the socialcharacteristics of the communities within the study area varyconsiderably. In some areas, people are much more likely tosuffer from deprivation, with problems including poor health,low income or unemployment, low car ownership and poorhousing. Within these areas, however, there tends to be ahigh level of community involvement, facilitated by bodiessuch as the former Govan SIP (now encompassed by thearea’s Community Planning Partnership) and the West Dunbartonshire SIP. Other areas, such as the West Endand Merchant City have equally active communities, possiblyas a result of their relative social advantages and high levelsof awareness of environmental quality and heritage.

2.29. However, the baseline analysis also shows that there is alack of community activity in some areas, including Renfrewand Erskine, Tradeston and Old Kilpatrick. This could bepartly a result of the lower levels of concern about socialexclusion in these areas, and the consequent lack offacilitating bodies working to involve people in environmentalimprovements. However, these communities havepotentially an equal interest in the quality of theirenvironment and so further work to involve them in plans forthe Green Network will be required.


2.30. As regeneration plans proceed, new communities are beingcreated along the Clyde Waterfront. It is important thatthese are well integrated physically, but that there are alsoopportunities for social interaction between them and theexisting communities. By creating new areas for living thatare isolated from their surrounding communities, there is arisk that new spaces provided for shared use will not realisetheir potential, with new residents maintaining them as semi-private inaccessible areas. This would undermine thepotential that regeneration offers to support overall quality oflife along the waterfront.

2.31. The waterfront area also raises community safety issues,although these could be significantly improved upon, ifgreater use of waterfront spaces was to be achieved. Asmuch of the riverside has previously been inaccessible,lacking a resident population and a sense of ‘ownership’, there has been a history of antisocial behaviour and concernabout personal safety to varying degrees in different parts ofthe study area. Strathclyde Police has particular concernsabout safety in the Yoker / Scotstoun / Whiteinch area, andthere are also difficulties in parts of the riverside within thecity centre. This is potentially combined with road safetyissues, particularly where new infrastructure is beingprovided on the basis of vehicular (as opposed topedestrian) access. These safety issues form a potentialbarrier to use of the waterfront Green Network, which needsto be overcome, including by developing more open spaceswith higher levels of activity. New developments in the areaalso have the potential to result in displacement of crime,and so the area’s safety challenges need to be viewed as a dynamic situation.

2.32. Education is also an important opportunity requiringdevelopment as part of the Green Network strategy.Involvement of education and training institutions rangesfrom their physical presence within the area (such asClydebank College), to their wider vested interest as landmanagers and users of spaces. The Green Network has thepotential to deliver training and education, making localenvironments work for their communities by providing newopportunities for skills and knowledge development.

Thematic Objectives


a. Integration between communities will be facilitatedby improved partnership working on social andhealth issues. Within local authorities, it is crucial thatofficers from different services work together to progressGreen Network plans. This includes liaison betweensocial care, health, community planning and planningdepartments. Other organisations also have a key roleto play, including Communities Scotland, HousingAssociations, NHS Greater Glasgow and StrathclydePolice. As the issues arising under this theme are oftencomplex and deep rooted, this aspect of partnershipworking will require conscious promotion and activemaintenance.


b. Personal and road safety measures should be‘designed into’ new and improved spaces. Measurescan range from careful siting and management ofvegetation, to lighting and the use of CCTV where thereare particular problems. By creating more naturalsurveillance along the waterfront, current concerns aboutsafety could be reduced. Self policing of Green Networkspaces should evolve as their use continues to grow. Itis important that spaces can be safely accessed from theroad network, for example with road crossings providedat key points, improvements to underpasses and bridgesand traffic management as required to better connectnew and existing communities to their open spaces.Secured by Design services provided by policy can helpto address these issues. Strathclyde Police haveappointed a Clyde Waterfront liaison officer to supportthe current regeneration process.

c. A realistic view of varying community interest andcapacity needs to be taken. Although severalcommunities are already actively involved in greenspaceprojects, in others the levels of awareness andmotivation are significantly lower. This may be due to alack of understanding of the potential of greenspace, inwhich case support and active development ofcommunity projects could generate the momentumrequired to achieve involvement and its associatedbenefits. In other cases, communities may beprogressing other priorities, and so a realistic approachwill be required which sets Green Network prioritieswithin this wider context. The area action plans providean indication of the existing and potential levels ofinterest in projects on the part of the local communities.

d. Following on from this, community networking shouldbe encouraged, so that active communities share theirexperiences and communicate the benefits of their workto those who are currently less actively involved inprojects. An annual networking event might be sufficientto establish better relationships between communitiesthroughout the area, and the use of a virtual newsletterthat focuses on greenspace projects could assist withexchange of experience. Models such as the BTCV’s Community Local Action Network (CLAN) provide goodexamples of how this can be achieved. E-bulletins andnewsletters (such as those provided regularly byGreenspace Scotland) could provide a cost effective toolfor improving communication between local communities.

e. Targeted initiatives should seek to connect new andexisting communities in order to ensure new openspaces are not ‘contested places’. As many newresidents are paying additional fees to cover themaintenance of their new spaces, they may be reluctantto share their use with the wider community. In addition,it appears that the design of many new spaces in thearea does not clearly define whether spaces are public,private, or semi-private resources (with some notableexceptions including River View Park in Renfrew). As aresult, creating a sense of shared responsibility of newand existing spaces will be important. This could beachieved by ensuring new residents are aware ofexisting spaces, as much as promoting the use of newspaces amongst existing residents. A combination ofprojects that improve physical links (routes, crossings orsignage) and perceptions of ownership (events,information, involvement in planting or art) would help to


ensure that a more cohesive Green Network emergesfrom the waterfront regeneration process.

f. Employment, training and education initiativesshould be prioritised, so that the Green Network candeliver ‘real’ benefits for communities. In manycommunities there may be a perception that greenspaceis a low priority, particularly where lack of jobs or poorhealth are issues. In these areas, where the mostexcluded communities are concentrated, initiatives whichaim to deliver training, education and even employmentshould be progressed. There have been good examplesof how this can be achieved–e.g. the EmployabilityScheme participation in Beardmore Park (in the east endof Glasgow). The GalGael project also emphasises therole of the Clyde in community development, reinforcingthe interface between community development, culturalidentity and provision of an open and accessiblewaterfront area.

g. There is also scope for projects to benefit from volunteerschemes such as Project Scotland, which providessupport to young people to encourage them to dovoluntary work over the course of a year. Byemphasising training and personal developmentaspirations within projects, added benefits could emergefrom a range of Green Network projects.

h. Health walks and other projects that aim to stimulatephysical activity in the area should be progressed sothat the Green Network delivers further benefits forlocal people. There are some positive examples ofhealth walks and other health improvement projects thatmake use of the waterfront Green Network. However,there is potential to take this further, particularly withincommunities where social exclusion and poor health iscurrently high. The area action plans have providedideas on specific areas where this could be prioritised.


THEME 3: ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGEArts, Culture and Heritage and the ClydeWaterfront Green Network

2.34. Greenspace can be a cultural resource in its own right.Within the study area, access to the waterfront viagreenspace has a particularly important role to play inreconnecting communities with the Clyde and reinforcingtheir cultural heritage and identity.

2.35. Many greenspace projects have stimulated cultural activityand provided a focus for a range of performing and visualarts projects. These types of project provide benefits for thespaces themselves, making them more interesting anduseable. In turn, many spaces can add to the enjoymentand appreciation of culture and arts–as a unique setting forperformances, or as an interesting setting for sculpture orpainting.


2.36. Several statutory and non statutory documents contribute tothis theme. For example, the Clyde Rebuilt Report (2002)3

states the importance of arts and heritage within waterfrontredevelopment, and notes that‘Cranes, dock basins and warehouses are important and enduring symbols of theworking port and provide opportunities for imaginative newuses’. Nationally, Scotland’s Cultural Strategy aims to deliver cultural projects that provide added value in terms ofsocial inclusion. Within this framework, Glasgow’s Cultural Strategy encourages participation in cultural life by local

3 http://www.clydeforum.org/pdf%20files/clyderebuilt.pdf

people and emphasises its role in terms of tourismdevelopment. It recognises the role of the city’s parks within this process. West Dunbartonshire’s Cultural Strategy also emphasises the importance of public involvement in projects,and notes the role of regeneration projects in its delivery.

2.37. National and local level historic environment policies are alsoimportant in relation to this theme. These emphasise theimportance of safeguarding key resources, and ensuring thatheritage assets are respected as part of regenerationprocesses.

2.38. The area also benefits from several public art policies,including the Strategy for Art in Clydebank’s Public Spaces 2004-20104 which was formulated as part of the ClydebankRebuilt Clydebank Plan to ensure innovative regeneration ofthe public realm. The Renfrewshire Local Plan (2006)includes Policy ENV22: Per Cent for Art, which states thatdevelopers of large scale development schemes must setaside at least 1% of the budget of a proposed developmentto provide for works of art or craft. The Glasgow City Planalso promotes this approach.

The Green Network and Arts, Culture and Heritage2.39. Use of the Green Network for arts projects to date has

ranged from major cultural events (such as the RiverFestival, or Shakespeare in the Park at the Botanics)through to local scale history projects, including work inClydebank and at Govan that has interpreted land usechange from the perspective of local residents. Whilst theseprojects have not set out to contribute directly to the Green

4 Clydebank Rebuilt (2004) Consultative Draft Strategy for Art inClydebank’s Public Spaces 2004-2010.


Network, they have provided benefits by creating a strongersense of public ownership and awareness of the publicrealm and its historic evolution. The Green Network hasalso contributed to the function and appreciation of arts andevents, by providing space for people to congregate,retaining arts activity at a local level. Throughout the studyarea, the waterfront location of the Green Network providesan ideal opportunity to re-establish cultural and heritage linkswith the Clyde through further projects and initiatives.

2.40. The river itself is an open space shared by communitiesthroughout the area, and its identity as a cultural resourceshould be recognised. Ongoing work such as lighting of thebridges in the city centre can be progressed further, andextended westwards to tie in with regeneration areas.Installations such as the Son et Lumière display on theGranary prior to its demolition demonstrate the way in whicharts projects and other events can reinforce connectionsbetween the community and the river, as well as potentiallyappealing to visitors from further afield. This could becomplemented by the improved public transport linksplanned for the new riverside regeneration areas, particularlyif they were more actively promoted in the way that thefestival of light in the city centre has been.

2.41. The Clyde Waterfront Green Network is a key cultural andheritage resource which could be developed further. Thebaseline study showed that, although considerable workunder this theme has already been progressed, it has tendedto concentrate within specific localities and has notconsciously used the study area’s open spaces as a keyresource for delivering creativity or heritage awareness.

2.42. Whilst greenspace should benefit and contribute to theongoing arts and cultural agenda, this is potentially a twoway process as there would be benefit for the spacesthemselves if further projects were developed within them.Many of the area’s spaces lack interest at present, leading to low levels of use. Arts, culture and heritage events,interpretation and installations can make many of the areasspaces more usable and will help to provide a more coherentnetwork of spaces that is closely connected with the Clyde.Higher levels of use will improve the amenity and safety ofthe Green Network, creating a ‘virtuous circle’ as confidence and enjoyment grow and stimulate further use andinvolvement.

2.43. Many of the area’s spaces also provide an important setting for listed buildings and heritage resources along thewaterfront. This includes high profile resources, like theopen areas around the Stobcross Crane and the north andsouth rotundas and the People’s Palace, Doulton Fountain and other monuments on Glasgow Green, to more locallysignificant buildings including churches, and small scalefeatures of interest within parks (e.g. listed gates and piers,pavilions etc.) Where land use is changing, provision of newspace should continue to contribute to the amenity andappreciation of key assets that reflect the river’s industrial past, such as cranes, bridges and docks.

2.44. There is also scope to encourage waterfront space users toexplore arts and heritage resources in the surroundingcommunities, by highlighting links with wider heritage andcultural trails, buildings and spaces via the Green Network(e.g. Merchant City Arts Project, West End Conservation).


2.45. The regeneration of the waterfront includes development ofnew and improved cultural resources, including the RiversideMuseum being built at the confluence of the Kelvin and theClyde. These resources will help to draw visitors to the area,and provide a potential focal point for visitor interpretationand orientation within the Green Network. This could befacilitated by providing information about the Green Network,complemented by water transport links, so that visitors aredrawn further afield and encouraged to explore other areasof interest. The planned civic space around the museumitself should also be recognised as part of the GreenNetwork, and linked to the riverside walkway and associatedwaterfront spaces.

Thematic Objectives


a. The potential to provide interpretation of the river’s maritime and industrial heritage should bedeveloped through the Green Network. This couldinclude on site interpretation, arts installations, sculpture,off site arts projects and events. Groups with a keyinterest in such projects include the Clyde Forum andMaritime Museum. Current land use change could alsobe interpreted within its heritage setting to provide afurther perspective on the dynamics of the GreenNetwork over time and increase awareness of theprocess of reconnecting the river with its surroundingcommunities.

b. Communities should be helped to participate in artsand heritage projects throughout the Green Network.Early in the process this should include working withestablished community arts projects to progress the aimsset out here (e.g. Roots in the Community, LinthouseUrban Village). This could extend to also involve peoplewho are not currently active in this field, but who couldbenefit from participation. Communities could be askedto identify themes and ideas to take forward into artsprojects. Family and personal histories and reflectionson heritage and changing land use in the area could alsocontribute to the ‘richness’ of the networks cultural heritage identity.

c. Further local level heritage and arts projects usingsmall greenspaces close to where people live shouldalso be stimulated. These could follow examples suchas the Millennium pocket parks that were developedacross Glasgow a few years ago, learning from both theirsuccesses and failures.

d. The River Festival should continue to be supportedas a key event in the city’s cultural calendar, and scope for further arts and cultural events using theGreen Network should be explored further. Thiscould range from neighbourhood specific activities tocollective projects that bring together the spaces in theGreen Network to deliver arts projects. There is a needto potentially redesign some key spaces within thenetwork to allow them to support events of varying sizesand formats. Such events provide specific benefits bystimulating interest and involvement in culture, heritageand the arts with specific reference to the riversidelocation of the Green Network. In addition, wider


benefits including community capacity and sharedownership (as discussed under the previous theme)would also be stimulated and used to improve the overallfunction and aesthetics of the Clyde Waterfront GreenNetwork.

e. There should continue to be an emphasis on lightingproject focusing on the river, broadening its range tohighlight key spaces of interest within the network.This type of project can have an impact at a relativelylarge scale, and could therefore be invaluable in helpingto create a greater sense of continuity and cohesion forthe waterfront Green Network as a whole. Securitybenefits and civic pride can be stimulated by this type ofwork.

f. Arts, culture and heritage projects should besupported by a range of measures, including businesssponsorship of small scale projects, use of the ‘% for art’ mechanism as part of new developments and planningagreements. The potential projects identified for eachaction area should be prioritised and promoted byplanning authorities as an integral part of the planningprocess. Further advice will be required to helpdevelopment control officers to achieve this–perhaps bysimply contacting case officers and discussing keyopportunities within their designated areas, or byproducing a summary list of possible projects anddistributing it alongside wider information and guidancepertaining to the Green Network.

g. There is a need to build physical connections andprovide signage to ensure that the Green Networkconnects with and complements wider communityarts and heritage resources. Key nodes which couldbe better joined up via green links and orientation withinthe Green Network have been identified within each ofthe Action Areas. Particular opportunities include theRiverside Museum at Glasgow Harbour and itsconnection to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum andother west end resources, and linking the waterfrontspaces with city centre resources such as the Gallery ofModern Art and Scotland Street School.

h. The heritage value of key artefacts and structuresalong the waterfront requires to be recognised andprotected, so that they continue to contribute to theidentity and value of the Green Network. Specifically, thecase for listing the river’s historic quay wallsshould beconsidered further. In some places, small scale featuressuch as slipways, railings, chains and rope rings arepossibly undervalued parts of the heritage of the riverand its Green Network, which may not merit listing, butshould be collectively protected.


Case Study: Green networks andsustainable, healthy communities TheStockholm Blue Green Network

-grown, to provide wedges of natural space that run alongside transportcorridors, sustaining a range of functions from recreation and generalamenity, to supporting flood management, promoting sustainableenergy initiatives, and sustaining urban biodiversity.

The network has grown outwards from the city centre. In a city wherewater is a dominant feature, the green network makes use ofopportunities to link homes with waterways. Major air quality benefits

ity iscurrently investigating the ways in which the network could stimulatemore sustainable waste management for example with privatecomposting initiatives. These innovative uses demonstrate thewider potential that the Clyde Waterfront Green Network has todeliver much broader policy benefits than recreation alone.

of proposals for development, including major road plans. However,the city intends to maintain the network as far as possible, with thebenefits experienced to date helping to justify protective decisionmaking.


THEME 4: ENVIRONMENTAL LINKSEnvironmental Links and the Clyde WaterfrontGreen Network

2.47. The Green Network has a clear role to play in deliveringenvironmental links. Green links can make importantconnections between urban and rural areas, forming a chainof sites which bring nature into the built environment. Theycan also create beneficial links between important naturalheritage sites. Although an entirely continuous network isnot necessary to aid the movement and health ofbiodiversity, by looking at how spaces relate to one anotherit is possible to build a stronger framework within whichplants, birds and animals can thrive.

2.48. Environmental links can also be established for the waterenvironment as part of an overall habitat network. It isimportant that these water connections are also recognisedfor their potential environmental benefits.


2.49. Policy commitments for the environment extend from thenational to local level. At the national level, Scotland’s Sustainable Development Strategy (2005) aims to protectnatural resources and to improve the quality of theenvironment. The national Biodiversity Action Plan exploresthe role of biodiversity projects in supporting learning andhealthy living. It recognises the importance of urbanenvironmental assets as part of this.

2.50. Scottish Natural Heritage also provides guidance onenvironmental links, including through its Natural HeritageFutures documents, which provide a long term view ofenvironmental resources. SNH’s West Central Belt Plan also provides more specific objectives, including landscapeand wildlife enhancement, through the use and improvementof open spaces in and around towns and cities. It exploresthe benefits of reusing vacant and derelict land as part of thisprocess, and proposes development of urban greenspacenetworks, creation of Community Woodlands, encouragingcommunity involvement, and stimulating physical activity.

2.51. With regard to Glasgow, the City Plan supports the GreenNetwork (as described in Theme 1 above) and the CityLBAP identifies key biodiversity assets requiring protectionand enhancement where possible. This includes recognitionof the value of open water within key public parks, and theimportance of rivers and streams, including the Clyde and itstributaries.

2.52. Similar protection is provided by the Renfrewshire,Inverclyde and East Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan,which includes priority habitats of rivers and streams(including the Clyde and Carts) and urban greenspaces. InWest Dunbartonshire the Local Plan provides the mainpolicy relating to biodiversity.

2.53. At a strategic level, the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Forestryand Woodland Framework (2005) also seeks to help achievethe aspirations of the Green Network, planting of large areasof woodland and smaller pockets of trees along streets,transport corridors and new developments. The ClydeWaterfront is set out as a ‘Priority Area for Strategic Action’ where ‘greening’ is required due to dereliction. Actions for areas of vacant and derelict land and for urban areas aredefined in the Framework.


2.54. Internationally, the EU Water Framework Directive sets outnew legal requirements for the protection and improvementof water bodies. The City’s Strategic Drainage Plan (2005) sets out high level objectives for the water environment inthe city and a River Clyde Flood Management Strategy hasrecently been drafted and consulted upon.

The Green Network and Environmental Links

2.55. The Green Network dataset shows the distribution of naturaland semi natural greenspace is uneven across the studyarea. There are also incomplete networks of spaces whichcould be better connected through targeted action and this isboth a key challenge and an opportunity. In addition, manyof the LBAP species of each of the local authorities arefound within the area, making it important to ensure thatthese sites and areas are both protected and enhanced.

2.56. The new development along the Green Network comprisinghousing, commercial, retail and leisure facilities, all have thepotential to include areas of greenspace as links within thecurrent green corridor. However, there is no coherentframework for this, particularly in terms of cross river andcross boundary links. It is important that the opportunitiesfor habitat linkages are taken into account at an early stagein the development process.

2.57. The River Clyde itself forms an important, continuous ‘blue link’ connecting the different parts of the city and extending beyond through Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire.Tributaries to the Clyde also form important north-southlinks, including the Carts, the Kelvin, and the DuntocherBurn. These ‘blue links’ provide important templates for the extension of green corridors.

2.58. The Clyde and its surrounding parks and greenspaces arealready of value to local communities and environmentalgroups due to both their amenity and biodiversity qualities.There is the opportunity to harness this local support inenhancing green corridor links through habitat improvementand creation. There is also the potential to draw downfunding for new projects through working in partnership withcommunity groups.

Thematic Objectives


a. Promote further environmental linkages within thenetwork. This includes consolidation and extension ofhabitat networks comprising green corridors (existingroadsides with planting, waterways etc) and woodlands.It will be important to ensure that the opportunities forhabitat networks are maximised through the linking ofnew and existing greenspace where possible.

b. Encourage further discussion with environmentalstakeholders with a view to establishing crossnetwork priorities and joint action. It is vital that allenvironmental stakeholders work together to maximisebiodiversity benefits by assessing where common actioncan be taken. This could involve participation at the locallevel, for example the local ‘Friends of’ Groups, as wellas the Green Network Partnership and nationalorganisations such as BTCV.


c. Network wide interpretation of natural heritage andenvironmental processes would be beneficial. Theriver and its network of greenspace is a keyenvironmental asset for the conurbation and surroundingareas, but is often overlooked as it is perceived as beingdeveloped and lacking in natural features due to itsindustrial part. Education and interpretation will help togive a coherent structure to the network and help to raiseawareness of the value and continuity of nature in thecity. This could be complemented by work with schoolsor local communities, such as local level gardens,sponsorship schemes, or learning visits (e.g. boat trips).

d. Opportunities to involve developers and encouragebiodiversity in new build developments should beexplored further. Whilst new developments have helpedto provide a number of new formal spaces, additionalspace provision could usefully extend to planting ofnative plant species in landscaping schemes and linkingof landscaped areas with existing surroundinggreenspaces.

e. Development Control decisions should take ‘natural’ Green Network priorities into account. In order tohelp fulfil the above objective, this could includeconsideration of surrounding greenspace and thepotential for linkages when considering applications andmasterplans. Further advice from environmentalorganisations and those responsible for taking forwardenvironmental policy or LBAPs in each area would bebeneficial.


THEME 5: TRANSPORT AND ACCESSTransport and Access and the Clyde WaterfrontGreen Network

2.60. The Green Network has a potential role to play incontributing to a sustainable access network. Routesthrough open spaces can provide important ‘off road’ links, as well as enjoyable walking and cycling experiences in theirown right. It is also important that access to and betweenspaces is well planned and promoted, to ensure that peopleof all ages and abilities are able to experience the GreenNetwork in a safe way. Linear green spaces, such as canaltowpaths, riverside walks and disused railways have aparticularly important role to play in ensuring the GreenNetwork is accessible.

2.61. In turn, the transport network, within which the GreenNetwork sits, is important. Existing roads and railways actas barriers to greenspace, cutting communities off fromopportunities for outdoor recreation. This is particularlysignificant in the case of the Clyde Waterfront area, whereroutes tend to run from east to west and communities arelargely located north or south of the river.

2.62. These barriers can be overcome by well planned crossingpoints and better orientation of users. However, at the sametime new developments can reinforce and extend barriers.Improvements to road and rail networks, such as theproposed Clyde Fastlink dedicated route, have the potentialto result in direct loss of greenspace, as well as increasingthe level of fragmentation within a network of spaces.

2.63. Transport links and nodes can also be used to promote theuse of open space, particularly by providing signage, mapsand other information to orientate people and highlight keyspaces that can be accessed by public transport.


2.64. National level policy, including Scotland’s Transport Future (2004) emphasises the need to promote economicdevelopment, social inclusion, health and environmentalprotection. It also emphasises the importance of sustainabletransport, to be achieved through improved infrastructurethat particularly benefits socially excluded communities.

2.65. In Glasgow, consultation on a new Local Transport Strategy– ‘Moving Glasgow Forward’ has commenced and aConsultative Draft is due in June 2006. The current Strategyincludes the aim of‘enhancing the economic, environmental and social success of the city to give people a choice oftravel mode’. Similarly, the Renfrewshire Local TransportStrategy (2000) is currently under review, but it emphasisesthe importance of achieving a shift to more sustainabletransport modes, and to consider transport as an integralpart of land use planning. The Joint Transport Strategy forthe West of Scotland to 2025 (Consultative Draft 2004)sets out priorities for the region’s strategic transport network, including ensuring regeneration areas are made moreaccessible to stimulate further growth.

2.66. Transport policy has also benefited from growing attention tothe access agenda in recent years, as a result of the LandReform (Scotland) Act (2003) which came into force inFebruary 2005. At a strategic level, the Westrans Cyclingand Walking Strategy 2005-2010 outlines proposals for


encouraging walking and cycling in the west of Scotland.Each of the three local authorities has also prepared anaccess strategy, which aim to promote walking, cycling andhorse riding through strategic and local level action.

Transport, Access and the Green Network

2.67. The Green Network is an important part of the area’s transport and access network, linking destinations (includingother open spaces) by providing accessible green routes, aswell as providing wider benefits, such as continuous wildlifecorridors. In the Clyde Waterfront area the rivers and canalsare important for recreation, access and wildlife. There is aneed to stimulate higher levels of cycling and walking withinthe city, to help reduce congestion and achieve widerbenefits including improved health. A recent STAG reportprepared for the North Clydeside Development Routeshowed that in the Yoker and Scotstoun area, walking andcycling has a modal share of only 14% (compared to thenational average of 34%), despite the high proportion of veryshort journeys undertaken by local people (90% being lessthan 2km).

2.68. A number of transport improvements are proposed in thestudy area to improve the accessibility of the new waterfrontdevelopments and to increase the sustainable transportoptions available to users. These include use of the river asa transport corridor and the new light rail transit system. Theintegration of new developments with the wider accessnetwork is an important planning consideration and thelayout and design of landscaping and greenspace aroundnew developments is important to form links out to the widergreenspace network.

2.69. Transport routes such as railway lines can act as wildlifecorridors, although roads can form barriers to pedestrian andcycle access. The role of the Green Network in providing acontinuous, attractive access network, should be supportedby the development of core path plans within the localauthority areas.

2.70. The Forth and Clyde Canal towpath, the Clyde Walkway andthe Kelvin Walkway are all examples of access routes whichform an important part of the Green Network, as well ascontributing to the overall accessibility of the river and thewider neighbourhoods around it. There are a number ofsizeable parks within the study area which contain a networkof paths and are also used as access routes betweendifferent parts of the city. Many other greenspaces will actas access routes either formally or informally. A key aim ofthis theme is to provide guidance on how to develop the roleof access routes as part of the Green Network.

2.71. The baseline study identified a number of transportproposals including passenger ferry provision along theClyde, some of which is already in place, and a new light railtransit system.

2.72. Re-establishing interactions between the Clyde Waterfrontarea and its surrounding communities is important, giventhat this relationship has been eroded over time ascommunities decreasingly work on the riverside and accessto it has become fragmented. The stakeholder consultationidentified the importance of extending the riverside linkswhich currently run east - west into the communities to thenorth and south. This should include walking and cyclingroutes, but could also be delivered by improving conceptuallinks through signage, and facilitating safer movementbetween areas by providing crossings at key points in theroad and access network.


2.73. The new transport development proposals could result inloss of parts of the existing Green Network–directly throughdevelopment of greenspaces, and indirectly as a result ofincreased severance caused by new linear routes. Theconsultation emphasised that partnership working would bekey to ensuring successful development of the transport andGreen Networks in such a way that fragmentation does notoccur.

2.74. The transport network can also play a key role in thedevelopment of circular routes for experiencing the river andits Green Network. This includes potential linkage of theRenfrew–Yoker ferry to Braehead, as this currently acts asthe only crossing point of the Clyde between the ClydeTunnel and Erskine Bridge. It is critical that land basedroutes and greenspaces connect with these crossing pointsso that the river can be experienced more fully. This shouldhelp to ensure that the Clyde is no longer perceived as aphysical barrier, as it becomes a vibrant transport route in itsown right.

2.75. The consultation also identified the need to increase use ofwalking and cycling routes through, between and withingreenspaces around the Clyde in order to improve perceivedand actual safety. It is anticipated that promotion of theGreen Network will increase use of these routes and spaces,helping to generate a higher level of ‘self policing’. The level of natural surveillance of routes and spaces will alsoincrease as previously derelict or industrial areas come intoresidential use. Where new commercial use is provided, andthe area becomes quiet out of working hours, there will be aneed for alternative approaches to stimulate higher levels ofuse of spaces, in order to ensure reduced naturalsurveillance does not lead to increased safety concerns.

Thematic Objectives

2.76. In response to the issues raised in the baseline andstakeholder consultation the following objectives have beenidentified to support the integration of transport and accesswith the Clyde Waterfront Green Network.

a. Promoting links between access and the GreenNetwork to encourage modal shift and support anintegrated transport system. The integration of theGreen Network as part of the wider access networkthroughout the area is an important role which should befurther developed. In order to achieve this it is importantto develop a consistent approach to access planning anddevelopment across the three council areas, providing amuch better integrated access network throughout thewaterfront area. This objective has important links toimproving accessibility and health and initiatives such ashealth walks (as discussed in previously underTheme 3).

b. Linking the Green Network to the development of theCore Path Network. The development of a Core PathNetwork in each of the local authority areas presents animportant opportunity to link the different elements of theGreen Network. It is proposed that the role of any givenroute in relation to the waterfront Green Network is takeninto account when reviewing its merits as part of thearea’s core path network.


c. As a key part of the access network in the area theGreen Network itself has the potential to providefunctional links between communities. This is alsorelevant to the theme of community and health asimproved access routes can stimulate higher levels ofwalking and cycling, thereby helping to improvecommunity health and wellbeing. Reducing barriers topedestrian and cycle access, including those formed byroad and rail routes is an important part of this. It isimportant that communities have equitable andaffordable access to the different components of theGreen Network for access and recreational opportunities.Opportunities to achieve this have been identified at thelocal level for each of the action areas, ranging fromphysical routes to improved signage and promotion.

d. Integration of sustainable transport options into newdevelopment to ensure access by public transport,on foot and by bicycle can also make important linksto the Green Network. In addition, where new transportoptions are proposed but not yet constructed, newdevelopments should include temporary measures tofacilitate sustainable access. Furthermore, both publicand private sectors developers can build sustainabletransport options into their plans, for example byproviding secure cycle parking in new or redevelopedhousing and business units as standard practice.

e. Ensuring a safe and user friendly transport networkis important to maintain the vibrancy and vitality ofthe riverside Green Network. This can be achievedthrough creating a high quality safe environment throughlandscaping, lighting and design and the promotion of thenetwork to ensure sufficient levels of use. It is alsoimportant that spaces are accessible by public transportas far as possible.

f. The role of the Clyde Waterfront Green Network as atourism resource should be partly facilitated bymaking it accessible. This should include provision ofhigh quality transport facilities, interchanges and nodesand signage and mapping of user friendly access routeslinking from these nodes to key spaces, identifying pointsof interest, visitor attractions within the spaces andlandmarks.

g. Signage and information will be instrumental inimproving the accessibility of the Green Network.Throughout the Clyde Waterfront area this could beachieved through the use of a consistent style ofsignage, particularly at links between transport nodesand foot and cycle routes, reflecting the area wide brandrecommended in Part 1 of this report. In addition,practicalities of signage are important–making it easyfor users arriving at stations throughout the area to findtheir way to the Green Network. Other types ofinformation that could help to achieve this include userfriendly maps, illustrated brochures, and web basedinformation sources. It is important to ensure that peopleare inspired to use the network by providing informationoff site, and are able to use it to its full potential when inthe area by ensuring onsite information is of a similarstandard.


Case study: The National Forest - Interconnected forest creation

The National Forest has been established since the late 1980s. It covers 200 square miles of the Midlands and includes parts ofDerbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire.is to increase woodland cover to about a third of all the land within its boundary. This is now well under way with woodland cover havingincreased from around 6 % in 1991 to more than 16% in 2005. More than 6 million trees have already been planted, making green over5,000 hectares (12,400 acres) of derelict coalfield land and mineral workings and through converting farmland to woods. Other wildlifehabitats are also being created or brought back into proper management. The initiative is led by the National Forest Company which issponsored by DEFRA. The aims of the National Forest are as follows:

Transform the landscape to create a mosaic of land uses and enhance biodiversity;Create a major resource for tourism, recreation and education;Transform the landscape with the aim of linking the two ancient Forests of Charnwood on its Eastern fringe with Needwood Forest toits West.

This is an ambitious and a relatively well established project, which has produced integrated results across a broadregeneration area. The project illustrates the potential of biodiversity driven projects that seek to achieve added value byproviding a network of habitats and environmental resources across numerous local authority areas.


THEME 6: ECONOMIC REGENERATIONAND TOURISM

Economic Regeneration and the Clyde WaterfrontGreen Network

2.77. Research5 has shown that greenspace can play an importantrole in stimulating economic regeneration. By developing ahigh quality network of spaces, place promotion can beassisted. Investors are likely to be drawn to areas which canoffer quality of life, and an attractive environment can play animportant role within this. Often property prices arepositively influenced by the quality and proximity of goodquality open space.

2.78. A well co-ordinated and promoted network of greenspacecan also provide a visitor attraction in its own right. This canproduce direct benefits, including visitor expenditure withinand close to spaces, as well as supporting wider incomeand employment for an area as part of the overall visitor‘offer’ of an area.

Key Challenges and Opportunities

Existing Policy Commitments

2.79. Scottish Enterprise, and its constituent local enterprisecompanies lead economic development within Scotland. Itsstrategy, a Smart Successful Scotland: Ambitions for theEnterprise Networks (2001) sets out a framework for the

5 Land Use Consultants, 2004 Making the links: greenspace and quality oflife. Scottish Natural Heritage. Commissioned Report No. 060 (ROAMENo. F03AB01).

sustainable growth of the Scottish economy, andemphasises the role of quality of life and place making withinthis.

2.80. Glasgow’s Joint Economic Strategy for Glasgow (2003-2005) identified the River Clyde as a key opportunity andaimed to ensure its redevelopment would provide widersocial and economic benefits. The revised priorities andactions include the development of the Merchant City andthe River Clyde as new visitor destinations (see TourismAction Plan below). The City’s Tourism Action Plan (2002-2007) also recognises the role of the river in encouragingvisits to the city, emphasising the importance of its heritageand its open spaces.

2.81. The Dunbartonshire Economic Development Strategy (2003-2008) recognises the Clyde Riverside as a challenging area,but also as an internationally recognisable brand name. InRenfrewshire, the Economic Development Strategy aims torealise the vision of a dynamic river, with extensiveregeneration leading to improved perceptions ofenvironmental quality for the area as a whole.

Economic Development and Tourism, and theGreen Network

2.82. The rationale for the Green Network has been closelyassociated with the economic regeneration projects that areboth planned and under construction along the ClydeWaterfront. This regeneration has comprised the demolitionof disused buildings, the construction of new residential,commercial and leisure developments and the remediationof contaminated land. Many of these projects have providedopportunities for greenspace creation and enhancement,


which have been taken up in some instances andoverlooked in others. Those developments that have still tobe planned and developed should form a focus for futureaction.

2.83. The objective of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley StructurePlan to link the Green Network through the Clyde WaterfrontMetropolitan Flagship area seeks to reinforce and formalisethe relationship between investment and greenspace. Thisis through both new development programmes such asurban renewal, community growth areas and flagshippriorities, along with opportunities provided by the existingaccess network and riparian routes such as the Clydetributaries.

2.84. However, it is important that the policy link between thedevelopment of the waterfront and the Green Network istranslated into practice. This should include not only theminimal consideration of greenspace in order to meet openspace requirements, but also the consideration of thenetwork as a whole within masterplans and planningapplications. The central aim of this theme therefore is tohighlight the key players and the role that they can play inensuring that economic regeneration can provide maximumbenefits for the Green Network.

2.85. The relationship between environmental enhancement andeconomic attractiveness is a key opportunity for the Clydewaterfront area. The development of the Green Network asa high quality, well planned linear link along the waterfront isa sure asset in attracting and sustaining economicinvestment. It will provide a potential leading edge in termsof attracting both employers and employees from otherareas of the UK.

2.86. A key challenge is both the scale of the economicregeneration that is taking place and also the staggerednature of the development process with projects at varyingstages from pre-planning to construction. It will be importantto ensure that Green Network considerations are integratedas far as possible into the masterplan stage of newdevelopments with any linkages to constructed sites beingtaken into consideration.

2.87. There are numerous players involved in the regenerationprocess including housing developers, multi-nationals, localauthorities and enterprise companies. Many of thesepotential partners will be awareof the importance of ‘place attractiveness’. However, it is crucial that the role of the Green Network within this is recognised and understood. Itis also important to recognise the varying timescale to whichdifferent partners are working–with the public sectormaintaining a long term commitment, as compared to themore immediate, short term focus of private sectordevelopers.

2.88. The paths and walkways that could be created to link localcommunities with the waterfront for both leisure and workprovide a key opportunity for the Green Network. Such linksare also potentially of tourist value especially where there isthe opportunity to link to rural areas and existing walkwaysand routes. The Green Network provides the opportunity toconnect into areas of tourism significance such as LochLomond and the Firth of Clyde, although this requiresimprovements to the current infrastructure in order toincrease the legibility of routes and achieve consistentquality and safety standards.


2.89. However, despite the potential for tourism it is also importantto consider the needs of local communities when formulatinggreenspace and open space development proposals. Inaddition the overall management of the greenspace resourcecould provide new training and employment opportunitieshelping to aid local level economic regeneration.

Thematic Objectives

2.90. In response to the issues raised in the baseline andstakeholder consultation the following objectives have beenidentified to support the economic development and tourismwith the Clyde Waterfront Green Network.

a. There is a continuing need to raise awareness of theimportance of the Green Network amongstdevelopers and the business community. The idea ofa Green Network, and in particular improved access tothe riverside, has already inspired some developers andinvestors, and resulted in new spaces being provided aspart of new developments. The Green Network could bean invaluable tool for marketing the Clyde Waterfrontarea, improving property prices and ensuring thatregenerated areas are popular and fully occupied. Thereis a need to continue to ensure that the overall aims ofthe network are recognised, so that the private sectorcontinues to support the aims of the Green Network.The branding and promotion of the concept as a wholewill help to achieve this, by changing the image of theClyde from an industrial area to a greener, moreattractive environment.

b. Clearer guidance should be given from planningauthorities to support the business community inrelation to greenspace creation and design. The firsttheme has already discussed the need for planningauthorities to work with developers to secure new andimproved greenspace within the Green Network. It isimportant that, as part of this process, greatertransparency is achieved so that business anddevelopment interests recognise their role in contributingto the network as a whole.

c. By linking new waterfront areas with existing routesinto rural areas, the tourism appeal of the GreenNetwork will be supported. The Green Network shouldprovide a series of spaces which can be enjoyed for anhour or two, as well as a more strategic level resourcethat can attract visitors and provide experiences that canbe enjoyed over the course of a longer visit. The overallstrategic aim of providing a network that is essentially asingle ‘park’ and recognisable brand will help to ensure that the Green Network is recognised as such aresource. By linking spaces along the waterfront, visitorswill be able to use the Green Network as part of a shortbreak city visit, and by connecting these spaces into thesurrounding rural areas they could also be encouraged tostay longer and explore further afield.

d. Design guidance should be developed to achievecontinuity in greenspace design throughout theClyde Waterfront area. If the overall vision of a highquality, coherent Green Network is to be achieved, it isimportant that new greenspace, and improvements toexisting spaces, incorporate a strong, positive designconcept. This could be linked with built developments,


so that the network ultimately contributes to theWaterfront area having a stronger sense of place andidentity, thereby assisting with place marketing. This isalso linked to the first theme.

e. The use of temporary vacant land should beexplored, in order to improve the visual landscape ofthe Green Network. Investors are already being drawnto the area as a result of improvements to the overallamenity of the Waterfront area. However, theregeneration process will continue for some years, and inthe meantime quite large areas of land will continue to liederelict, particularly within areas in the Govan ActionArea. This could potentially detract from the quality oflife in the area, and could undermine confidence on thepart of investors and property purchasers. As a result,use of spaces on a temporary basis, whilst they awaitdevelopment, should be considered on a case by casebasis. Where these spaces could contribute to thecontinuity and diversity of the Green Network, theyshould be targeted for action. Temporary spaces couldbe improved through low cost solutions such as planting,use for arts or cultural projects or temporary installations,or by simply allowing temporary access to the public.Improvement of these spaces will help with marketing thenew development areas that overlook them, as well asproviding benefits for the wider community andsupporting the overall concept of a continuous GreenNetwork, albeit on a short term basis.

f. There is a need to consider new training andemployment opportunities associated with thecreation and management of new greenspace. Byproviding training and employment, tangible benefits canbe derived from the Green Network. Whilst greenspacecan contribute to quality of life in many different ways,employment generation is perhaps the most effectiveway of ensuring that individuals appreciate the role of theGreen Network and support its aims.

There are numerous ways in which training andemployment can be delivered through greenspaceprojects, including liaison with training providers, trainingthrough voluntary work, and more formal employmentschemes run by public organisations, such the ‘Training for Work’ Scheme, Work Trials, ApprenticeshipsProgramme or the New Deal Scheme. Manygreenspaces have also benefited from the support ofschemes such as community service. At present, thereis a dearth of opportunities for green space volunteerwork throughout the study area. The involvement ofScottish Enterprise, education institutions, socialenterprises, employers and investors will be required.The benefits of generating local employment extendbeyond those enjoyed by participants: by involving localpeople in projects, the Green Network will have a greatersense of shared ‘ownership’, and will ultimately be less likely to suffer from neglect or misuse.


Case study: Lee Valley Regional Park–Recreation andRegeneration at a Strategic Scale

The Lee Valley Regional Park, created in 1967, extends from Ware in Hertfordshire tothe River Thames at East India Dock Basin. Covering an area of 10 000 hectares, thePark stretches for 26 miles on both sides of the River Lea and comprises a number ofdifferent habitats and visitor attractions including heritage sites, country parks andnature reserves. New developments are currently being undertaken on areas ofderelict or contaminated land, addressing similar issues to those beingexperienced on the Clyde Waterfront. The aim of bringing the countryside intothe heart of an urban area via a network of spaces is a similar approach to thatproposed for the Clyde Waterfront Green Network - that has been successfullyaddressed in the Lee Valley.

The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority was established to regenerate the Lee Valleyfrom a neglected back yard into a "green wedge" extending right into the inner parts ofeast London. The purpose of the Park is to help meet the ever growing and variousleisure needs of the people of Hertfordshire, Essex and Greater London (a populationof over nine million), whilst conserving nature and improving the environment.

The Park is dominated by its water resource and there are fifty water bodies within thePark including rivers, canals, flooded gravel pits and reservoirs, many of which areused for recreation. However some of these are also valued for wildfowl including sitesof both national and international significance.

The Park covers 9 local authority areas with 4000 acres owned by the Regional ParkAuthority. The vision for the Regional Park is: To be a cohesive, sustainable and valued regional green lung; To be an area of enhanced and protected natural biodiversity for the enjoyment of

all; To achieve full utilisation of the unique land and water assets of the Regional Park

for specialist leisure and recreational facilities developed in accordance withprinciples of sustainability and design excellence;

To be an accessible, permeable, integrated visitor attraction to serve the regionwhich will include local communities.

Action Area 1: Clydebank 55

3. ACTION AREAS

3.1. ACTION AREA1: CLYDEBANKOverview

3.1.1. As shown in Figure 3.1.1, the Clydebank action areaextends from the Erskine Bridge along the north bank of theClyde to South Street. It extends to Yoker, which ispositioned on the boundary of Glasgow and has links withClydebank, as well as eastwards to Scotstoun andWhiteinch.

3.1.2. The area retains engineering and related activities alongmuch of the riverside, restricting riverside access particularlyat the eastern end of the area and at present it has a limitedvisual relationship with the river. There is little access to theriver itself, with the Renfrew Ferry providing a crucial accesspoint and transport link to the south side of the Clyde.

3.1.3. The area has a strong historic, cultural and industrial linkwith the river which is an integral part of community identity.Key heritage sites including the Titan Crane at Clydebankand Harvey’s Dock reflect thisindustrial and civic heritage.

Connectivity and Accessibility3.1.4. Key transport links to the area include Quality Bus Corridors

along Dumbarton Road, and the Yoker and Singer branchesof the SPT train service. There are plans to extend SouthStreet westwards into the area to create the North ClydesideDevelopment Route. The Glasgow to Loch Lomond CycleRoute and Canal form important longer distance access linksfor walkers and cyclists. The Renfrew ferry forms a keycross river link.

3.1.5. The GCC water access study has proposed provision of newpontoons and access points in this area, and furtherimprovements to ferry services (potentially a triangular link)are also likely to increase the vibrancy of the waterfront inthis area.

Aerial view of Clydebank


Community and Health

3.1.6. Clydebank comprises a number of distinct neighbourhoods–Radnor Park, Faifley, Drumry / Linnvale, Whitecrook,Parkhall, Central Clydebank, Hardgate and Duntocher.Figure 3.1.2 shows the population distribution6 within thearea and the low numbers of people currently living adjacentto the River. There are significant areas of social exclusionwithin this action area, as shown by the Scottish Index ofMultiple Deprivation7 in Figure 3.1.3 below. Key areas whereinclusion projects are targeted include much of the easternend of the action area, pockets of exclusion inneighbourhoods such as Drumry and Mountblow and inYoker / Garscadden to the immediate west of the area.

6 The information shown for each population distribution map is based ondata from the 2001 Census. It does not include many of the newpopulations that have moved into previously uninhabited areas along theRiver Clyde.7 The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) was developed by theOffice of the Chief Statistician in 2004. The information used to developthe dataset was sourced from a range of administrative systems and the2001 census. The SIMD was constructed by integrating six individualelements. These are:

Current Income - indirect measure of a major part of the maincause of deprivation.

Employment - direct measure of exclusion from the world of work. Housing - direct measure of material living standards. Health - indirect measure of both causes and consequences of

deprivation. Education, Skills and Training - indirect measure of both causes

and consequences of deprivation. Geographic Access and Telecommunications - direct measure

of area characteristics that impact on deprived individuals.The SIMD is a weighted combination of each of these elements.

3.1.7. The communities which together make up the Clydebankarea of the green network are very active. The ClydebankSIP has actively progressed social, housing andenvironmental improvements by working alongside bodiesand developers involved in regenerating the area.Clydebank Re-Built has a strong community emphasis, in itsplans and projects that aim to improve the public realm, andthrough initiatives such as the development of a CD-ROM forlocal schools, as a means of engendering communityinvolvement in the regeneration process. Other key localcommunity projects include the West DunbartonshireCommunity Training Project and projects undertakenthrough the Community Key Fund.

3.1.8. Clydebank College is an important stakeholder within thearea, and its relocation close to the waterfront opens up keyopportunities for further involvement in greenspaceprovision. Housing Associations within this community witha potential interest in greenspace include Dalmuir Park HA,Dunbritton HA and Clydebank HA.

3.1.9. Community projects, including the preparation of the DalmuirEnvironmental Action Plan (on behalf of the area’s Tenants’ and Residents’ Association and the work of the West Dunbartonshire Environmental Trust), show that there is arelatively high level of awareness of the scope forenvironmental improvements in this area that thegreenspace network should seek to complement. Healthinitiatives within this area are localised and include theTOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) project in Dalmuir.


Land Use Change

3.1.10. Figure 3.1.4 shows the key regeneration projects within thisaction area. Accessibility of the Clyde and the relationshipbetween the river and the surrounding community havebegun to improve as a result of major development areas atYoker Quayside and Rothesay Dock. Redevelopment atJohn Knox Street is also underway. Several key partnershave worked together to progress the regeneration process,including Clydebank re-built, Scottish Enterprise, WestDunbartonshire Council, Glasgow City Council, anddevelopment sector companies.

The Titan Crane at Clydebank

3.1.11. The Clydebank Plan and related documents includingClydebank Rebuilt’s design guide, provide important policy and guidance relating to the redevelopment of the area. Assummarised in the latter, plans for Clydebank include:

redefining the town centre and improving the relationshipwith the canal;

accessing Queen’s Dock and the river and creating a new leisure and shopping area with a new publicwaterfront area and civic space;

creation of a new civic quarter to the west of Queen’s Quay around the Town Hall, linking with a new housingarea and the existing streets;

a mixed use development at Queen’s Quay including education, retail, business and leisure facilities;

linking the new civic quarter and community to thehospital via Cable Depot Road; and

waterfront access at Beardmore to connect with theredevelopment site at Carless.

3.1.12. These plans will transform the community and create a newmixed use, accessible waterfront which is much better linkedwith the existing town. Similarly in Yoker a major area ofriverside derelict land has been cleared in preparation for ahigh density residential development led by Park Lane andStrathclyde Homes.


Green Network Profile

3.1.13. A review of greenspace in this area (Figure 3.1.5) showsthat the current availability of relatively formal space, such asplay areas, sports grounds and public parks is quite limitedin this action area, particularly when it is considered inrelation to the high population density and level of ‘need’ as defined by high levels of social exclusion and poor health.Key parks include primarily Clydebank Public Park (alsoknown as Dalmuir Park) and the much smaller, butnevertheless locally important Yoker Park. On the southside of Dumbarton Road a large open area is also well usedby local people, but forms only a temporary space as it isreserved for construction of the North ClydesideDevelopment Route. Important sports areas include themunicipal golf course, and a number of smaller sportspitches distributed across the area.

3.1.14. The cycle path, which partly follows the course of the Forthand Clyde Canal and the disused railway line at Yoker,forms a key linear space through the area with the potentialto complement similar linear spaces provided along theriverside. A path alongside the Duntocher Burn has alsobeen significantly improved in recent years, although it doesnot yet extend as far as the Clyde.

3.1.15. Most of the natural and semi natural space within this actionarea comprises currently derelict land, such as the area atCarless, and at John Knox Street. Importantly, much of thiswill be lost in the near future as regeneration plans progress(see below). The canal and railway line also form importanthabitat corridors through the area.

Beardmore Park

3.1.16. There is a significant contrast in the density of open spaceand population within this area. The western end of the areaenjoys a higher level of open space and has a lowerpopulation density, whilst towards the eastern end of thespace there are fewer spaces and more people. Thispattern could potentially be exacerbated by futuredevelopment on the riverside, unless sufficient levels andappropriate types of new space are provided in the new andexisting communities.


Area Specific Objectives

3.1.17. The diagram (Figure 3.1.6) and table below set out keyobjectives for this action area. These objectives apply thethematic objectives identified in the previous section of thisreport within the specific setting of the Clydebank to Yokerarea. They reflect established projects, emerging ideas andadditional proposals identified during the course of thisstudy.

3.1.18. Theme 1 (Planning and Development) is important withinthis area, given the scale of change that is occurring.Overall, the emphasis within this area should be oncontinuing to build connections between spaces, andparticularly on ensuring that new development areas connectwith the existing communities through new civic space onthe waterfront being better linked.

3.1.19. In terms of Theme 2 (Community and Health) there is scopeto make better use of the spaces which already exist in thearea, particularly Beardmore Park and Yoker Park,particularly if community involvement can be stimulated toprovide wider social and health benefits. The communityshould be encouraged to continue to contribute toenvironmental improvements in this area.

3.1.20. Theme 3 (Arts, Culture and Heritage) is already a key aspectof community involvement within the area, with regenerationbeing undertaken in a way which reflects the area’s heritage. Projects that focus on key landmarks, such as the TitanCrane, mean that the rich culture and heritage of the area,and its strong civic links with the river are already being usedto inspire a higher level of local ownership of waterfrontspaces and access routes.

3.1.21. Theme 4 (Environmental Links) could be progressed throughwell targeted projects within this area. Connecting DalmuirPark to the river via the green corridor provided by theDuntocher Burn is a potentially important potential project,that has long been an aim, but requires further momentumand co-ordination with use of the riverside if it is to beachieved. Where parts of the riverside are decaying, such aswest of Queen’s Quay, and at Rothesay Dock where sections of wall have collapsed, there may be opportunitiesfor rebuilding that incorporate and create more naturalelements.

3.1.22. Theme 5 (Transport and Access) could be improved byspecifically improving the linear greenspaces and routeswhich extend along the Clyde and by connecting withcommunities by providing more north-south links. Plans toprovide new access points to the water will increase activityin previously inaccessible areas, thereby stimulating furtheruse of the green network and waterfront. The relationshipbetween the canal and the Clyde should become betterdefined as a result of new and improved green access links.

3.1.23. Theme 6 (Economic Development and Tourism) is closelyconnected with Themes 1 and 3 in this area. It will beimportant to bear in mind the needs of people who work inthe area, as well as those who live locally.


Figure 3.1.6


Table 3.1.1: Strategic Priority Projects for Clydebank

1 Enhanced link to waterfront via derelict space following Duntocher Burn connecting toDalmuir Park / Clydebank Public Park

WDC, SNH M / M Medium term (prioritised byWDC and partners)

2 Community art and environmental improvements to Beardmore Park, to stimulatemore interest, encourage higher levels of use by local people, and ensure that thepotential of this key access point to the river is fully realised.

Community groups,Private sector,WDET

M / L Short to medium term

3 Link from Beardmore Park to new community garden via disused railway / CableDepot Road

WDC, ClydebankRe-built

M / L Short to medium term(already being progressed)

4 Hospital Gate Agamemnon Street has formed a focus for investment in the publicrealm in recent years, and residential and business development is currently plannedin this area (led by Clydebank Re-built, Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire, WestDunbartonshire Council and the Golden Jubilee NHS Trust). Proposals for the siteshould include links from the site to the waterfront via clear linear connections andgreenspace.

Clydebank Re-builtand partners

M/M Short term–plans alreadyin preparation

5 Provision of new civic space / central axis and river access connecting with newdevelopment area and existing community to north via Alexander Street–asproposed in the Local Plan and design guidelines. Further interpretation of the pastrelationship between the area and the Clyde and its ongoing transformation

Clydebank Re-built,WDC, SED,developers

H/H Short term (already partiallyplanned and safeguarded inthe Local Plan)

6 Walking and cycling links between the Clyde and the Canal via key greenspaces.Linkage of Clydeside walking routes via greenspace –potential to follow the route ofthe former Cart Canal to achieve this (former waterway linking the Clyde with theForth and Clyde Canal)

WDC, GCC, BritishWaterways, WDET,Clydebank Re-built

M/L Short to medium term(already identified inprinciple)

Action Area 2: Erskine to the White Cart 67

3.2. ACTION AREA 2: ERSKINE TO THE WHITECART

Overview

3.2.1. This action area is located at the western end of the studyarea, to the south of the River Clyde (Figure 3.2.1). Itincludes Erskine itself, and a wider rural area that largelycomprises farmland.

3.2.2. Although the area originally developed around ErskineHouse and has long been settled, much of the town wasconstructed from 1971 onwards as part of the nationalprogramme of planned new towns. Housebuilding andbusiness development has continued to the present day, andErskine now has a population of 15,347 according to the2001 census. It includes the neighbourhoods of Bargarran,Erskine, Freeland, Linburn, Park Mains and Rashielee.Erskine Riverside Business Park has been developed closeto the waterfront area.

3.2.3. The town is also within a green belt setting. The area hasseveral protected spaces, including active play, informal andformal recreation spaces, Sites of Importance for NatureConservation (SINCs) and the Newshot Island proposedLocal Nature Reserve (LNR). The Inner Clyde Estuary itselfis protected as a Special Protection Area (SPA) and RamsarSite. The Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, and East RenfrewshireLocal Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) focuses on both urbanhabitats and the importance of rivers within the area, andemphasises the importance of community led projects thatseek to enhance public appreciation of their local naturalheritage. Business involvement in habitat improvementprojects is also encouraged.

Connectivity and Accessibility

3.2.4. The area is strategically located close to the M8 and isaccessed via the A726. A ferry used to run across the river,but this ceased to operate after the Erskine Bridge wasconstructed. The Renfrewshire Access Strategyemphasises the importance of overcoming the barrier effectthat the area’s transport infrastructure has for pedestrian and cyclists, and prioritised continuous riverside access.Promotion of sustainable transport to work was also raisedas a key opportunity for change within this part ofRenfrewshire.

3.2.5. In terms of water borne access, there are remnants of aharbour and several former slipways onto the river that havenow fallen into disuse. However, this infrastructure has thepotential to be better used, potentially through the creation ofa river bus stop in the future.


3.2.6. The Clyde Walkway extends along the riverside, connectingthe area under the bridge eastwards, forming the ErskineRiverfront Walkway, and eventually linking with a smallnetwork of paths on Newshot Island.


3.2.7. Figure 3.2.2 shows the density of population within thearea. Generally, this area is of a medium to low density, andthere are gaps close to the river where few people live as aresult of business land use and the retention of natural andsemi natural areas.

3.2.8. Figure 3.2.3 shows the levels of deprivation in the area,drawn from the SIMD dataset. Overall, there would appear tobe relatively low levels of social exclusion within Erskine,reflecting its position as a popular commuter town with lowdensity, higher quality housing.

Land Use Change

3.2.9. No major development proposals are anticipated at ErskineWaterfront, although it is important to note that large plots fornew business developments have been allocated but havebeen slow to be taken up developers within the RiversideBusiness Park. There are also proposals to develop a newtown centre which is better linked with the Clyde, and tomake better connections to the waterfront itself.

Riverside Business Park



3.2.10. Figure 3.2.4 shows the green network within this actionarea. The area clearly benefits from its rural setting, andseveral natural pockets have been maintained within thebuilt up area. These form important spaces, particularly as aresult of the absence of more formal space, including apublic park, within the settlement. Together, they form arelatively continuous habitat network, although there is likelyto be scope to strengthen this further.

3.2.11. The settlement is relatively open to the waterfront, and keyspaces include Boden Boo community woodland, a naturearea around Erskine Harbour, and the amenity spaces withinthe business park. Smaller spaces have been providedwithin the housing areas, including some small sportspitches for public use, and play areas.

3.2.12. The proposed LNR at Newshot Island is also a key localresource which is likely to connect the community with theriver, as well as providing scope for habitat improvements,education and enjoyment. The island is now attached to thesouth bank as a result of changes to the river undertaken toallow large ships easier access the channel to the north. Itcovers more than 70 hectares and is part of the Inner ClydeSpecial Protection Area (SPA), supporting significantnumbers of over wintering wildfowl. The action area alsohas several SINCs that form locally important resources.

Newshot Island

3.2.13. The farmland to the south east of the town is part of thegreenbelt, providing a ‘green’ setting for the community. At present it appears that access to this area is restricted interms of a lack of formal paths or recognised routes. Itscontribution to the landscape setting of Erskine could befurther enhanced if it was carefully improved and promoted.


Area Specific Objectives3.2.14. The diagram (Figure 3.2.5) and table below set out key

objectives for this action area. These objectives apply thethematic objectives identified in the previous section of thisreport within the specific setting of the Erskine to the WhiteCart area.

3.2.15. The first theme (Planning and Development) is likely to havelimited applicability here, with the exception of its influenceon the further potential development of the RiversideBusiness Park and the proposals for the town centre whichinclude opportunities in areas close to the riverfront. Atpresent, the business park forms an important open space,with open vistas to the river and riverside access. This willbe maintained as development progresses, but there mayalso be scope to improve the function of the large areas ofamenity space within the business park, so that thoseworking there and local residents can make better use ofthem.

3.2.16. Theme 2 (Community and Health) is of interest within thisarea, despite the generally low levels of social exclusion.Linking with Theme 3 (Arts, Culture and Heritage) there islikely to be scope for local community projects whichinvestigate and interpret the significance of the waterfront inthe history of Erskine. Spaces like Erskine Harbour provideexciting opportunities to achieve this.

3.2.17. Theme 4 (Environmental Links) is of particular importancehere. Much work has already been undertaken to maintainlocally, nationally and internationally important spaces fortheir nature conservation value. Collectively, these sitesprovide an important green network that could be betterconnected by improving habitat links into and across thefarmland to the south east of the town.

3.2.18. Theme 5 (Transport and Access) is less significant withinthis area, given that generally good riverside access isavailable on part of the Clyde Walkway and the ErskineRiverfront route. However, there may be scope for ensuringthat these strategic resources are better used by providingsigned links to the nearby town centre and residential areas.The River could be made considerably more accessible bycreating more water borne access points at strategiclocations. Access to some of the area’s key spaces by public transport could also potentially be improved.

3.2.19. The final theme of Economic Development and Tourism isparticularly relevant here, where the waterfront has beenrecognised as a key resource for attracting inwardinvestment. As the business park matures and becomesmore fully occupied, it will be important to ensure that thegreen network helps to retain this investment, by contributingto the quality of life of local residents and those who work inthe area.


Figure 3.2.5


7 The Erskine Harbour area already forms an important natural space, but could be better linkedwith the river. Historic interpretation of the water access via this area would help to achievethis, including identifying artefacts and features associated with the use of the area as a ferryslipway in the past. Community involvement in such a project would be beneficial, with inputssuch as regular ‘clean ups’, and collecting and interpreting local history. Restoration of the use of the harbour would conflict with the nature conservation value of this site, and anenvironmentally driven approach to its future use is therefore recommended.

Renfrewshire Council,SNH,Clyde Waterfront,Glasgow and ClydeValley StrategicGreenspacePartnershipSPT

H/H Short to mediumterm,maintaining themomentumachieved byprevious projectswithin the area.

8 The Erskine Riverfront Business Park is a key area for investment. At present the spaces arewell linked with the river, providing an open vista, but lack intrinsic interest. The aim should beto make these areas more ‘usable’ for residents and employees by providing new facilitiessuch as seating, picnicking / lunching areas, and planting. Provision of a river access pointwould further develop the relationship between the park and the Clyde, and would be likely tofurther stimulate investment by creating a usable, lively and attractive riverside space.Consideration should also be given to the ways in which site barriers could be altered toensure they do not restrict access to the waterfront in this important location. Scope to providea new community riverside park as part of the redevelopment of the town centre should alsobe explored further.

Renfrewshire Council,Scottish EnterpriseRenfrewshire

H/M Medium term asoccupancy of thepark develops

9 The Erskine area has a number of SINCs, on the riverfront and further inland in and aroundhousing areas. There is scope for better connecting these sites to form a continuous networkthat links with the Clyde and Carts and reinforces the significance of Newshot Island as a keynatural resource. Associated management of Boden Boo community woodland is a furtherlocal environmental priority. This network could be reinforced by linking areas of planting withinthe farmland to the south east of the settlement. Public and private land managers shouldwork together to achieve habitat restoration and expansion and could be supported byRenfrewshire’s Biodiversity Officer. Local schools should be encouraged to participatethrough education and interpretation.

Renfrewshire Council(Biodiversity Officer),SNH, Land Managers(possibly achievablevia LMC and / orSFGS funding)

H/M Short to medium


10 Access links within, into and out of the area will help to improve quality of life for local peopleby reducing their current reliance on the car to access open areas, services and facilities.Access alongside the White Cart Water could be extended to meet the Clyde and the ClydeWalkway. This would help to provide and more complete network of routes within and into thearea. Links to the waterfront from the surrounding community should also be better signedand promoted, to reverse the current problem of a community that appears to have ‘turned its back’ on the river.The River could also be used to greater effect within the area if cross riverlinks, including across the Erskine Bridge, are emphasised and more actively promoted.

Renfrewshire CouncilCarts River ValleyProject,Sustrans,land managers,SNH

M/M Medium term

Action Area 3: Renfrew Waterfront 79

3.3. ACTION AREA 3: RENFREW WATERFRONT

Overview

3.3.1. This action area covers much of Renfrew, together withBraehead on the eastern side of the settlement whichcontinues to grow as a result of major new developmentsalready implemented and planned for the area (Figure 3.3.1)

3.3.2. Renfrew traditionally has close associations with the Clydeand the Carts, with herring and salmon fishing havingtraditionally been part of the local economy. The town’s salmon fishing rights continue to be remembered in anannual ceremony involving the casting of a net in the Clyde.More recently, the town’s relationship with the waterfront has continued as a result of its engineering industries. The townnow has a population of more than 20,000.

3.3.3. The area’s riverfront is important for wildlife conservation,with an important area of Holy grass (a Red Data Bookspecies) along the White Cart Riverbank close to the golfcourse walkway, and a good range of waders and wildfowlparticularly in winter months. The area also supportspopulations of Grey Seal, Mink, Weasel, Brown Hare andRoe Deer.


3.3.4. The Renfrew Ferry provided an important river crossingalthough it now only accommodates passengers.

3.3.5. One of the main issues of concern within Renfrew in recentyears has been traffic management. Plans to provide a newrelief road to help overcome congestion have been debated,but it is now expected that any future new road will within thetown will only be progressed in the longer term as a multimodal extension to Kings Inch Road that incorporatesextension of the Fastlink to Glasgow Airport. This couldhave implications for access to existing greenspace withinthe area as a result of the potential barrier effect that theFastlink linear route might create.

3.3.6. There are longstanding plans to create a walkway along theClyde, connecting westwards through Erskine and on intoInverclyde. However, this remains a complex task, withsome sections having been completed and others continuingto be difficult to achieve as a result of incompatible land useson the waterfront to the east of the golf course.


3.3.7. As shown in Figure 3.3.2, the waterfront area is not currentlyas densely populated as some of the other action areas, asmuch of the riverside is within commercial or business landuse. However, Renfrew as a whole has a large population,and this will increase substantially as the new developmentsplanned on the waterfront are completed.


3.3.8. The SIMD (Figure 3.3.3) shows that the area has varyinglevels of social exclusion, with the existing communitieswithin Renfrew having a higher level of exposure todeprivation than the rest of the action area. This, again, ispartly due to the lower concentration of population within theeastern part of the area at present, and so should beinterpreted with caution. There are significant pockets ofdeprivation within Renfrew itself. However, the marketaspirations of developers on the Renfrew Riverside sitesuggest that this pattern is may change significantly in theforeseeable future.

3.3.9. There remains limited information available on the activitiesof the local community within Renfrew.

Land Use Change3.3.10. Proposed land use change in the area is shown in Figure

3.3.4. Capital Shopping Centres, Renfrewshire Council,Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire, Clydeport and Park Lanehave worked together to progress regeneration within thisarea over the last few years. As a result, the area hasalready undergone a major transformation, with theconstruction of retail and leisure facilities at Braehead, thecompletion of Xscape and the ongoing development ofresidential units.

3.3.11. Further development at Braehead is underway, with a largearea of semi natural space having been cleared to make wayfor a new business park to the south east of the shoppingcentre. The most significant area of land use change in thecoming years will occur to the east of the existing towncentre, in the Renfrewshire Riverside area. Here, a mix ofresidential, business and leisure use is proposed, withconstruction of the new Ferry Village development alreadybeing underway.

Open space at Braehead

3.3.12. These plans are not confined to the area to the east ofRenfrew. There are plans to develop a major new floodprevention scheme at the riverside in Renfrew, which are inthe final stages of approval. Renfrew Town Centre is beingredeveloped to provide a more user friendly public realm.This will constitute a major project that includes plans toestablish better links between the town centre and the newdevelopment area on the riverside.



3.3.13. The area has a number of open spaces which together forma diverse resource (Figure 3.3.5). To the west of the town,the golf course is a key area lying open on the waterfront,and allowing managed access along part of its boundary.Within the town, Robertson Park is the most significant townpark. It was established as a children’s park, and although itcontinues to be a popular resource, it has raised communityconcerns as it has been the subject of vandalism.Renfrewshire’s Sustainable Parks Strategy (2003) stated that it is one of four parks within the area, and prioritisedimprovements that have now been partly implemented.

3.3.14. In addition, to the east of the town centre, a new public parkhas been built within the riverside development site, forminga resource that can be used by the people of Renfrew, newresidents and even those using the nearby leisure andshopping facilities at Braehead.

3.3.15. The improvements to riverside access in the Braehead andRenfrew Riverside area have created an important new civicspace, extending to form a linear route along the waterfront,with a play space and access to pontoons where the Pride ofthe Clyde docks, adjacent to the Maritime Museum. This,together with the new public park, will to some extentcompensate for the loss of space that is defined as naturalor semi natural within the green network in this area, whichwill result from large scale development. However, industrialuse of the riverfront spaces to the west of the Renfrew Ferrycurrently limits the scope to provide continuous links along tothe golf course and the confluence of the Clyde with theCarts.

3.3.16. Renfrew has an area of woodland extending from the golfcourse along the course of a disused railway line to the westof the town centre. This is potentially an important linearspace that could be better connected with the waterfront,providing a green link between homes and the riverside.The town also as some further sports areas, including afootball ground, and a recreation area further west.

Cart River


3.3.17. Beyond these key resources, open space appears to belimited to housing, business and transport amenity space.There is a particular lack of usable open space further eastwithin the Braehead area, with much of the land having beendeveloped as buildings or car parking. Some semi naturalspace exists around the King George V Dock, althoughmuch of this will be lost to development of the Shiels GateBusiness Park.

Riverside Walkway



objectives for this action area. These objectives apply thethematic objectives identified in the previous section of thisreport within the specific setting of the Renfrew Waterfront area.

3.3.19. Theme 1 (Planning and Development) has already played amajor role in contributing to greenspace within this area,including the provision of new civic space at Braehead andthe new park in the riverside development area. Many of theplans for this area have already been finalised, and so thereis perhaps now only limited scope to feed into thedevelopment process. Within the town plans forredeveloping the centre are in the process of beingdeveloped, and will be linked with activity on the riverside toensure that good connections between established parts ofRenfrew and the new development areas are achieved.

3.3.20.The second theme of ‘Community and Health’ has a potential role to play within this area. To date, it appears thatthere have been relatively few greenspace projects withinthe area that specifically seek to involve the localcommunity. The Green Network could provide anopportunity to generate community interest in open spaceprojects, as well as helping to reconnect the community withthe waterfront. Greenspace projects could also provide anopportunity to bring together the large new population withthe existing residents, by providing them with opportunitiesto work together. This would help to ensure that the area’s community remains cohesive as it expands, and wouldcontinue to help to build a sense of shared ownership of thearea’s spaces, and the wider public realm. Key potential projects which would help to achieve this might includefurther improvements to Robertson Park.

3.3.21. Theme 3 (Arts, Culture and Heritage), is also relatively wellestablished in this area, with several sculptures and themaritime museum aiming to reflect the area’s past. The view across the river to Scotstoun is also interpreted at Braehead,providing a valuable insight into the land use on the workingriverfront. These themes could continue to be developedwithin the Green Network in this area, including by focusingon the identity and historic buildings within the town centreand ensuring that they are used in combination with thepublic realm to further reinforce the civic identity of Renfrew.

3.3.22. Theme 4 (Environmental links) is of interest within this area.Some relatively large expanses of semi natural space havebeen lost to development, although the value of these waslikely to be limited in ecological terms as they comprisedmostly derelict scrubland. Much of the new space that hasbeen provided is relatively formal, providing an opportunity totarget habitat network improvements in this area. In addition,the important species and habitats found along the WhiteCart and Clyde should be prioritised for improvements inorder to create a more complete, and accessible network ofspaces. As the area’s linear, riverside habitats are, by theirvery nature, already joined up, key links inland to the centreof existing and new communities could be prioritised.Community involvement in specific projects, such asconnecting the town centre with the golf course through thewoods around the industrial estate, could be enhancedthrough environmental interpretation and education.


3.3.23. Theme 5 (Transport and Access) has been taken forwardalong much of the riverfront, with there being a continuouspath (of variable quality) now provided between King GeorgeV Docks and the Renfrew Ferry. There are long term plansto reroute the riverside path as development progresseswest of the Renfrew Ferry. Access and transport issuesassociated with the area’s road network and the links fromthe riverside to the wider community could also be exploredfurther. The potential impact of the proposed Fastlinkservice should also be considered in relation to the existingand potential Green Network within this area–providingbenefits in the form of new access links, but also acting as apotential barrier to accessing greenspace along theriverside.

3.3.24. The final theme (Economic Development and Tourism) hasalso already been the focus for investment in this area.However, greenspace could contribute further to this theme,including by ensuring that Renfrew’s resident population has safe, pleasant and easy access to the employmentopportunities.


Figure 3.3.6


11 Improve access along waterfront from Renfrew Ferry onto golf course RenfrewshireCouncil,landowners andbusinesses

L/M Only likely to be achievedin the longer term as landuse evolves–replace shortterm bypass route

12 Paths and access. The path around the golf course is an important and well used localright of way, providing a link along the east bank of the Cart. There is scope for this to beextended across the cart at the Bascule Bridge, and to link eastwards to the RenfrewFerry (see previous). The disused railway line could, in the longer term, connect with thisnetwork and provide an off road connection from Renfrew to Paisley.

RenfrewshireCouncil,Paths for All,SNH

M/L Medium to long term

13 Improve Robertson Park with involvement of existing and new communities. Aim torestore heritage features and seek to identify and meet the needs of local young people.Ensure park is well connected with the town centre and onto the waterfront –by physicaland conceptual links (i.e. routes and signage / orientation). As suggested in the area’s 2003 Sustainable Parks Strategy, there is scope to make more of the park’s pets’ corner, for further partnership working with the private sector to deliver improvements to otherexisting facilities, to undertake general repairs (including to the pond edge) and to workwith the community and user groups to deliver proposals for improved facilities andplanting throughout the park.

RenfrewshireCouncil,Local Community,GreenspaceScotland,HLF

M/M Short to medium term,continuing into long termas community grows

14 Establish better links between greenspaces by linking town centre with waterfrontwalkway and spaces. Seek to also develop cross river linkages by connecting withgreenspace in Scotstoun / Clydebank via the Renfrew Ferry (circular greenspace sub-network)

Scottish EnterpriseRenfrewshire,local communityheritage groups, SPT

H/H Short to medium term(already in planningstages)


15 Ensure new development areas are connected with waterfront by continuing to provide N-S links to riverside walkway within new developments. This may require to be combinedwith new road crossings and signage. This should also include further promotion of useof the riverside spaces provided at the shopping centre, by better signage and provisionof information to key potential user groups.

RenfrewshireCouncil,Scottish EnterpriseRenfrewshire,Park Lane, CapitalShopping Centres

H/H Short to medium term

16 The final priority for this area should focus on creating and maintaining an improvednetwork of semi natural vegetation, connecting the area to the west of King George VDock with amenity space around the road network to the south. Development plans forthese areas should reflect their role as part of a green network, and should providecontinuing links as far as possible. There is potential for the Harmony Row sports facilityto integrate with this, making use of any ‘left over’ space close to the roundabout.

As proposed by the Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and East Renfrewshire LBAP, such projectsshould seek to involve local people as far as possible, in order to maximise their benefitsand create a stronger sense of ownership of the environment. This should extend toinvolving the current and future business community of the area.

Renfrewshire CouncilScottish NaturalHeritageLocal businesses /employees

L/M Medium term

Action Area 4: Yoker to Whiteinch 93

3.4. ACTION AREA 4: YOKER TO WHITEINCH

Overview

3.4.1. As shown in Figure 3.4.1, this action area is locatedbetween Yoker at its western end and Thornwood to theeast. Its residential areas are located away from theriverfront, with industrial and commercial uses dominatingthe area between South Street and the River. Keyemployers in the area include BAE Systems, Albion andother light industrial users. WH Malcom’s plant (crushing and scrap metal dealers) and a Firstbus depot are also locatedon the riverside.

3.4.2. Due to the local shipbuilding industry, much of this area wastraditionally linked with the Clyde. However, as it has beendeveloped over time and industrial use has evolved, theseconnections have been weakened. There are relatively fewwaterside heritage sites within the area, although the BarclayCurle and Building are well known landmarks that areprotected as listed buildings.

3.4.3. Strathclyde University currently has a campus at Jordanhillto the north of the study area, although it recently announcedits plans to sell the site and relocate to its city centrecampus. Scotstoun Leisure Centre is a key resourcecatering for many different indoor and outdoor activities andevents.

Barclay Curle Crane


3.4.4. The area is crossed by several main roads, includingDumbarton Road (running from east to west) and VictoriaDrive / Lincoln Avenue extending northwards. The Yokerbranch of the Glasgow low level train service also crossesthe area, with stations at Yoker, Jordanhill and Scotstounhill.The Clyde Tunnel is located in the south east corner of thearea, with the access road (Balshagray Avenue) forming itseastern boundary.


3.4.5. Part of the Glasgow to Loch Lomond Cycle Route forms animportant green corridor running parallel to the river, alongthe course of a disused railway line. The westwardconnection of this becomes fragmented and confusing forusers where it leaves the disused railway line. At theeastern end of the area the development of GlasgowHarbour has led to similar problems as a result of temporaryrerouting to accommodate construction activities as theyprogress. Whilst this is relatively easy to follow, it could beviewed as having safety issues.

3.4.6. Plans for the Clyde Fastlink include a potential westwardextension to Clydebank. This would provide new publictransport access points for the Green Network, but couldalso create a further east-west barrier that furtherdisconnects communities to the north with the waterfront tothe south.

3.4.7. The Waterspace Strategy proposes two new access pointsfor canoes and moorings at Whiteinch, a pontoon andmoorings at Scotstoun, and maritime visitors’ access at BAE Systems Scotstoun. However, on the whole, pedestrian andwaterborne access to the River at present remains verylimited within this area, providing a key challenge for theGreen Network to respond to.


3.4.8. Figure 3.4.2 shows the population density within the area.This shows the lack of people living in the area immediatelyadjacent to the river, as a result of its industrial land use. Itcomprises the communities of Scotstoun, Garscadden,Whiteinch and Jordanhill. Parts of the area are very denselypopulated, including along Dumbarton Road where

tenements predominate, and in the areas with clusters ofmulti-storey flats (Kingsway and Knightswood). In contrast,there is a much lower density of population in areas to thenorth such as Jordanhill and Scotstoun.

Aerial view of Yoker

3.4.9. Figure 3.4.3 shows combined deprivation factors beingexperienced locally. Again there is a stark contrast withinthe area, with social exclusion being concentrated at itswestern (Yoker) and southern ends (Scotstoun andWhiteinch). Immediately adjacent to the riverside, east ofYorker, the SIMD identifies high levels of deprivation, but thisshould be viewed cautiously, given the low populationdensity of the area and its predominately industrial use atpresent.


3.4.10. The area falls within two Local Community PlanningPartnerships: ‘Drumchapel / Anniesland and Garscadden / Scotstounhill’, and ‘Partick West, Hillhead and Anderston / City’. The Dumbarton Road Environmental Trust was established as part of the previous Social InclusionPartnership for the area, with the remit of facilitatingcommunity involvement in a range of local level projects.The Trust, together with the wider community, played a keyrole in the preparation of an environmental action plan forthe area.

3.4.11. These communities have been relatively active, with keyprojects having focused on the provision of new communityfacilities–including the Scotstoun Community Facility, YokerCommunity Campus and Whiteinch Neighbourhood Centre.The area’s Environmental Trust has also been activelyseeking to ensure that housing led regeneration plansinclude improvements to waterfront access andimprovements to the public realm.

Land Use Change

3.4.12. There are few current proposals for major land use changewithin this action area. However, its proximity to GlasgowHarbour has already significantly changed its relationshipwith the waterfront by providing easier access to the newspaces and walkways being delivered as part of thedevelopment. At the same time, there have been changesto existing access routes, with fragmentation of parts of theGlasgow to Loch Lomond Cycle route arising at both ends ofthe area.

3.4.13. The Dumbarton Road Corridor Environmental TrustEnvironmental Action Plan was prepared with communityinvolvement, and includes numerous proposals for localopen spaces, including improvements to Victoria Park,creation of nature trails, more community wardens and useof derelict sites on a temporary basis as open space prior todevelopment. The plan has not yet been formally approvedby GCC.


3.4.14.The area’s green network (Figure 3.4.4) is relatively limitedin terms of accessible parks and open spaces. The mainresource is provided by Victoria Park at the eastern end ofthe area, although this has a more tenuous role in relation tocommunities living at the western end of the area. Althoughit has been increasingly fragmented in recent years as aresult of new development on the riverside, the disusedrailway / cycle path forms important green corridors. Thecanal also has an important role at the Yoker end of thearea.

3.4.15. To the north of the area Knightswood Park provides a furtherpublic open space with a play area, sports facilities, andsome semi natural corridors. Peterson Park in Garscaddenis also a key open space to the north of the area, providingsports pitches and associated facilities. Emergingcommunity plans to improve Peterson Park couldsignificantly improve the contribution it makes to local qualityof life. Elsewhere space is limited to amenity areas aroundhousing and in particular multi-storey flats.


3.4.16. Scotstoun Leisure Centre is a key sports resource for a largepart of Glasgow’s population, but the use of the complex’s indoor and outdoor facilities is generally restricted to payingusers. De facto access to the grounds of Jordanhill Campusof Strathclyde University is taken, but not activelyencouraged.

3.4.17. The density of the population, the large number of tenementproperties with limited garden space, and the high share ofsocial exclusion being experienced locally, mean the area asa whole appears to have a significant shortfall in the extentand diversity of greenspace types that they can access fromtheir homes. As a result, it is crucial that better use is madeof existing spaces, and where possible provision of newspace, particularly adjacent to the waterfront, is prioritised.

3.4.18. There is almost no natural or semi natural space within thisarea, although the green corridors running along theGlasgow to Loch Lomond Cycle Route and disused railwayline on which it is built, form crucial habitat corridors.

3.4.19. Scotstoun Leisure Centre provides an important sportsspace which is not generally accessible for non-payingpublic use. Beyond this, sports areas are limited to a fewbowling greens, tennis courts (private clubs) and sportspitches within school grounds.

3.4.20. The South Street industrial corridor is almost entirely devoidof open space, to the south of the disused railway linealthough access to the riverside is possible at BalmoralStreet.

Shipyards at Scotstoun



objectives for this action area. These objectives apply thethematic objectives identified in the previous section of thisreport within the specific setting of the Yoker to Whiteincharea.

3.4.22. In terms of Theme 1, there are some issues regardingplanning and development, although these are at a smallerscale than other actions areas, such as the adjacentGlasgow Harbour. Nevertheless, there is an important rolefor planning to continue to play in ensuring that land usechange opens up new space where possible and facilitatesgreater pedestrian and cycle access to the riverside.

3.4.23. The second theme (Community and Health), there arenumerous opportunities to ensure that local people areencouraged to participate in projects. This could help toreduce concerns about safety in some of the spaces withinthis action area, by continuing to create a stronger sense ofshared ownership of the network.

3.4.24. Theme 3 (Arts Culture and Heritage) is not currently welldeveloped within the area, suggesting that new projectscould contribute to the interest in local spaces, and wouldassist with reconnecting local people to the Riverside.However, a careful approach will be required, working withthe community. This is demonstrated by the difficultiesexperienced in the case of Whiteinch’s Millennium Park, which was led by the Housing Association and CommunitiesScotland, and possibly lacked a wider sense of involvementor ownership. Key river related landmarks that could beexploited as heritage assets include the Barclay Curle shedand crane on South Street.

3.4.25. There are already quite strong Environmental Links (Theme4) provided by the disused railways within the area, but theoverall lack of natural spaces suggests that these could beextended to provide an improved network. Additionally,currently featureless amenity space provides an importantopportunity for habitat diversification, by planting, or alteringdrainage and maintenance regimes.

3.4.26. Transport and Access projects could be developed withinthis area, reflecting Theme 5. The road and railwaycorridors provide potential barriers within the local network,and so existing crossing points should form a focal point fororientation and co-ordination.

3.4.27. The community expressed a desire for improved access towater crossing points (bridges or ferries connecting withBraehead), and the implementation of the WaterspaceStrategy would help to shift activity towards the waterfront byhelping to achieve this. However, given that large scalechanges in the current land uses along the riverside will berequired to achieve this, it is important to recognise that thiswill be only achieved in the long term. Essentially, this is abusiness area, which will retain this use into the long term.Despite this, waterfront access here remains a key aim thatwould contribute significantly to the completeness of theWaterfront Green Network as a whole. Safe and legibleaccess links from communities to river access points will alsobe required to help reconnect local people with the water.


3.4.28. The potential of the Loch Lomond to Glasgow Cycle Route isnot being realised, partly as a result of its recentfragmentation, but also because access points to it arelimited in places. The role of the route in connecting andcontributing to the Green Network should therefore be morefully exploited.

3.4.29. The final theme (Economic Regeneration and Tourism)offers some scope within the area, as organisations like theDumbarton Road Corridor Environmental Trust are aiming toachieve environmental improvements that incorporatetraining and employment opportunities. Opportunities forholding open days at the area’s BAE Systems shipyardcould create a new level of interest in the cultural heritage ofthe area, which could be further reinforced by greenspaceprojects.


Figure 3.4.6


17 Improved links between Yoker Park and the temporary space on Dumbarton Road gapsite together with transport node links and river access points. Active promotion as ahealth walk. Retention of links in longer term as construction of the North ClydesideDevelopment Route

Community groups, GCC,NHS Greater Glasgow,SPT, developers

M/L Short term (anew crossinghas alreadybeenprovided)

18 Signage connections focusing on links between the Renfrew Ferry and Yoker Stationto spaces within the area and on across the river to new waterside space provided atRenfrew Riverside / Braehead

SPT, GCC, RenfrewshireCouncil, GCMB

M/M Short term

19 Provide improved access link from riverside and Yoker to Peterson Park andKnightswood Park via the canal. Consider scope for improvements to environmentallinks following this route. Work with Yoker community to establish support for projectand potential key access points.

Glasgow City CouncilDumbarton Road CorridorEnvironmental Trust

M/ L Short tomedium term

20 Open access to branch of disused railway line which leads to the riverside on atemporary basis (follows route of North Clydeside Development Route). Connect toriver access point where appropriate. Habitat management as part of overallmaintenance of disused railway as high quality green corridor. Safety improvements tothe disused railway as a whole.

SNH,FCS,Sustrans, StrathclydePolice

M/M Short term

21 Provide safer and clearer connection between spaces around Kingsway flats and thedisused railway to increase use and develop a stronger sense of shared ownership.Signage / orientation would primarily be beneficial. Consider providing a health walkcircuit within amenity space of flats. Ensure the area is well linked with any proposedimprovements of Peterson Park. The residents should be fully involved in this process.Any regeneration plans for the flats being developed by the Council should aim tocontribute to the Green Network.

Local community,Dumbarton RoadEnvironmental Trust,GCCGlasgow HousingAssociation

L/L Medium termas improve-ments to routeas a whole areprogressed


22 Provide new focal point on riverside as an open space that provides views of, andaccess the water and across to the south side. This could be accommodated as landuse change occurs and should link with Waterspace plans to prove moorings in thisarea. Project could usefully focus on heritage interpretation of industrial riverside andshould be undertaken with involvement of community.

GCC,Clydeport (depending onland ownership),local community

H/H Medium term

23 Establish better links between Victoria Park Nature Trail and cycle path on disusedrailway through signage and connections using established road crossing points onDumbarton Road. Complete northward connection of nature trail and discuss scopefor improving and promoting access to Scotstoun Leisure Centre and JordanhillCampus as key open space resource within area of undersupply. Potential to tie inwith ongoing development via planning agreements

GCC M/L Short term

24 Undertake improvements to Victoria Park in discussion with community and proposed‘Friends of Group’. This could improve restoration / heritage projects, diversification of use (boating pond), lighting to facilitate evening and morning access, provision of wetweather shelter / pavilion, naturalising areas and building better links southwards to theriver by improved signage connecting with road crossings, underpasses etc. Ensurecommunities to south of park are encouraged to work with those to the north to helpovercome social fragmentation.

GCC,local community includingEnvironmental Trust,Friends of group, Heritageinterests, HLF

H/M Medium term–dependingon extent towhich planshave alreadybeendeveloped forthe park onbasis ofpreviousconsultation


25 The creation of a community space at Whiteinch Park was a positive step in principle,but lacked an appropriate process of community involvement. The space should berevisited and improved in partnership with local residents. A high level of input to thefunction and design of the space should be facilitated, so that current problems withvandalism and low levels of use are not repeated

GCCDumbarton Road CorridorEnvironmental Trust

M/L Short term

26 Establish better links from Whiteinch and railway line to waterfront, linking withproposed water access point. This would facilitate local access along riverside viaGlasgow Harbour.

GCC,Sustrans,Glasgow Harbourdevelopment interests,local community

H/H Medium term,asdevelopmentat western endof GHprogresses

Action Area 5: Govan 109

3.5. ACTION AREA 5: GOVAN

Overview

3.5.1. The Govan area lies between Area 3 Renfrew Riverside, andArea 7 SECC and Pacific Quay, to the south of the Clyde(Figure 3.5.1). Its western end is characterised by industrialuse, Sheildhall sewage treatment works and the SouthernGeneral Hospital. It extends through Linthouse andDrumoyne to Govan itself, were there is a town centre thathas been the subject of a recently completed action planwhich aims to improve the area’s environment and establish better links with the river. Further east, Ibrox stadiumdominates the surrounding townscape, which comprises amix of residential and industrial properties.

3.5.2. Govan has a long association with the Clyde, and continuesto be an important focus for Glasgow’s shipbuilding industry, with the BAE Systems works in the heart of the area. Asdescribed below, land use change, industrial decline andsocial deprivation within the area have inspired thecommunity to work together to progress local projects thatoften reflect the area’s industrial past.


3.5.3. The area lies to the north of the M8, and can be accessed bythe Glasgow Underground at Ibrox and Govan stations.There are plans to extend a Fastlink along the south side ofthe Clyde, that would extend through Govan and on intoRenfrewshire and Action Area 3. This could provide aninvaluable future connection for the community.

Govan Shipyard

Community and HealthCommunity Profile

3.5.4. Figure 3.5.2 shows the distribution of population within thearea. This reflects land use within the area, with some areasbeing primarily residential, hemmed in by industriallanduses, with densely populated tenements and large areasof lower density social housing. This combination has led toa very low quality environment in some areas.

3.5.5. Figure 3.5.3 shows social deprivation within the Govan area,as defined by the SIMD. There are very high levels of socialexclusion within the area, although it should be noted thatsome of the darkest areas on the map have very fewinhabitants and are therefore lower priority for action onsocial inclusion. Notwithstanding this, the eastern part of thearea is at particular risk from social exclusion, as reflected inthe area’s SIP status.


Community Projects3.5.6. Like Clydebank, the community ‘landscape’ of Govan is

relatively complex. Govan includes the neighbourhoods ofLinthouse / Drumoyne, Ibrox / Cessnock, Kinning Park,Central Govan and East Govan. The Greater Govan SIP willbecome the Govan and Craigton LCPP under the newcommunity planning arrangements for Glasgow. Health andenvironment are included as key themes which the LCPPhas been progressing in the area.

Elder Park

3.5.7. Several arts initiatives have emerged from within this area(e.g. the Linthouse Urban Village, Roots in the Community),as explored in more detail below). The three HousingAssociations in the Area (Govan HA, Linthouse HA andElderpark HA) along with Clydeview LHO are key players inthe area, working closely with the Govan Initiative. Thecommunity has a radio station and website (Sunny Govan)which plays a key role in sharing information amongst localgroups and individuals.

3.5.8. Recently, a major initiative was launched which aims to linkregeneration with its potential health benefits–GoWell. Thisis sponsored by Communities Scotland, NHS HealthScotland, NHS Greater Glasgow, and Glasgow HousingAssociation, and will monitor the impacts on 12 key areasalongside regeneration processes, to establish how locallives change over time. Along with Scotstoun and theGorbals Waterfront, Govan has been included in thisprogramme. This is a 10 year study which shouldsignificantly enhance our understanding of the links betweenhealth and people’s living environments.

3.5.9. Community groups in the area have formed the ‘Govan Gathering’ which is co-ordinated by Roots in the Community,Three C’s project, and Keeping Well. This group has organised and run a community event in Festival Park for thepast 3 years, where people get together and find out moreabout the work of local groups and projects, and scope forgetting more involved in these activities.

3.5.10. The GalGael project is a key stakeholder with a particularinterest in access to and use of the waterfront. The projectworks with local people by helping them develop new skillsand confidence through boat building. It has ambitious plansfor the future and has a role to play in sustaining localheritage and identity, whilst ensuring the community formsan integral part of the area’s future.


Land Use Change

3.5.11. The main driver behind the regeneration and redevelopmentof Govan is the Central Govan Action Plan. The planoutlines a wide range of environmental and regenerationimprovements for the area that will impact on the greennetwork. The developments proposed for the next 1-3 yearsinclude:

Hills Trust Environmental Improvements. LanglandsPath, the park adjacent to Hills Trust, and elements ofpublic art adjacent to Hill's Trust Academy to beimplemented with the development of new housing atElder Street / Harhill Street. The details of thelandscaping and surface treatment of these areas to bedefined in the marketing and development brief to beprepared by GCC Development and RegenerationServices.

Golspie Street Works (Phase 3) Golspie Streetnarrowing from Harmony Row to the Bus Station isimmediately adjacent to the land occupied by Hill's TrustPrimary School. Insofar as there is to be consultation onthe rationalisation of school provision within the contextof a new school building programme for the Govan areain the near future, it would be appropriate to includethese road works with redevelopment or new build/extension of Hills Trust Primary School.

Rathlin Street Play Area. The relocation of the existingfootball pitch as in advance of new housing developmentat Rathlin Street.

Govan Cross Improvements and Associated Works.The relocation of the Govan Road / Napier Streetjunction, and environmental improvement of the publicsquare at Govan Cross is to be implemented within thedevelopment of new housing and other uses at WaterRow.

Govan Ferry Landing and Riverfront WalkwayImprovements. This element of the Action Plan is mostimportant in providing an attractive entrance to Govanfrom the waterfront and opening up Govan Waterfrontinto the regeneration of the River Clyde. As such, it is anessential element of the Clyde Waterfront Regenerationto both complement current Regeneration Initiatives andencourage further investment in other adjacent areas ofthe River Clyde. More importantly, this project willhighlight Govan as an attractive location, provide directaccess to River transport and create a dynamic quality tothe regeneration of Govan. This project is also to be amulti-agency supported project which will:

o create a globally attractive location which will addcompetitive advantage;

o accelerate the redevelopment of the waterfront;

o create a distinctive quality of place and a dynamicwaterfront with international appeal;

o increase the attraction of the area for investment;

o achieve high levels of accessibility and connectivity tothe River Clyde; and

o stimulate the regeneration of a waterfront communityand widen access to jobs and training.


Govan Old Parish Entrance and Riverside Park.These recommendations of the Action Plan stem fromother work being carried out by Page and Park for GovanOld Parish Church. However the importance of theseprojects to the Action Plan cannot be underestimatedinsofar as Govan Old churchyard is the most importanthistorical element of Govan's heritage. It is also ofimportance that the entrance to the Churchyard islocated in a prominent area of Govan Road immediatelyadjacent to the Pearce Institute and that environmentalimprovement is necessary to complement the ongoingrenovation of this building. In addition the area to the rearof the churchyard adjoins the river walkway and requiresto be brought up to a similar standard and to ensure thatthe heritage of the church is recognised within thecontext of the Clyde waterfront. This project is also to bea multi-agency supported project which will:

o create a distinctive quality of place and a dynamicwaterfront with international appeal;

o increase the attraction of the area for investment; and

o stimulate the regeneration of a waterfront community.

3.5.12. School closures will also have a significant impact on thegreen network in the area in East Govan. St. Savours andCopeland Primary Schools are scheduled to close and bereplaced by a new school on the St. Gerrard’s site.

3.5.13. Another major area where development is planned withinGovan is at the Graving Docks. Plans have been developedto build more than 900,000 square feet of new buildings,including residential, leisure and business space. This willinclude a linking bridge that connects the area with PacificQuay to the east.


3.5.14. Figure 3.5.5 shows the green network within the Govanarea. At its centre, Elder Park forms an important resourcefor the community as a whole.

3.5.15. The traditional access route to the Clyde is along Water Rowfrom Govan Church and Doomster Hill. The importance ofthis access route is recognised in the Central Govan ActionPlan which proposes recreating this major entrance to theClyde.

3.5.16. To the western side of the area, the main available space isbusiness amenity space, together with the cluster of smallareas of planting and grassland within the grounds of theSouthern General Hospital. Further east open space is quitefragmented with small scale amenity space (roadside vergesand trees) and some ‘semi natural’ areas that are generally derelict or disused sites awaiting regeneration.

3.5.17. To the east of the Thales Optronics factory there is a largearea of open, semi natural space on the riverside, with afootball pitch and access via a private road. This is a furtherpotentially important space for the community where accessappears to be discouraged at present. The pitches at GovanHigh School are also likely to be an important resource forthe community.



3.5.18. The diagram (Figure 3.5.6) and table below set out keyobjectives for this action area. These objectives apply thethematic objectives identified in the previous section of thisreport within the specific setting of the Govan area.

3.5.19. The first theme of Planning and Development is particularlyimportant in relation to the Graving Docks, as this willconstitute a significant waterfront area land use change.Plans for the area are currently being discussed, and it isanticipated that it will include elements of civic space inaddition to built development.

3.5.20. Theme 2 (Community and Health) could be progressedwithin this area, building on previous and ongoing initiativesthat have sought to involve local people in arts, heritage andenvironmental improvement projects. In particular, there isscope for the community to ‘reclaim’ some significant spaces within the area, to provide increased benefits. Therelationship between the area’s major employers, including the Southern General Hospital and BAE systems, as well asthe development sector, should continue to be fostered. Thenumerous active local community organisations provide anideal vehicle to progress plans for the area. There is alsopotential for them to inspire other communities along theClyde by sharing their knowledge and experience.

3.5.21. The third theme of Arts, Heritage and Culture is already amajor priority within the area, primarily being progressed atthe community level. The area’s open spaces could contribute further to this, including through plannedimprovements to Elder Park and the redevelopment of theGovan Graving Docks.

3.5.22. Theme 4 (Environmental Links) has perhaps more limitedscope within this area, given its industrial and densely builtup character. However, some areas of open space that maynot currently be accessible, such as Sheildhall SewageTreatment Works, should be recognised as part of the area’s network of more natural spaces. There are alsoopportunities for further greening in the area between theGovan Shipyard and King George V Dock where currentdecay along the riverside could be addressed by projectsthat aim to increase biodiversity by ‘naturalising’ the river edge.

3.5.23. The fifth theme (Transport and Access) is important for thisarea, particularly in terms of linking the existing communitywith spaces within new development areas. Improvementsto the walkway and public realm are proposed at GovanWharf to ensure a continuous link with the River ClydeWalkway. Open space will be located at the front of theresidential area naturally extending the garden areas of theproperties whilst acting as a buffer between the houses andthe riverside walkway. The area’s public transport nodes (existing and future) should also be built into plans toimprove access to greenspace.

3.5.24. Finally, economic development is a priority for the area,given its social profile. Much work has already beenundertaken to enhance the image of the area, as a means ofattracting investment. This should continue, with the GreenNetwork helping to change perceptions of Govan, andheritage and community projects potentially attractingvisitors into the area to experience the culture of a workingClydeside community.


Figure 3.5.6


27 There may be scope to improve the available greenspace around Sheildhall SewageTreatment works to increase its biodiversity benefits. Whilst this area is not accessible to thepublic, it should be recognised as an integral part of the area’s more natural green network. There are examples of good practice emerging from the water sector that demonstrate howthis can be achieved, including creation of sludge lagoons, pools and reedbeds. Ensuringthat discharges from the plant are within appropriate environmental limits will continue toassist with improving biodiversity within the river itself.

Scottish Water,Glasgow City Council,

H/M Medium

28 The large riverside open space adjacent to Thales in Linthouse is potentially a key space thatcould be used by the existing community, and the growing complement of staff at theSouthern General, as well as those who work at Thales and BAE Systems. All or part of thisspace should be safeguarded and promoted for wider use if possible, by ensuring it is safelyaccessible to the surrounding community. This may only be achievable on a temporarybasis, depending on plans for redevelopment of the space emerging in the longer term. As akey riverside access point, it could play a fundamental role in connecting west Govan with theClyde.

Glasgow City Council,Clydeport, Thales,BAE Systems,Southern General,Govan Initiative,Linthouse HA

M/M Short term

29 The redevelopment of the Southern General site should, if possible include provision of anadditional space or spaces for use by patients, visitors and staff. Greenspace has beenshown to have therapeutic properties and the increase in users of this site suggests that it willform a significant part of the community in its own right that would benefit from its own supplyof usable spaces. This could partly compensate for potential loss of semi natural space as aresult of the development.

NHS GreaterGlasgow, GlasgowCity Council

M/L Medium term, asdevelopment ofthe site as awholeprogresses


30 Hold Your Breath and Linthouse HA. The small greenspaces around the entrance to theClyde tunnel could be improved to enhance the overall quality of the environment. Thesecould potentially have minor biodiversity benefits as well as improving the visual quality of thearea.

Linthouse HousingAssociation GlasgowCity Council

H/M Medium term

31 Elder Park is a historic town park located in the centre of Govan. It is a key resource inrecreation and natural heritage terms, as well as contributing to the area’s overall identity. Work is in progress to develop a detailed HLF funding bid for the park, which should lead tosignificant improvements to its fabric and function. Its role within the community should bewidely promoted, and it should be physically and conceptually linked with the surroundingcommunities–those who live locally and those who work in the area. The community shouldplay a central role within this process. Its connection by use of signage and orientation –tothe north west via Linthouse and north east via central Govan.

Glasgow City Council,HLF, LocalCommunity, Friendsof Elder Park (to beestablished) GovanReminiscenceSociety, Park VillaFootball Club, GovanFair Association,Preshal Trust, GalgaelTrust

H/H Short to mediumterm (planscurrently inpreparation withpartnershipsalready formed)

32 The Green Network should seek to support the environmental proposals the Central GovanAction Plan

Govan Initiative,Glasgow City Council,local communitygroups


33 Several disused spaces provide a potentially important, although possibly temporary, networkof semi natural spaces at the eastern end of Govan. Many of these sites are scheduled fordevelopment in the short to medium term. However, there may be scope to enhance someof these areas by appropriate planting on and between them, and potentially connectedacross the Clyde to a similar disused space on the northern bank of the Clyde. Whilstredevelopment of some or all of these spaces is likely, this need not result in total loss of theirbiodiversity value. This should be linked with naturalisation of the river edge where possiblewithin the area, particularly in terms of opportunities offered by the decaying walls betweenthe shipyard and King George V Dock.

Govan Initiative, SNH,Glasgow City Council,FCS, Private Sector

L/L Short term

34 It is crucial that the development of the Grade A listed Graving Docks reflects theirimportance in heritage terms, and maintains strong links with the waterfront through provisionof appropriate new civic and greenspace. This area should also be connected with theexisting community to ensure that local people have the opportunity to enjoy and experiencethis newly reopened waterfront area.

Glasgow City Council,Private sector(developers), GovanReminiscenceSociety, GovanInitiative

H/H Medium term

35 Riverview Estate Environment. The public environment of the Riverview estate should beimproved to encourage greater levels of community use.

Glasgow HousingAssociation, GlasgowCity Council

H/M Medium term

36 River Crossing or footbridge. In the medium to long term there should be investigation intothe potential for a river crossing, either by ferry or bridge. This would create a connection tothe Riverside Museum and the new developments at Glasgow Harbour.

Govan Initiative,Glasgow City Council,Private Sector

M/M Long term

Action Area 6: Glasgow Harbour 123

3.6. ACTION AREA 6: GLASGOW HARBOUROverview

3.6.1. The Glasgow Harbour action area extends from the edge ofWhiteinch / Clyde Tunnel to Yorkhill Quay and the SECC(figure 3.6.1). Much of the area is riverside regenerationland, but it also includes the existing communities ofThornwood, Partick and Yorkhill to the north.

3.6.2. There have already been major changes to this area, withthe demolition of the Meadowside Granary buildings in 2001,and removal of many of the buildings and infrastructureassociated with area’s industrial and shipbuilding role. As a result, its traditional character and identity as a workingwaterfront has already changed considerably. At the sametime, many areas which were previously inaccessible havebeen opened up, and there is a much clearer visualconnection between the north and south banks of the Clyde.Paragraph 3.6.8 below describes land use change in thearea in more detail.

Connectivity and Accessibility3.6.3. The regeneration of the area has included a focus on

achieving good pedestrian links to the West End byproviding a new bridge that connects with an upgradedpublic transport interchange at Partick. Links to the KelvinWalkway and Kelvingrove Park are also important for thearea. The area will be connected with the city centre by anew Fastlink bus service, prior to a LRT being financed andultimately constructed. The regeneration plans haveincorporated proposals for a continuous walkway along thewaterfront, which has been partly achieved to date and willbe completed as development extends further east andwest.

Glasgow Harbour


3.6.4. At present, population density in the harbour area itself isvery low (Figure 3.6.2) as a result of its traditional use forindustry. In stark contrast, the communities to the immediatenorth are highly populated as a result of their built characterand in particular the high proportion of tenements.

3.6.5. The SIMD (Figure 3.6.3) shows the characteristics of thearea’s resident population in terms of levels of deprivation. Compared to its neighbours (Govan to the south andWhiteinch / Scotstoun / Yoker to the west) the area appearsto be relatively lacking in problems of social deprivation.However, parts of the area, including some areas ofThornwood and Yorkhill have some deprivation issues,contrasting with the wealthy areas of Hyndland andDowanhill to their north.


3.6.6. Although the Glasgow Harbour area itself has no establishedcommunity, it is quickly becoming populated, forming a newgroup of residents with a collective interest in the area’s future. To the north, Partick and the West End have anumber of established community groups, who could eachpotentially play a role in the development of the greennetwork. The Friends of Glasgow West and the GlasgowConservation Trust West are community groups that focuson the area’s heritage. In Partick, the Friends of the Mansfield Park are working to deliver improvements to a keygreenspace in the heart of their community. The Coach-house Trust is also a key community group working withinthe West End area.

3.6.7. Some key campaigns have recently taken place in the area,which illustrate the importance people attach to their localgreenspaces. This includes the high profile campaign forfunding to restore the bandstand in Kelvingrove Park, andthe recent event held to ‘Reclaim the River Kelvin’ which emerged in response to public safety concerns resultingfrom a recent murder close to the Kelvin Walkway.

Land Use Change

3.6.8. Glasgow Harbour (Figure 3.6.4) is perhaps one of the mostambitious regeneration projects on the Clyde - an investmentof around £1 billion in the redevelopment of 49 hectares ofland, stretching along 3km of the riverfront. The projectcommenced in 2001 and will run for several years to come.Hundreds of residential units have been constructed in thepast 5 years, and work is currently progressing on thesecond phase of construction. It is expected that the areawill also accommodate retail, leisure and commercialdevelopments, particularly towards it eastern end.

River Kelvin

3.6.9. At the confluence of the Kelvin and the Clyde a newRiverside Museum is being constructed, and will form a focalpoint for leisure activity. Associated with this, a new bridgeover the Kelvin is currently being constructed. Two furthernew bridges over the Kelvin are planned in this location,raising the need to maintain and provide new north-southpedestrian access points. Further north Tesco has beengranted consent for a significant new retail development,combined with mixed residential units, potentiallyexacerbating problems with access to parts of the KelvinWalkway.


3.6.10. Figure 3.6.4 shows the current masterplan within the area.This shows that the area has been the subject ofconsiderable development, and will continue to changedramatically in the coming years. As well as demolition ofdisused buildings, some open land will also be developed.New spaces are being provided throughout the development- it is estimated that around 42% of the total area will bedeveloped as new open space, with the riverside walkwayand cycleways extending through the area. However, theprecise location and character of many of the area’s new spaces remains unclear at this stage, raising questionsabout their function and value to both existing and newcommunities.


3.6.11. A review of the current Green Network profile (Figure 3.6.5)shows that the area currently lacks usable open space,particularly along the waterfront. Within the communities tothe north, much of the existing supply of space is providedby housing and transport amenity areas. Mansfield Park inPartick, classified an amenity area in the Green Networkdataset, is currently proposed for detailed redesign toprovide an important new civic space for the community incombination with an improved football pitch. Dowanhill Park,Cross Park and Thornwood Park are also importantcommunity spaces. The latter has recently been reduced insize, with the remaining area redesigned and benefiting fromnew play equipment as a result of development of anadjoining site for housing.

3.6.12. In the heart of Partick, a large cricket pitch is primarily asports space, but also provides an important ‘green lung’ within this densely developed area. Alongside the Kelvinthere is an important corridor of semi natural woodland atYorkhill, with some open land towards the southern end ofthe river, and where it meets the Clyde. Part of this hasrecently been developed for housing, with the remainderbeing likely to change as a result of the Glasgow Harbourdevelopment.



3.6.13. The diagram (Figure 3.6.6) and table below set out keyobjectives for this action area. These objectives apply thethematic objectives identified in the previous section of thisreport within the specific setting of the Glasgow Harbourarea.

3.6.14. The first theme of Planning and Development is of particularrelevance in this area. Much of the area has alreadyreceived planning consent, and has been designed toincorporate a waterfront walkway and a series of openspaces including a new linear park that acts as a bufferbetween the Clydeside Expressway and the new residentialproperties. Further east, however, the plans for the mixeduse components of the development around the Kelvin andat Yorkhill Quay are presently at an earlier stage, providingscope for the green network to be ‘built in’ to designs and plans for this area.

3.6.15. The second theme (Community and Health) is of interestwithin the Glasgow Harbour, not least because of the speedat which parts of the area are becoming populated. Newcommunities are already forming, and it is crucial that goodlinks between the area’s new residents and the communities to the north are established, if open space is to be sharedand the area as a whole is to provide wider benefits,including the original aspirations to generate employmentthrough the regeneration process.

3.6.16. Arts, Culture and Heritage (Theme 3) could be developedfurther within this area, and it is expected that the newRiverside Museum will form part of this process. However,most of the industrial legacy of this part of the Clyde has

been lost in terms of physical buildings and infrastructure,and so there may be a role for further interpretation of thepast within the area’s greenspaces, in order to help maintain a sense of civic identity and an appreciation of the way inwhich the area has evolved over recent years.

3.6.17. Theme 4 (Environmental Links) is potentially important withinthis area, given its overall lack of natural or semi naturalspace. However, there may be quite limited scope to buildbetter biodiversity links and so projects under this themecould be difficult to achieve in some respects. The mainarea of interest for biodiversity is the semi natural area at theconfluence of the Clyde and Kelvin. As much of this is withinthe Glasgow Harbour development area, there will be a needfor mitigation measures which help to ensure that the naturalcharacter of the Kelvin in particular is not significantly erodedas a result of new development. This could be achieved byworking with Glasgow Harbour and Tesco within the area tothe west of the Kelvin.

3.6.18. Transport and Access (Theme 5) are perhaps the mostsignificant issues with regard to this area. The developmentmasterplan has included proposals to link the area with theCity Centre and also to the improved Partick interchange. Itis important that access to the Green Network links into thisnew network, and that where possible the provision of newspace or links between existing spaces is used to create agreater feeling of cohesion between the new developmentareas and the existing communities to the north. Given thatthe mixed use development will attract people from furtherafield, information and promotion of these services and theirposition in relation to the green network will be beneficial.


3.6.19. The final theme of Economic Regeneration and Tourism hasconsiderable potential in terms of the role of the GreenNetwork within this area. The eastern end of the harbourwill, in particular, generate significant business andcommercial investment and result in employment. Furthereast at the SECC a major new arena for events is beingplanned. It would be beneficial to explore the role of openspace within the tourism product being offered by this part ofthe area, and to identify the way in which the public realmcould stimulate high value investment as part of theregeneration process.


Figure 3.6.6


37 At the western end of the area, there is scope to better connect the network of important parks and amenityspaces to new spaces being established within the Glasgow Harbour development area, and the riversidewalkway. This would be beneficial for local residents, in both the existing communities and the new areas.Key crossing points at Thornwood should be connected via signage and improved orientation, helping toraise awareness of the proximity and accessibility of the area. The community should be consulted in orderto establish the most important connections and crossing points. The possibility of promoting circular healthwalks on these routes could be explored further.

GCC,Thornwood andBroomhillCommunities,Possible privatesectorassistance (e.g.from McHargs),GlasgowHarbour

M/L Shortterm

38 The new linear park provided alongside the expressway could be improved by providing further planting,thereby creating a new habitat link across part of the area. At present this area lacks a clear use, partlybecause of its character as a green buffer. Planting of native species trees and shrubs could ‘naturalise’ this space. Any further spaces provided within the developments could be designed more imaginatively inorder to encourage further benefits and ensure the area does not further fragment any existing habitatnetworks. Within this action, care will be required to avoid creating a further barrier between new andexisting communities. Planting plans should also take into account potential safety issues arising from thisaction. Scope for joint community involvement in planting schemes could be explored further to provideadded value from the process.

GlasgowHarbourGCC, FCS,SNH, new andexistingcommunities

M/M Short tomediumterm

39 Partick interchange should be seen as a hub, from which the waterfront and the network of new andexisting Green Network spaces can be accessed. This could be achieved through signage, raisingawareness (e.g. underground poster campaign promoting local greenspaces), and ensuring that newphysical links take into account the Green Network. This could broaden the appeal and use of the area as aleisure resource beyond the local community to ensure that Glasgow Harbour waterfront routes and spacesbecome a widely enjoyed visitor attraction at a city-wide level.

SPT, GCC,Glasgow CityMarketingBureau,GlasgowHarbour

H/H Mediumterm


40 Connections northwards alongside the River Kelvin should be developed further in order to ensure that acontinuous green riverside link connecting with the Clyde is achieved. Where possible this should beaccompanied by habitat improvements to provide added environmental value, whilst at the same timeproviding a safe link by allowing for natural surveillance as far as possible. Sufficient width should beallowed to accommodate multiple users.

GCC, SNH,Friends of theRiver Kelvin

M/M Mediumto longterm

41 The provision of new civic space alongside the Riverside Museum should be given careful consideration toensure that it forms an attraction in its own right. River viewpoints should be interpreted, using the area’s industrial heritage as a place specific theme. Developments on both sides of the Kelvin should turn to facethe Clyde as well as the Kelvin, and should include appropriate land use within the waterfront areas (e.g.walkways, civic spaces, buildings with open vistas)

GCC, HLF,ClydeWaterfront,Glasgow CityMarketingBureau,GlasgowHarbour

H/H Mediumterm

Action Area 7: SECC and Pacific Quay 137

3.7. ACTION AREA 7: SECC AND PACIFIC QUAY

Overview

3.7.1. As shown in Figure 3.7.1, the SECC and Pacific Quayaction area comprises a zone both north and south of theRiver Clyde. It extends from the Pumphouse Restaurantand Graving Docks in the west and Finnieston Bridge in theeast.

3.7.2. The area is one of the key modern cultural centres on theClyde comprising the SECC Armadillo, Science Centre andthe new Digital Media Quarter. The area is stronglyconnected to the river with two pedestrian bridges andwalkways along both banks. The Graving Docks, PrincesDock and Titan Crane all reflect the older culturalassociations with the river that the area has.

3.7.3. On the south side of the site, Festival Park is the finalremaining element of the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival. Itremains an important greenspace because of the relativelack of formalised open spaces in the area.


3.7.4. There are a number of key transport links in the area both forpublic and private transport. The Quality Bus Corridor onPaisley Road West and the Exhibition Centre train station atthe SECC are the key public transport links in the area.These will be complemented by the proposed FastlinkService when it is developed. Cessnock also providesaccess to the area but there is no direct route from thestation to Pacific Quay.

3.7.5. The Clydeside Expressway provides vehicular access intothe SECC site but it also forms a significant barrier topedestrian and cycle access. This barrier is crossed by thepedestrian and cycle bridge over both the railway line andthe Clydeside Expressway.

The Armadillo at the SECC

3.7.6. The north/south road access to the area will be improved bythe construction of the new bridge at Finnieston, due forcompletion in late 2006.

3.7.7. The GCC water access study has proposed the provision ofa new pontoon at Pacific Quay alongside the existing accessat the SECC and use of the canting basin as a water featureis also proposed.



3.7.8. The lack of housing in the area means that the SECC andPacific Quay site is very sparsely populated. Figure 3.7.2shows that the population density is almost zero. Locationswith low population densities tend to score badly in the SIMDranking, as shown by Figure 3.7.3.

3.7.9. There are no permanent communities located in the SECCor Pacific Quay sites but the communities which neighbourthe areas include: Govan; Finnieston; Yorkhill; Ibrox;Mavisbank; Kinning Park; and Cessnock.

3.7.10. The waterfront is highly accessible in this area but therelative lack of facilities or ‘free’ attractions on the waterside may restrict the current levels of use.

Land Use Change

3.7.11. Land use change is illustrated in Figure 3.7.4. The SECCand Pacific Quay area is one of the key development siteson the Clyde Waterfront. Since the construction of the‘Armadillo’, the SECC has become an iconic part ofGlasgow’s landscape. The new Digital Media Quarter has attracted significant investment from the BBC and STV.

3.7.12. There are also development plans for the south east of thePacific Quay site and the Elphinstone Sustainable Village tothe west of the SECC site. In both cases these will reducethe quantity of open space but they provide the opportunityto create higher quality, usable green spaces. Developingpedestrian and cycle access to the site across the railwayline and expressway on the west of the site is an issue thathas not yet been resolved.

Science Centre

3.7.13.The Queen’s Dock 2 (QD2) project is the second major phase of development on the Queen’s Dock (now the site of the SECC). It will include the development of a new indoorarena, casino, car park and ‘arrivals square’. The arrivals square will be a major civic space in front of the SECC toprovide a better sense of arrival. It is also planned that thesquare will act as a part time car park providing extra parkingspaces for major events, potentially including theCommonwealth Games in 2014 if they are held in Glasgow.

3.7.14. The other major development that will impact on the site isthe new Finnieston Bridge. It will connect Finnieston Streetwith Govan Road when it is completed in late 2006.



3.7.15. The green network dataset for this area (Figure 3.7.5)shows that there is a relatively small amount of open spacelocated close to the riverside. Kelvingrove Park is thelargest open space in the area, providing access andrecreational opportunities for a number of communities. Thepark is currently not well connected with the Clyde despite itsrelatively close proximity. In the medium term it is likely thatthe park will be connected to the Clyde along the side of theKelvin. The Clydeside Express Way and railway line form asignificant barrier to access to the north of the SECC andthere is little scope to improve this situation.

3.7.16. Pacific Quay has good links to the Clyde and there is arange of publicly accessible open space. The area iscurrently hard landscaped which reduces its attractiveness.Much of the current open space adjacent to the river isneeded as event-space for the various events that takeplace on the Clyde. This necessitates a hard landscape,reducing the opportunities for greenspace.

3.7.17. A new park space will be developed at the SECC beside theBBC Headquarters which will provide a small amount ofgreenspace in the area.

3.7.18. The Pacific Quay site links closely with Festival Park, themost significant park and open space in the southern part ofthe Action Area. The park is not easily accessible to thepublic because it only has two entrance points. Otherentrances have been made at various locations through thewire fencing which surrounds the park, but there is scope toincrease this further.



3.7.19. The diagram (Figure 3.7.6) and table below set out keyobjectives for this action area. These objectives apply thethematic objectives identified in the previous section of thisreport within the specific setting of the SECC and PacificQuay area.

3.7.20.The ‘Planning and Development’ theme is one of the most important elements in providing access to the Clyde andopen spaces in the area. The extensive development alongthe Clyde at the SECC and Pacific Quay which has takenplace since the Glasgow Garden Festival in 1988 hascompletely changed the riverscape. The developments inthe area will continue with the development of theElphinstone Sustainable Village and the continueddevelopments around Pacific Quay. The plans for thesedevelopments are well advanced so there is likely to belimited scope to influence how greenspace is provided withinthem at this stage.

3.7.21. The second theme (Community and Health) has a role toplay in this area. There are already active communitygroups in the area such as the Friends of the River Kelvinthat are active in the community. It is important that existingcommunities, and those yet to be established in the area,are encouraged to connect with the waterfront. Both banksof the river are accessible to the communities around themand greenspace projects may present an opportunity toincrease the levels of ‘ownership’ amongst local residents.

3.7.22.The ‘Arts, Culture and Heritage’ theme is strongly represented in the area. There are a number of importanthistoric structures in the area: the Titan Crane, the Rotundasand the Graving Dock. These are complemented by morerecent iconic structures such as the SECC Armadillo; theGlasgow Science Centre; and the new Finnieston Bridge.These iconic structures represent both Glasgow’s past and the way it is shaping itself for the future. The strong culturalassociations in the area should continue to be linked with thegreenspace network.

3.7.23.The ‘Environmental Links’ theme has a small relevance inthis area. Some areas of natural/semi-natural greenspacewill be lost through new developments which will occur in thecoming years but these mostly comprise sites of derelictland. Much of the new space that has been created is civicspace with minimal ecological benefit.

3.7.24. Theme 5, Transport and Access has been an importantelement of the design in the Action Area. Access betweenthe northern and southern parts of the site is gained acrosstwo pedestrian bridges. The development of GlasgowHarbour to the west of the site on the northern bank will helpto increase the connectivity along the riverbank, as will thedevelopment of the Graving Docks to the west of the southbank. The proposed Fastlink Service will also increase theaccessibility of the site, a benefit which needs to bepromoted strongly in the area.


3.7.25.The ‘Economic Development’ and Tourism theme is one of the key elements of the Action Area. The SECC andGlasgow Science Centre are key attractions in the area andbring significant economic benefits. There has also beensignificant investment in the Digital Media Quarter andcontinued investment in mixed use developments such asthe Elphinstone Sustainable Village. As noted above, muchof the planning and development for these projects hasalready been undertaken. However, it is important to ensurethat the green and civic spaces in the area continue tocontribute to the overall attractiveness of the area to ensureits continued success as a ‘destination’.


Figure 3.7.6


42 The SECC and Pacific Quay area provides one of the few locations along the River Clydewhich are well connected for pedestrian access on the north and south banks. The majordevelopments and redevelopments on both sides of the river will help to create a civic spacewhich gives local populations and visitors to the area easy access to the river. It is importantthat this area is well connected with the surrounding areas to help to create a contiguouspedestrian and cycle network along this section of the Clyde. The earliest stage of thisprocess should be to complete the walkway between the BBC and SMG to provide acontinuous link on the south side of the river.

GCC, private sector, newand existing communities

H/H Medium

43 Links to and from Festival Park should be reinforced, both through physical improvementsand signage, and through wider awareness raising. It would be particularly useful to promotethe space as a key resource that can be used by communities on the north side of the river,as well as those on the south. It would also benefit from more entrance points which coulddevelop the park as a green route from Cessnock subway station to the Science Centre. Thisconnection could also be used to improve the Bells Bridge-Pollok Cycle Route.

GCC H/M Short

44 There is no direct connection between the SECC site and Kelvingrove Park despite thedistance being relatively short. The connection between the two areas could be improvedwith signage and public realm development that could help direct people to and from eacharea.

GCC, Glasgow CityMarketing Bureau,Elphinstone

M/M Short

45 The Grade A listed of the Graving Docks reflects their importance in heritage terms, andmaintains strong links with the waterfront through provision of appropriate new civic andgreenspace. This area should be connected with the existing, and future, communities toensure the area is used and enjoyed.

Glasgow City Council,Private sector(developers), GovanReminiscence Society,Govan Initiative

H/H Medium

46 The Arrival Square at the SECC should contain a strong green element to increase theattractiveness of the area. It is important that the hard landscape of the area is softened bygreenspace, particularly because of the significant construction projects that are going to takeplace in the area in the medium term.

H Medium


47 The Titan Crane at the site is an iconic image of Glasgow but it is currently underutilised as apublic space. The area around the crane could be developed as a public space to attractpeople to the area and provide open and greenspace for the communities located close by inFinnieston and at Lancefield Quay.

M/M Medium/Long

Action Area 8: Lancefield and Springfield Quays 151

3.8. ACTION AREA 8: LANCEFIELD ANDSPRINGFIELD QUAYS

Overview

3.8.1. This area spans the river, including the part of Finniestonand Lancefield Quay on the north, and extending intoKinning Park on the south side (Figure 3.8.1).

3.8.2. Traditionally, the area was part of the Clyde’s shippingheritage, acting as a cargo arrival point. The area includesAnderston Quay, lying between the Kingston Bridge andLancefield Quay. The area’s heritage is reflected in theStobcross Crane, which today forms and importantlandmark. The area currently has a mix of land uses withsome established and new resident communities, and alarge proportion of commercial and warehouseaccommodation. On the south side of the river, the QuayLeisure Park forms an important land use. Social housingareas are provided south of Mavisbank on the south sideand Anderston to the north.


3.8.3. The area is located close to a number of major roads,including the M8 and Kingston Bridge and the ClydesideExpressway. These form key barriers that enclose the areaand effectively separate it from nearby communities and theCity Centre. This could be exacerbated by the constructionof the Clyde Fastlink, forming a further east-west lineartransport connection.

Springfield Quay and Finnieston

3.8.4. The area can presently be accessed by train via ExhibitionCentre Station on the northern side of the expressway.Bell’s Bridge is an important pedestrian and cycle connectionacross the river, and this is set to be complemented by theconstruction of a new road bridge designed to improveaccess to Pacific Quay, and a potential further pedestrianbridge linking Anderston Quay with Springfield Quay.

3.8.5. Parts of the river are accessible; there being footpaths alongthe full extent of the northern waterfront. To the south thesituation is more fragmented, with riverside access beingachievable within the leisure park, but restricted in the moreresidential parts of Mavisbank Quay as a result of thecommunity’s concerns about public access close to their homes.



3.8.6. Figure 3.8.2 shows the density of residents within the areain 2001. This picture will have recently undergone significantchange as the areas close to the riverside have beenredeveloped. This also illustrates the relatively high densityof the established communities of Anderston and Finnieston,to the north of Lancefield Quay, and the relatively dispersedpopulation within the mixed use areas that extend fromMavisbank and Springfield Quays into Govan.

3.8.7. The SIMD data for the area (Figure 3.8.3) shows that thereare potentially high concentrations of social deprivationwithin the area. However, this profile is changing rapidly,and the SIMD should be interpreted with caution given thelow numbers of people living within parts of the area at thetime of the 2001 census. Notwithstanding this, there arecommunities within and living close to the action area withsignificant needs arising from their social exclusion.

3.8.8. Probably as a result of the traditional lack of residents withinthis area, there appears to be relatively little in the way ofpast or ongoing community development and action projects.Scope for connecting new communities within the denseresidential development areas with those living inneighbouring areas should be explored further in the comingyears to ensure that a sustainable and cohesive communityemerges from the redevelopment process. Keystakeholders could include the Sanctuary HousingAssociation, which recently took on responsibility for much ofthe social housing in Anderston.

Mavisbank Quay

Land Use Change

3.8.9. This area has undergone major change in recent years, withthe construction of high density residential development onthe north side of the river, and provision of a leisure park atSpringfield Quay. Work at Lancefield Quay has amounted toan investment of around £42 million by the private sector,creating a large new community in an area that previouslyhad very few residents as a result of its industrial use. It isproposed that this is complemented by new commercial andleisure uses to create a mixed use development.


3.8.10. Improvements have been made to the public realm, withcreation of a greater sense of enclosure within thestreetscape and improving road crossings at key locations.The City Plan emphasises the commitment to contributing tothe Green Network in this area, by maintaining linearwaterfront space, a Local Development Strategy forFinnieston, Anderston and Springfield has been preparedbut not yet taken forward. A lighting / public art strategy isproposed for the area, extending the strategy that has beendeveloped for the Kingston Bridge. Links with the adjoiningSECC and the City Centre are also recognised as crucial.

3.8.11. The area is also recognised as a crucial part of the tourismand leisure role of the River. There are approved outlineplans by Heron City Leisure Group to expand the leisureuses of Springfield Quay, including a casino (close tocompletion), hotel (construction has recently commenced),car park and improved Clyde Walkway. The City Plan notesthat the feasibility of water based tourist and leisureattractions such as a floating bar or restaurant should beinvestigated further. The site will also incorporate some newresidential units

3.8.12. Mavisbank Quay to the west of Springfield Quay has alsobeen redeveloped for residential use. It is intended that thiswill help to build a new gateway to the communities to thesouth of the river, and to re-establish closer links with theriver itself.

Green Network Profile3.8.13. Figure 3.8.5 shows the Green Network within this action

area. Perhaps unsurprisingly given its city centre location,this appears to be largely limited to housing, institutional androadside amenity space. Festival Park lies to the immediatewest of the area, providing a key potential shared resourcefor communities on the north and south sides of the river,although it is a significant difference from many of the homeswithin the area.

New road bridge to Finnieston



3.8.14. The diagram (Figure 3.8.6) and table below set out keyobjectives for this action area. These objectives apply thethematic objectives identified in the previous section of thisreport within the specific setting of the Lancefield andSpringfield Quays area.

3.8.15. The first theme of Planning and Development is perhaps themost important within this area, given the scale of land usechange that has occurred in the past few years, and willcontinue in the foreseeable future. This provides bothopportunities and challenges for the Green Network, creatinga higher density of mixed land use that reduces availablespace within the area, but also providing new spaces andriverside access as an integral part of the development. It isimportant that any new linear and wider open spaceprovision recognises the wider aims of the Green Networkand seeks to contribute to this strategic framework. Thismeans there is a need to provide new space within furtherdevelopments in the area, and to make best use of thelimited resources that are already available.

3.8.16. Theme 2 (Community and Health) is less relevant at presentwithin this area, although like many other action areas it isimportant that the Green Network plays a role in connectingnew residents with the surrounding existing communities andtheir associated services and facilities. In particular, thesubstantial new communities that are being created willrequire to new services and facilities to meet their needs.

3.8.17. Theme 3 (Arts, Heritage and Culture) could be developedfurther within this area, particularly in terms of theinterpreting the river heritage associated with the quays, andensuring that where possible physical remnants of the area’s history, are retained and celebrated. The nearby FinniestonCrane (within Action Area 7) provides an example of the wayin which this can help to maintain a sense of identity. Thisrespect for the riverside location should be carried through tothe smaller scale resources and features within any plans foropen space and access improvements. At present it appearsthat these resources may be being overlooked, with theremains of the old ferry to be removed as a result of theconstruction of the Fastlink. The Kingston Halls and PublicLibrary on Paisley Road is a significant historic building inKinning Park, but is currently in use as a hostel.

3.8.18. The fourth theme (Environmental Links) is a lower prioritywithin this area overall, given its relatively central location,the lack of existing open space and the shortfall in provisionof any new green space as part of current developmentproposals. Scope to provide new habitats is likely to belimited to improvements to the shoreline and the river itself,but could nevertheless provide important ‘green islands’ within the network. Plans to create a stepped terrace ontothe Clyde at Lancefield Quay could deliver environmentalbenefits associated with the naturalisation of the river edge.Similarly, naturalising some of the area’s small scale amenity spaces would provide limited benefits in their own right, butshould help to reduce fragmentation of the Green Networkas a whole. Works associated with the Fastlink could also beused to achieve greater ‘naturalisation’ within this area.


3.8.19. Theme 5 (Transport and Access) is significant within thisarea. The public transport and roads networks provideimportant nodes for accessing the area, but also act asbarriers in key locations, such as the east-west barrierformed by the expressway and railway line to the north ofLancefield Quay, and the inhospitable pedestrianenvironment where the streetscape is dominated by the M8and Kingston Bridge. This makes access to AnderstonStation particularly difficult for those approaching it from theaction area. The Fastlink route will result in the loss of twolanes of roadspace on Lancefield and Anderston Quay.Access along the waterfront and pedestrian links within andout from the area are therefore important.

3.8.20. The final theme of Economic Development and Tourismcould be developed further within the area’s Green Network spaces, particularly in terms of riverside access andconnections between key leisure attractions (existing andplanned), and the city centre.


Figure 3.8.6


48 There is a need to ensure that the accessible riverside linear spaces are connected with the communities tothe north of Lancefield Quay, especially Finnieston where open space is limited, and the river has thepotential to offer new opportunities for outdoor recreation. Where possible this should be linked withprovision of space within the new development areas, as well as linear links on the waterfront andconnection between the Hilton Hotel and SECC, as proposed by the area’s Local Development Strategy. By improving the environment of the area under the Kingston Bridge, links to Anderston Station and the CityCentre could also be significantly improved. This will help to connect new and existing communities andfacilities, and to realise the visitor and leisure potential of this important waterfront area.

GCC,private sector(developers)

M/L Short term

49 Links to and from Festival Park should be reinforced, both through physical improvements and signage, andthrough wider awareness raising. It would be particularly useful to promote the space as a key resource thatcan be used by communities on the north side of the river, as well as those on the south.

GCC, SPT H/M Short term

50 Continuous riverside access should be actively promoted throughout this area. At present, some areas canbe accessed, whilst in others there is resistance to public access. There is a need to overcome this throughfurther negotiations with local people. Creation of a more transparently managed hierarchy of spaces, frompublic, through semi private to private, could help to clarify rights, achieving a linear waterfront link withoutreducing the amenity of the area’s residents and businesses. New developments should build this into their plans and ensure that new sections of the walkway are connected with those that already exist or areplanned. Where possible linear riverside space should also be naturalised to contribute to the city widebiodiversity link provided by the Clyde.

GCC,Residents

H/H Mediumterm

51 At Springfield Quay, it is important to riverside linear space is retained and connected to the surroundingareas. Opportunities for new waterside civic space with accompanying leisure uses are being consideredand should be taken further within the context of the Green Network as a whole. Added value could beprovided by setting new spaces within their heritage context.

GCC, privatesector(developer)

H/M Mediumterm

Action Area 9: IFSD and Tradeston 163

3.9. ACTION AREA 9: IFSD AND TRADESTONOverview

3.9.1. This Action Area covers the Broomielaw/IFSD area of thecity centre between the Kingston Bridge and Central Station(Figure 3.9.1). The area has become a major centre forinvestment in recent years and has become known as theInternational Financial Services District (IFSD). The IFSD ispublic/private partnership which will see over £600m ofinvestment in the infrastructure of the area.

3.9.2. To the south of the river, the area also covers Tradeston.Tradeston was developed in the 17th century as the locationof ‘Trade Houses’ or warehouses. The landuse has changed very little since that time with the majority of activityon the site revolving around warehouse type industry andsales. The action area is bounded on the west side by theKingston Bridge, on the east by Commerce Street and to thesouth by the future extension of the M74. The simple roadgrid system is only interrupted by the Riverview housingdevelopment on the bank of the Clyde. The grid system andthe large warehouse type buildings that are found in the areahave left little space for greenspace in the action area.

3.9.3. The area has a long standing tradition of interaction with theClyde. It was a major merchant centre in the 19th century,the remnants of which can still be seen in some of the verylarge warehouse buildings located close to the waters edge.

3.9.4. More recently it has become an important employmentcentre with organisations such as Scottish Enterprise and BTutilising the major new office spaces which have beencreated. There has also been a major investment in thepublic realm and streetscape in the area in recent years. IFSD



3.9.5. The area is built in a grid system with roads lyingperpendicular to Broomielaw which runs parallel to the river.The traffic infrastructure of the area is dominated by theKingston Bridge to the west and the King George V Bridgeand rail bridge to central station to the east. The areacurrently has very high traffic flows through much of the day.The traffic pressure in the area may be reduced by the newFinnieston Bridge, due to be completed in autumn 2006.

3.9.6. National Cycle Route 75 runs along Clyde Street into the citycentre although it is disjointed because it moves from road tooff-road in various locations. The river can be accessed frompontoons at the Broomielaw.

3.9.7. The Tradeston area is a major focus for through traffic on thesouth side of Glasgow. A one way traffic system helps tomove the significant levels of traffic which exit the KingGeorge V and Kingston Bridges on the east and west of thearea. The waterfront at the Riverview housing developmentprovides pedestrian access between the Springfield Quayarea to the west


3.9.8. As would be expected, Figure 3.9.2 shows a very lowpopulation density in the Action Area, predominantlybecause much of the area is in commercial use. This alsoshows that there is a very small resident population in theTradeston area. The only area with any significantpopulation is the riverside housing area in the northwest ofthe site.

3.9.9. The area also scores poorly in the SIMD ranking as shown inFigure 3.9.3. As discussed in previous sections, areas withvery low populations tend to score poorly in the SIMDrankings so this result should be viewed with caution.

Land Use Change

3.9.10. The major land uses in the area are commercial–officespace, shops and hotel space. Much of the investment inthe area has focused on creating a high quality environmentfor businesses to utilise. Therefore much of the derelict oftemporary space has been, or will be used for constructionprojects.

3.9.11. The proposed new footbridge between Broomielaw/IFSDand Tradeston will have an impact on the accessibility of thearea from the south of the river. Access to this majoremployment and services centre is likely to be particularlyimportant as the population of Tradeston increases as theproposed residential developments are completed.

3.9.12. The proposed Fastlink Bus route will pass along ClydeStreet increasing the width of the carriageway and removingsome of the narrow strip of amenity greenspace on theClydeside between the Kingston Bridge and the GalaCasino.

3.9.13. The most significant land use changes that will have animpact on the Tradeston area are the new pedestrian bridgeon the Clyde, the M74 extension and the Clyde Place mixeddevelopment proposals. The M74 extension will significantlychange the landscape of the area with the removal of someexisting buildings


3.9.14. The Clyde Place proposals would see the construction ofover 900 residential units and a range of other mixed usecommercial developments. There are also proposals forother flatted developments at Cook Street/West Street andWallace Street/Tradeston Street that will total 370 newresidential units. Many of the other blocks in the area arezoned for similar density construction although listedbuildings in the area will cause some constraints.

3.9.15. These developments would significantly change the socialand cultural dynamics of the area by introducing a residentpopulation into an area that has previously been verysparsely populated.


3.9.16. The green network shown in Figure 3.9.5 indicates thatthere is a very small amount of greenspace in the ActionZone. The narrow strip of greenspace on the Clydesideforms part of the cycle route through the area but part of thiswill be lost when the development of the Fastlink service isundertaken.

3.9.17. There are some small pockets of amenity greenspacelocated on Argyle Street (mostly associated with the MarriotHotel) and the one semi-natural greenspace shown on thegreen network map has been developed.

3.9.18. Figure 3.9.5 also shows that there are very fewgreenspaces within the Tradeston area. There is a limitedamount of amenity open space associated with theRiverview flats on the waterfront and some amenity spacealong the slip-road from the Kingston Bridge. The rest of theaction area is almost completely devoid of open spacebecause of the nature of the land use and activity in thearea. There is limited scope for this to change in theforeseeable future as the redevelopment of Clyde Place willresult in further relatively high density development.

Disused waterfront area


Area Specific Objectives3.9.19. The diagram below (Figure 3.9.6) shows the key objectives

for the action area. These objectives apply the thematicobjectives identified in the previous section of this report withinthe specific setting of the Broomielaw and Tradeston area.

3.9.20. The Planning and Development theme is important on bothsides of the river. There continues to be significantinvestment in the IFSD as one of the flagship businesszones of Glasgow. This has seen a range of newconstruction projects and significant investment in the publicrealm of the area. In Tradeston, major developments suchas the new pedestrian bridge, M74 extension and ClydePlace development will significantly alter the character of thearea. Although the scope to influence existing plans for thearea may be limited, it is important that any futuredevelopments help to create greenspaces that form closeconnections with the waterfront to allow the plannedpopulation to go outdoors in their neighbourhood.

3.9.21. Community and Health has a lesser importance than insome other action areas. There is a very low population inthe zone, therefore the scope to develop community basedinitiatives involving existing residents may be limited.However, there is a significant population of workers in thearea that could be better engaged with the Clyde anddeveloping greater use and ownership of the limitedgreenspace resources available. In the future when thepopulation of the area increases, (particularly withinTradeston) this theme will become more important. It istherefore important to anticipate population growth, bydeveloping community links with the waterfront and the openspaces in the area that adequately meet the needs of theresident population.

3.9.22. Theme 3 (Arts, Culture and Heritage) is currently not welldeveloped in the area. The recent public realmimprovements in the IFSD have included the installation ofsome public art. There should be further scope to install artas part of the further development of the IFSD which willinclude the new pedestrian footbridge link to Tradeston.

3.9.23. The Environmental Links theme is currently not welldeveloped within the area. There is very little open spacewhich provides ecological interest other than the Clyde itself.The majority of the gap sites in the area will be filled byconstruction projects so the scope for the development ofthis theme is limited. SUDS schemes may have a role toplay in this area because of the significant level ofconstruction planned within it.

3.9.24. The Transport and Access theme is of high importance inthis action area. There are significant medium term plans toimprove the transport infrastructure in the area with thedevelopment of the new Tradeston Bridge and the ClydeFastlink bus service. These will both make the area moreaccessible but will impact on the amount of open spaceavailable. The Clyde Fastlink may even act as anotherbarrier between the Clyde and the working population in thearea. Any new developments, particularly those that mayreduce the level of greenspace in the area, need to beconstructed in a way that ensures the quality of theremaining greenspace is maintained and enhanced.


3.9.25. The new pedestrian bridge will form an important connectionover the Clyde for the new communities at Clyde Place inparticular. It is important that this sustainable transportoption is promoted particularly because of the links it willprovide between the increasingly residential Tradeston area,and the Broomielaw and wider City Centre.

3.9.26. Economic Regeneration and Tourism is a key theme for theaction area. The IFSD is one of the major businessinvestment areas on the Clyde. The aim of the £600minvestment is to develop the IFSD into a major financialservices district. This investment needs to continue to becomplemented by the installation of high quality open spacesand public art in the area to help ensure the attractiveness ofthe area is enhanced.

3.9.27. The current plans for regeneration will significantly alter thecharacter and dynamics of the area. It is important to try andensure these changes, including those to the green network,have a positive impact on all of Tradeston and thecommunities which surround it.


Figure 3.9.6


52 The development of the new Tradeston Bridge will offer an opportunity to reinvigorate thewaterfront at the IFSD. Any renewal should encourage use of the area by improving sitelines and the overall quality of the area.

GCC. ScottishEnterprise, Sustrans

MM Medium term

53 There is currently a lack of interaction between the areas of the river which are accessibleand the buildings which are located in the IFSD. The barrier Broomielaw creates is asignificant factor in this. The new Fastlink service could exacerbate this problem. It istherefore important that consideration is given to pedestrian access across the Fastlink lanewhen it is developed.

GCC. ScottishEnterprise, Sustrans,SPT?

H/M Short to mediumterm

54 At present some areas of the walkway along the Clyde are semi-private and there may besome resistance to public access. There is a need to overcome this through furthernegotiations with local people.

GCC, Sustrans H/H Medium term

55 New developments should build continuous access along the riverfront into their plans andensure that new sections of the walkway are conynected with those that already exist or areplanned. Where possible linear riverside space should be naturalised to contribute to the citywide biodiversity link provided by the Clyde

GCC, private sector(developer)

H/H Medium term

56 There is a need to anticipate the development of Tradeston by providing new greenspace asa focal point and resource for the area’s future community. This could link with planned ‘tree lined’ routes that will connect the area eastwards to Laurieston.

GCC, developers M/M Short term

Action Area 10: Clyde Street and Laurieston 175

3.10. ACTION AREA 10: CLYDE STREET ANDLAURIESTON

Overview

3.10.1. This action area lies between Central Station to the west,and Crown Street / Saltmarket to the east. It spans the river,extending northwards towards George Square andsouthwards into the Gorbals to Laurieston (Figure 3.10.1)

3.10.2. The area is primarily in use for business and retail, andincludes two of Glasgow’s key shopping streets –ArgyleStreet and Buchanan Street. St. Enoch’s Shopping Centre issituated in the centre of the northern part of the area.Glasgow’s High Court and Sheriff Court account for major land uses in the area. The College of Nautical Studies islocated on the eastern side of the area and the City Mosqueis another important landmark.

3.10.3. The Saltmarket and area around it are some of the oldestparts of the city, and the Merchant City has undergone majorregeneration over the past two decades.


3.10.4. The area includes the major public transport nodes ofCentral and Queen Street Station and is close to BuchananStreet Bus Station. There are several low level train stationsand underground stations also providing access to and fromthe area.

3.10.5. In terms of the road infrastructure, Clyde Street provides acrucial east-west riverside route.

3.10.6. The waterfront is directly accessible in this area, forming alinear space. However, it is also dissected by major crossriver road links and in places access to the riverside is lessattractive as a result of road and personal safety issues.There are no pedestrian crossings at Albert Bridge andVictoria Bridge on the south side of the river.

South Portland Street Bridge


Community and Health3.10.7. Figure 3.10.2 shows the distribution of the area’s resident

population. Although the city centre has been repopulatedin recent years, particularly as a result of redevelopment ofthe Merchant City, it remains sparsely populated as a resultof its primary role as a retail and commercial zone.

3.10.8. Figure 3.10.3 shows the SIMD covering the area. This is arelatively broad measure of the social characteristics of thearea, given its limited extent, and should be interpretedwith caution particularly by considering possible high levelsof deprivation in relation to very low population density.However, this does highlight the relatively high levels ofdeprivation in the Laurieston area, to the south of the river.

3.10.9. The Laurieston area is part of the wider Gorbals area, andhas therefore been the subject of considerable communitysupport as a result of the numerous area initiatives thatseek to address social exclusion. This includes extensivework by the Gorbals Initiative and the New GorbalsHousing Association as part of the ongoing andwidespread regeneration of the area. The Gorbals HealthyLiving Network is located on the edge of the area itself, andto the south of the area the Roots project has beenundertaking work with asylum seekers living within thearea.

3.10.10. Many of the area’s community initiatives have focused on social inclusion and employment, but have also extendedto cover the physical environment by promotinginvolvement in regeneration processes. The Gorbals ArtsProject (GAP) is also a local initiative that promotes socialinteraction and skills development as an integral part of itsremit, and has sought to reinforce the area’s identity and its relationship with the riverside in its various commissions.

Land Use Change

3.10.11. The area is undergoing significant change at present as aresult of a number of projects. A regeneration masterplanfor Laurieston was prepared in 2005, and aims to transformthe area into a liveable and vibrant community throughmixed use development. The plans extend the benefitsalready provided by the successful regeneration of theCrown Street area to the east of the action area, andinclude an emphasis on building stronger links to the riverand beyond it to the city centre. The Nautical College wasalso redeveloped in 2004 to provide new campus facilities.

3.10.12. On the northern bank within this area, the main focus forland use change in the coming years will be CustomhouseQuay where a £200 million project is planned. Thisincludes residential and commercial uses, housing for keyworkers, a new civic space and use of the riverfront areaand new pontoons for formal and informal leisure activities.This development was recently granted planning consentby Glasgow City Council. Other developments in the areainclude major new retail and leisure facilities.



3.10.13. A review of the Green Network within this area (Figure3.10.5) shows that there is a very limited supply of spaceavailable locally. On the north side of the river, the areahas only civic space, with the pedestrianised areas ofArgyle Street and Buchanan Street, and George Squarelying just beyond the northern boundary.

3.10.14. On the south side of the river there is extensive space,primarily around the high rise flats within Laurieston. Thereare some small spaces on the immediate waterfront whichtogether form a partially complete green corridor. Smallamenity spaces around the area’s institutions also contribute to the overall supply of local space. Within theMerchant City, there is virtually no open space available,as a result of the dense nature of its traditional built form.The shortfall in space within the area can be partlyexplained by its proximity to Glasgow Green to theimmediate east.



3.10.15. The diagram (Figure 3.10.6) and table below set out keyobjectives for this action area. These objectives apply thethematic objectives identified in the previous section of thisreport within the specific setting of the City Centre actionarea.

3.10.16. The first theme of Planning and Development is currentlyof particular relevance to this area. There is a need toensure that plans for Custom House Quay, St. Enoch’s East and Laurieston regeneration area take into accountthe existing Green Network, and build improved links toand across the river via these open spaces. In particularthe suspension bridge and Buchanan Street offer scope forthe creation of a new potential north to south axis, thatcontinues onto the south side of the river. Developerliaison will be required to achieve this in a co-ordinatedway.

3.10.17. Theme 2 Community and Health is particularly important interms of the composition and needs of the community ofLaurieston. This area has already prepared a masterplanfor redevelopment in collaboration with the localcommunity, that emphasises the needs for better links intoand out of the community. Other initiatives have sought tomake more of the area’s location close to the Clyde. Greenspace can help to fulfil these aims, and can provideadded value where initiatives specifically involve localpeople in connecting and improving spaces. There mayalso be scope for local health projects to make use of thearea’s changing spaces, thereby stimulating further use and reducing concerns about their safety.

3.10.18. Theme 3 (Arts, Culture and Heritage), links closely with thesixth theme, and provides considerable scope to alsodeliver community benefits. This is a historic part of thewaterfront, but is also undergoing a process oftransformation that could useful focus attention on the past,present and future relationship between the Clyde and theCity Centre. Lighting projects and work by local communityarts projects are already being used to enliven the river inthis location. Further heritage interpretation work whichbuilds on the interests of those working in the MerchantCity could help with achieving greater orientation within theemerging green network within this area.

3.10.19. Theme 4, Environmental Links, is perhaps less relevantwithin this area, where most spaces are ‘hard landscaping’ or open space with very limited natural heritage interest.Whilst it would be inappropriate to attempt to naturalise thearea’s spaces, it will be important to recognise the green link that the Clyde itself provides, and to ensure that landuse on the riverfront complements this as far as possible.

3.10.20. Theme 5, Transport and Access raises issues, particularlyin terms of ensuring that the city centre’s key transport nodes provide access to the Green Network. There is alsolikely to be enhanced access to the river itself achieved asa result of the Waterspace Strategy and new developmentsincluding Custom House Quay. This will provide aninvaluable opportunity to reanimate the river in this area,thereby improving perceptions of safety within the crucialGreen Network spaces that are located along the riverside.


3.10.21. The final theme (Economic Development and Tourism) hasconsiderable potential to be fulfilled by the Green Networkwithin this area, given the overall emphasis on tourismwithin the City Centre, and the invaluable opportunity anetwork of linked spaces would provide to access theClyde Waterfront. Many other cities have founded theirtourism product on their riverside, suggesting that a projectpromoting the cultural and leisure use of the area’s riverside spaces would not be unrealistic.


Figure 3.10.6


57 There is a need to ensure that new spaces provided within the redevelopment of CustomhouseQuay are appropriate in terms of level of new provision, and are well linked to key axes includingthe suspension bridge and Buchanan Street.

GCC, privatesector(developers)

H/H Short term processfor application,continuing into thelonger term asdevelopmentprogresses

58 Connections to new space on the riverside should be established, following the key axis ofBuchanan Street to ensure north–south connections to the river are improved. This will help todraw visitors to new leisure resources on the riverside. Connections from key transport nodesshould also form a focus for promotion of the City Centre components of the Green Network.

GCC, GlasgowCity MarketingBureau,possible privatesector sponsors

H/H Medium term,following completionof keydevelopments/provision of newspaces

59 The St. Enoch’s East development should aim to re-orientate this important shopping andleisure area back towards the waterfront, potentially by providing new connected civic spacesthat help orientate users and emphasise their links to the Clyde.

GCC, privatesector(developers)

M/M Medium term

60 The Laurieston Masterplan and its implementation should ensure that new space provided has aclose relationship with the Clyde by providing visual and access links. Work should beundertaken with the community to explore the role of these new spaces in terms of improvinghealth and reinforcing cultural heritage and civic identity associated with the river.

GCC, GorbalsInitiative,

H/M Medium term

61 Carlton Place Gardens are currently closed a safety precaution due to the condition of thequayside. These should be reopened as a priority and linked with wider Green Network viawaterfront linear connections, signage etc.

GCC M/M Medium term

Action Area 11: Glasgow Green 187

3.11. ACTION AREA 11: GLASGOW GREEN

Overview

3.11.1.Glasgow Green is Glasgow’s oldest park, located close to the historic centre of the city. Its location adjacent to theriver traditionally characterised it as a drying green forshared use by the surrounding communities. It is the largestpark in the study area, and the most significant urbangreenspace directly connected with the river (Figure 3.11.1).

3.11.2. The space became a more formalised public park towardsthe end of the 19th century. As well as providing the settingfor the People’s Palace and its winter gardens, it has several historic monuments, including a tall obelisk commemoratingNelson, the McLennan Arch and the recently restoredterracotta Doulton Fountain.

3.11.3. The space accommodates a variety of uses, including sportspitches, a football centre, a play village and play area, and anetwork of lit paths. The Green is also regularly used for anumber of the city’s events, fireworks displays and concerts. The park is patrolled by a ranger service and is home tothree Clydesdale Horses.

Glasgow Green


3.11.4. Glasgow Green is located at the eastern end of the studyarea to the north of the River Clyde and the Gorbals, to thesouth and west of Calton and Bridgeton.

3.11.5. National Cycle Route No. 75 runs through the park,connecting Lanarkshire with the city centre along the ClydeWalkway.


3.11.6. The park is located close to a large number of communitiesand close to the city centre. It is accessible from a numberof points by foot including:

the Saltmarket at McLellans Arch;

Greendyke Street, Monteith Row, Greenhead Street andKings Drive;

Adelphi Street via the St Andrews Suspension Bridge;

Richmond Park via the Polmadie Bridge.


3.11.7. The communities of interest that use this area should beconsidered, as its role is city-wide as opposed to being thefocus for a local people. Key community groups with aninterest in Glasgow Green and this part of the Clyde includethe Humane Society, Glasgow Rowing Club, Glasgow CityCouncil.

3.11.8. As would be expected, the population density withinGlasgow Green is very low. However, Figure 3.11.2 showsthat there are significant populations located directly aroundthe park both to the north, east and south.

3.11.9. Glasgow Green is located in the east end of Glasgow, one ofthe most socially deprived areas in Scotland. This is showsby Figure 3.11.3 which indicates a low score in the rankingsfor most of the communities directly attached to the park.

Peoples Palace

Land Use Change

3.11.10. Glasgow Green has been subject to a wide rangingrenewal and development programme in recent years.Much of this change has come through the £15.5minvestment in the park from HLF, GCC and its partners.This has included the £5m refurbishment of the DoultonFountain, the renewal of gateway entrances, installation oflighting and CCTV and a wide range of landscapingimprovements.

3.11.11. There are a range of other projects, current and planned,which are designed to enhance and improve GlasgowGreen. These have included:

the refurbishment and lighting of the Tidal Weir whichwas undertaken as part of Glasgow City Council’s lighting strategy;


the Glasgow Boathouse Project which will provide anew facility to replace the two existing boathouseswhich are in poor condition;

the St Andrew’s Suspension Bridge has recently been repainted to help ensure the sustainability of the majorrefit which was undertaken in 1997.


3.11.12. The green network of the area (Figure 3.11.5) isdominated by the parkland of Glasgow Green. However,there is a significant amount of greenspace in thecommunities around the park. These mostly compriseareas of amenity greenspace associated with roadsides,housing or other buildings.

3.11.13. The park provides unparalleled visual and physical accessto the Clyde in the urban area.



3.11.14. The diagram (Figure 3.11.6) and table below set out keyobjectives for this action area. These objectives apply thethematic objectives identified in the previous section of thisreport within the specific setting of the Glasgow Greenarea.

3.11.15. Theme 1, Planning and Development, is of importance inthis area. The renewal of Glasgow Green is seen as animportant component of the overall regeneration strategyfor the east end of Glasgow. A high quality environment inthe park is likely to attract further investment into the area.

3.11.16. The second theme (Community and Health) is alsoimportant to the area. Glasgow Green serves a wide rangeof communities, clubs and groups that are all activestakeholders in its continued development and success.There are also a range of communities directly connectedwith the park that need to have a sense of ownership overthe park in order to ensure the park is developed in asustainable way. This needs to be encouraged bycontinuing to work with local communities to identify howthey perceive the park and what their visions for it are.

3.11.17. The Arts, Culture and Heritage theme is crucial in theGlasgow Green Action Area. Much of the renewal of thepark has been built around reconnecting the modernGlasgow Green with its history. The refurbishment of theDoulton Fountain and the interpretation across the parkhas renewed the interest in the historic importance ofGlasgow Green. The events that already take place in thepark such as guided walks should continue to provide arange of audiences direct access to the history of the area.

It is also important that new schemes such as the historytrail in Glasgow Green and the connections with thePeople’s Palace and Glasgow’s Museum of Social Historyare well publicised and promoted.

3.11.18. The Transport and Access theme is important in the area.Glasgow Green is a key access corridor for communitieson both the north and south sides of the Clyde. The ClydeWalkway forms part of the National Cycle Route so is animportant resource of national importance. There may stillbe some reluctance to use the area for functional access,particularly at night. The new installations of lighting andCCTV should be promoted to encourage greater levels ofuse. Larger numbers of users would help to improve thepassive policing of the park and create a virtuous circle ofuse.

3.11.19. The Environment theme is of particular importance in theGlasgow Green action area. The park is the largest urbangreenspace in the study area and provides a green corridorand wildlife corridor. Much of the space in the area isformal parkland but locations such as the riverbanks mayprovide important habitats for some species. There maybe scope to further improve the area as a habitat for arange of species depending on future plans andrequirements for the park. Riparian biodiversity could forma focus within this area, by further naturalisation of theriverbanks and recognition of the role of the river itself aspart of the habitat network.


3.11.20. Economic Development and Tourism is a vital element ofthe plans for the future use of Glasgow Green. The park isused for a range of events including concerts, races,funfairs and firework displays. Each of these contributes tothe local economy and attracts visitors to the area. Thesetypes of events bring significant numbers of people toGlasgow Green periodically. Major events should be usedto promote Glasgow Green as an all year round attractionand resource in order to encourage greater use of thearea.

3.11.21. The River Clyde and its south bank and riverside walkwayshould be considered as part of Glasgow Green, subject tothe same standards of quality and maintenance.


Figure 3.11.6


62 Encourage greater community use of Glasgow Green by continuing to hold community basedevents in the park.

GCC, Gorbals, Calton,Bridgetoncommunities

M/L Short term

63 Promote Glasgow Green as part of a functional access network that links the surroundingcommunities with the city centre and beyond.

GCC, Sustrans H/H Short term

64 The scope to provide further habitat enhancements should be investigated, particularly alongthe riverside.

GCC, SNH M/M Short to mediumterm

65 Glasgow Green should continue to be the focus for major events in Glasgow that encouragepeople to visit and use the area.

GCC, Glasgow CityMarketing Bureau

H/H Ongoing

66 Access to the water should be encouraged through the development and installation ofpontoons and canoe access points in line with the GCC Water Use and Access Plan

GCC, watersportsclubs

H/H Medium term

67 Naturalisation of the riverbank and improvement of the Clyde Walkway between the tidal weirand Waddell Street on the south side of the river should be taken forward as priorities. Thereis also considerable scope to improve the public realm around the Riverview estate, and torecognise its role as part of the wider waterfront area.

GCC, SNH, GHA M/L Medium term

clyde waterfront - green network strategy, 2006

Documents

clyde waterfront green

green networktheme

green network strategy

renfrewshire council

glasgow city council

communities scotland

west dunbartonshire

largest project