PLANS to create residential housing and a community project hub at the historic Govan Graving Docks on the River Clyde have been unveiled.
The plan is being led by New City Vision and numerous partners, with a Proposal of Application notice due to be submitted to Glasgow City Council later in June, with statutory public consultation scheduled to begin in July and August 2022.
The mixed-use proposals would see the derelict site transformed into a “vibrant neighbourhood with new residential housing and a hub for community projects interwoven with the historic landmark".
The local community has an opportunity to view the vision in person at two drop-in sessions being held on June 16 and 17.
The group wishes to balance the historic sensitivity of the site by including the reopening of Dock No1 for historic ship repairs, in partnership with The Piers and Docks Trust. The restoration of the site’s sole remaining building – the Pumphouse – is also outlined in the plans.
The docks are included within the current City Development Plan as a residential site and, if approved, the plans would be partly cross-funded by the development of new housing along the southern side of the site, aimed at reinforcing extension to the wider Govan community as well as increasing the supply of affordable accommodation.
It is hoped that the refurbished dock and pumphouse will also become a major visitor attraction while re-connecting the people of Glasgow with the currently derelict site and create the potential for local jobs and training opportunities.
With the vision centred on regenerating the site into a thriving community space, the masterplan outlines the launch of a new urban wetlands project from the western basin of the docks, aimed at carbon capture and regenerative farming.
First showcased during COP26, the scheme – which is already under way – is being carried out by Blue Green Glasgow CIC, which has welcomed the prospect of broader community involvement in the project and access to the site.
Harry O’Donnell, chairman of New City Vision, said: "I am delighted to unveil our masterplan and vision to transform the historic Govan Graving Docks site.
“The docks are part of the fabric of this city, and these proposals will see the site retain its historical and cultural significance, while also creating a vibrant, new community which will contribute to the local and city-wide economy.
“New housing along the southern side of the site will underpin the funding of the wider vision to create a new urban green space fit for the 21st century.
“Our vision has been the subject of widespread consultation over the past two years, and it reflects broad support to bring the historic site back into use.
“I would urge anyone with an interest in the proposals to attend our in-person events. Members of our project team will be on-hand to discuss the proposals with the local community and to answer any questions they may have.”
Drop-in sessions for the public are being held on June 16 between 11am and 7pm at The Pearce Institute, 840-860 Govan Rd, Govan, Glasgow G51 3UU and June 17 between 1.30pm and 4.30pm at the Riverside Hall, 29-31 Clydebrae St, Govan, Glasgow, G51 2AJ.
