Susan Hanlin of Glasgow South West Regeneration Agency talks about plans to refurbish central Govan by building new homes, improving Govan Cross and refurbishing local buildings.
Approx £120 million of public and private investment will be
poured into Central Govan over the next ten years, as part of
a co-ordinated effort to stem the decline of the area and bring
transformation to this area of Glasgow.
Known as the Central Govan Action Plan (or CGAP), the idea is to
turn around the fortunes of the area by investing in its streets,
buildings, public and green space. The plan includes new
residential developments; public realm improvements; restoration
and reuse of historic buildings; the creation of new and improved
business, commercial and community space, as well as improvements
to landscaping and movement throughout the town centre.
Housing
More than 500 new, mixed tenure homes are being built during
2009 and 2010 through a series of separate Housing Projects in
central Govan. The investment of £68 million will boost the local
population by more than 1800 people.
Public Realm
£2 million of public realm
improvements begin at Govan Cross in Spring 2010 to
create an attractive and vibrant civic space at the heart of the
town centre. A further phase of improvements focusing on the
waterfront at Water Row is planned later in 2010. This could
include pontoon infrastructure that will facilitate a ferry link
from Govan to the North bank including the New Riverside Museum and
Glasgow Harbour.
Townscape Heritage Initiative
Preserving and promoting Central Govan's rich heritage,
particularly its surviving listed buildings, is a key priority, so
Govan
Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative forms a key part of the
Central Govan Action Plan. Funded by Heritage Lottery and Glasgow
City Council, this grant-giving programme focuses particularly on
the restoration and preservation of key heritage features at Govan
Cross, using the improvements to re-establish Central Govan's
unique character and to improve the town centre's commercial
prospects and quality of life.
Historic Buildings
Govan's long and varied history means there is a wealth of Historic Buildings in
the area. Work to preserve and refurbish these is already well
underway. Govan's origins date back to dark ages and the Govan Old Parish Church
and Churchyard provide an important link to its roots. There are
also shipyard offices and public buildings that date from the
town's ship building heyday in the 19th century and are now
recognized as part of a heritage that should be preserved.
Regeneration in Greater Govan
The Central Govan action plan is one link in a whole chain of
regeneration plans around the Great Govan area. Major developments
on either side of Govan are the Digital media quarter at
Pacific Quay (to the East) and the new South Glasgow Hospital
Campus (to the West). Both these projects are expected to
generate significant employment opportunities and demand for
housing in the area.
About CGAP
Central Govan Action
Plan is a ten year programme to make Central Govan
attractive, vibrant and prosperous, a place where people wish to
live, work, visit and invest.
The Central Govan Action Plan is led by the Central Govan Action
Plan Steering Group.
Partners include Glasgow City Council; Glasgow South West
Regeneration Agency; Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Trust; Govan
Housing Association; Elderpark Housing Association; Clydeview Local
Housing Partnership; Govan Workspace; Strathclyde Partnership
Transport; elected members and community representatives.
.
Susan Hanlin
South West Glasgow Regeneration Agency
Susan.Hanlin@gswra.co.uk
0141 440 2334
