Glasgow City Council was today (2 October) given a detailed report outlining the ongoing success of the regeneration of Central Govan, a historic district with deep roots in Glasgow’s industrial and maritime heritage. Since 2006, the area has seen a remarkable transformation, with an investment of around £90 million, and the report also laid out ambitious plans for its future development.
This substantial investment has brought about significant changes in Govan, including the creation of new homes, vibrant business spaces, and community facilities. The area now boasts more attractive streets, improved public spaces, and a revitalised retail environment, all of which have contributed to a renewed sense of pride among residents.
The council’s Neighbourhoods, Housing and Public Realm Committee reviewed the report, which highlighted the two flagship programmes driving this transformation: the Central Govan Action Plan (CGAP) and the Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative (GCTHI). Both initiatives have been recognised with awards for their innovative approaches to urban regeneration.
CGAP, established in 2006, is a community-led partnership and investment framework that has guided the physical regeneration of Central Govan. Meanwhile, GCTHI is a grant-giving programme funded by Glasgow City Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), and Historic Environment Scotland (HES). It focuses on restoring Govan’s historic built environment and using local heritage as a catalyst for community learning and skills development.
In recent years, the CGAP Regeneration Strategy has shifted its focus to unlocking the potential of Govan’s waterfront. A key element of this is the masterplanning of the strategically important Water Row site, which will feature over 200 new homes and more than 3,550 square metres of commercial space. Another major project is the redevelopment of the A-Listed Govan Old Church, a historic landmark that will be transformed into a cultural destination. The site will house the Govan Stones, a collection of early medieval carved stones, and an enterprise hub offering over 800 square metres of high-quality office space on the river’s edge.
Additional priorities for CGAP include the restoration and repurposing of the B-Listed Lyceum, a former 1930s ‘super-cinema’, into a community-owned concert and events venue. The initiative also includes the implementation of active travel routes to improve connectivity and encourage healthier lifestyles.
The first phase of GCTHI, which ran from 2009 to 2015, brought £4.3 million in investment to Govan. A second phase, supported by an HES-funded Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, was launched in September 2016 and is set to continue until 2021. This phase is expected to lever £5.8 million in investment, supported by a Common Fund of £4.118 million, with contributions from HLF (£1.8 million), HES (£1 million), and Glasgow City Council (£1.3 million).
Significant progress has already been made in the second phase of GCTHI. Work has been completed on four of the six targeted listed buildings, including the Govan & Linthouse Ancillary Building, where four new apprentices from local company John Fulton Plumbers have been employed. Other projects include the restoration of 883 Govan Road, the former Hills Trust School, and Govan Old. The third and final phase of public realm improvements at Govan Cross is scheduled to begin in early 2019. Additionally, GCTHI is funding enhancements to the entranceway of Govan Old and the Govan War Memorial, while also supporting community engagement initiatives, such as an archaeological dig aimed at increasing visitor numbers to Govan Old.
Another notable project under GCTHI is the £850,000 Traditional Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme, which involves 28 local shops. A design team is currently being appointed, with work set to begin in Spring 2019. The initiative has also delivered a series of community learning and training projects, including a songwriting project and concerts that have introduced a new audience to Govan Old.
Councillor Kenny McLean, City Convener for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Public Realm at Glasgow City Council, said: “These programmes have made a huge contribution to the regeneration of Central Govan in recent years, with new homes, business opportunities, and an improved environment showcasing the area’s potential as a place to live, work, and visit. I am delighted to say that the future work proposed, combined with other projects such as the Govan-Partick bridge, will continue this trend, making full and proper use of the fantastic resources that Govan has at its disposal.”
Looking ahead, the continued investment in Central Govan promises to build on these successes, creating a thriving community that honours its rich heritage while embracing modern opportunities. For residents and visitors alike, Govan is set to become a shining example of urban regeneration done right.
