Govan docks site plan unveiled

Published on 14/08/2002 01:00

THE transformation of the River Clyde from an industrial, barren wasteland to a modern, waterfront locale took two steps forward yesterday.

A masterplan was unveiled which will see the graving docks at Govan, close to the Glasgow Science Centre, being redeveloped as a site for 500 homes, a 300-bedroom hotel, houseboats, bars, a floating restaurant and shops.

Across the water, plans for the first phase of the massive Glasgow Harbour Project were given the go-ahead by Glasgow City Council. Work on the first 651 luxury apartments, duplexes and penthouses will begin later this year. Outline planning consent for a total of 2,500 apartments has already been granted, and the 500 million project will be the biggest single construction project in the UK.

The first batch of homes, built by a consortium of Scottish developers, Bryant Homes, CALA Homes and Park Lane, will range in price from 175,000 to 500,000.

Euan Jamieson, the managing director of Glasgow Harbour Ltd, welcomed the first of six phases of building.

He said: "After much preparation work, the initial residential phase is the first actual construction in the whole project, and as such, is particularly exciting for everyone involved. These are high quality, up-market, waterfront apartments. We anticipate that people will be moving into these prestigious homes about 18 months after construction begins.

"It won’t be long before people are able to enjoy a lifestyle that has never been seen in Glasgow before - a modern, urban community where people can live, work and relax."

The focal point of the first phase of construction, on the site of the former Meadowside Granary, will be a 20-storey tower.

Boulevards heading out to a continental-style embankment will be augmented by a new public park and modern terraces.

The view across the Clyde to Govan will be greatly improved with the implementation of a new masterplan at the graving docks.

The former Harland & Wolff tidal basin and dry docks will give way to a plaza, designed by the French architects, Valode & Pistre, for the city council.

Steve Purcell, the convener of the council’s development committee, said: "Along with the nearby Pacific Quay development, this is a part of the big jigsaw of developments flowing from the river into communities. By pulling together a masterplan, we avoid piecemeal development."