A burn diverted underground in the 1950s has been uncovered and made into the ‘focal point’ of Glasgow’s Sandyhills Park.
Work is currently being undertaken on the park by RJ MacLeod, on behalf of Glasgow City Council, to ensure that it offers an enhanced outdoors space for visitors whilst also having environmental benefits.
Tollcross Burn had previously been covered to accommodate housebuilding 70 years ago, but will now help alleviate flood risks during heavy rainfall events. It forms part of the high-quality landscape, designed by AECOM, which has been implemented in the greenspace – which the city’s council said will look to stimulate biodiversity and encourage wildlife.
Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council and chair of the Glasgow city region city deal cabinet, said, “This city deal project which is testament to the power of partnership working, offers nature-based solutions to lessen the risk of localised flooding and unlock the area’s development potential. I’m delighted that Tollcross Burn can now be seen and enjoyed once again within this much improved, biodiverse and better-connected local park.”
John Kenny, chief officer at SEPA, added, “This marks a major milestone in the Sandyhills Park project and the realisation of a shared ambition to deliver environmental, social and economic benefits into the heart of Glasgow’s East End. Speaking as a Glasgow boy who played in this very burn with my brother when we were little, I know how significant it is for this area. Lots has been said over the past year about the need for a green recovery from Covid-19 – here we have evidence that our dear green place can play a role.
“As Scotland’s environmental regulator and strategic flood risk management authority, SEPA shares Scottish Government’s ambition to deliver sustainable blue-green cities of the future, and we’re proud to be delivering this project on its behalf in partnership with Glasgow City Council through the city deal.”
