FOUR districts in Glasgow city centre are to be regenerated after plans were approved by the city’s local authority.
Cowcaddens, the Learning Quarter, Merchant City, and Townhead will benefit from short, medium, and long-term work over the next decade to become more inclusive, sustainable, and capable of supporting a growing population.
Enhanced infrastructure and mobility will also look to be achieved within each district, as well as the creation of a network of public and natural space, and strengthening the networks to encourage inclusion and recognition that each district contains a number of unique places.
The plans were developed following a public consultation, drafts for the four district regeneration frameworks being developed by the council in collaboration with Austin-Smith Lord and Studio for New Realities – who had already engaged with the local community, stakeholders and organisations in these districts. Through this earlier engagement, Glasgow City Council said it became clear that the districts are ‘very different’ to the five other city centre districts in terms of their character. The council said:
Cowcaddens: There is the potential to develop as a district with a distinct identity and to contribute to the local economy, with opportunities to provide the homes needed to increase the city centre population. It has the space for change and the talent to make it happen. Its existing communities, under-occupied buildings and land, its array of cultural and educational institutions all point to a positive future.
Learning Quarter: Its identity is defined by the cluster of cultural and built heritage on the one hand, and the presence of knowledge and innovation institutions on the other. The dual character offers clear starting points from which to strengthen its positions as an inspiring, historic innovation hub.
Merchant City: Where the city centre meets the east end, acting as a gateway between the two, this is a great local neighbourhood of international renown, and well connected to the future river park and Glasgow Green. Enhancing the Merchant City district’s position as a bustling artistic centre of creativity and entrepreneurship forms the basis of the suggested future developments.
Townhead: A residential area at heart, Townhead has long been home to many city centre residents. It holds great potential to develop into a green and enjoyable residential urban neighbourhood with spaces for production at the fringes, connected to productive areas in the west, historic landmarks in the east and innovation in the south.
Councillor Angus Millar, convener for city centre recovery at Glasgow City Council, said, “Glasgow city centre is changing rapidly, and the set of ideas and projects contained within these district regeneration frameworks present a pathway to help guide the regeneration of the city centre’s northern and eastern parts. The approval of these frameworks will help inform appropriate future investment and development that builds on the unique character of each of the four districts while supporting our wider strategic vision for the city centre.
“From improving connectivity across the M8 corridor and enhancing green space, to realising opportunities to accommodate new city centre residents, the Cowcaddens, Townhead, Learning Quarter, and Merchant City areas will play an important role in the recovery and transformation of Glasgow city centre.”
