AN area of underused greenspace in the Cardonald area of Glasgow has been transformed into a vibrant community park.
The Glasgow City Council and Southside Housing Association project, led by RJ McLeod, also offers sustainable drainage measures to reduce flood risks.
Situated adjacent to high-rise flats at Queensland Court and Gardens, the local authority said that the land has been ‘brought to life’ by the new park which incorporates an outdoor socialising space and informal woodland.
The new space also boasts dedicated toddler and children’s play spaces with climbing frames and slides, as well as a bicycle pump track and cycle storage facilities to encourage active travel.
Sustainable drainage measures that mimic nature such as rain gardens, basins, and swales, have also been retrofitted on site so that localised flood risk is reduced. A selection of shrubs, hedges, wetland plants, grasses, and wildflowers are also included in the planting scheme.
The project, which was delivered through the city deal-backed metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP), is the most recent phase of the Hillington and Cardonald surface water management plan.
Councillor Elaine McSporran, chair of the Cardonald area partnership at Glasgow City Council, said, “It’s fantastic to see completion of this project which I know will deliver transformative environmental benefits that meet the needs and desires of the local community.
“The greenspace improvements offered by this Glasgow City Deal backed project will make it easier for people to get together socially whilst also offering a greener, more pleasant environment for play, recreation and active travel. The nature-based solutions retrofitted on site to reduce the risk and impact of surface water flooding will also ensure the future utility and enjoyment of this valuable community space.”
Alex Cameron, chair of Southside Housing Association, added, “The importance of access to good quality green space is of vital importance for physical and mental health. This is even more important for those living in high rise accommodation such as the properties at Queensland Court and Gardens. We have worked hard over the last four years alongside Glasgow City Council and a range of funders to get the project to this stage and we’re delighted to see residents enjoying the new space.”
