THE amount of vacant and derelict land in Glasgow in 2024 fell by 53 hectares when compared to 2023 figures.
Recently released figures show that the total amount of vacant and derelict land in the city in 2024 was 781 hectares, compared to the 834 hectares in 2023 – representing a reduction equivalent to 72-full sized football pitches.
In line with the trend in recent years, new housing was the biggest contributor to this reduction – with 25 hectares of previously vacant and derelict land being developed for this purpose.
The Scottish Government awarded Glasgow £1.907 million from the vacant and derelict land fund (VDLF) in December 2024, with the fund aiming to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and improve quality of life.
Further to this, the Tureen Street School residential conversion and Milton Discovery Wood projects were granted funding from the Scottish Government’s vacant and derelict land investment programme (VDLIP).
The Tureen Street funding will allow for the retention of the façade of the B-listed former school building, which has been derelict for 18 years and a site which the council said is known for anti-social behaviour in Calton.
Thenue Housing Association will develop the site for social housing, with the creation of 42 homes expected to begin in the early months of 2026.
The Milton Discovery Wood project will see the charity Green Action Trust deliver enhancement of woodland adjacent to Birsay Road in Milton at a site that has lain vacant for at least 45 years. The council said the area is known for fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.
The project will transform the area into parkland, with waste removed and entrance ways and sightlines improved, and new paths and outdoor classroom spaces created. Construction work will take place between February and June 2026.
Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convener for housing and development at Glasgow City Council, said, “The decrease in vacant and derelict land is more than just a figure – it means more homes, more jobs, better facilities and an improved environment for communities all across Glasgow as we bring these sites back to life. The funding streams from the Scottish Government are very welcome as we continue this work, with projects that will bring new homes and improved spaces to sites that have been vacant or derelict for many years.”
