THE next steps in the regeneration of the Govan area of Glasgow has been backed by funding of almost £3 million from the National Heritage Lottery Fund (NHLF) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
The NHLF and HES have both made awards of £1.49 million to the Govan Heritage programme for 2026 – 2031. The budget for the programme is £5.684 million, with the remaining funding coming from Glasgow City Council (£1.525 million) through existing funding sources – and £1.179 million from third party contributions, subject to the participation of owners.
These heritage projects will build on the success of townscape heritage initiatives in Govan in recent years – with building repairs, public realm improvements, historic shopfront improvements, and architectural repairs carried out throughout the area, alongside other projects such as the Govan-Partick Bridge and the new park at the historic Govan Graving Docks.
The Govan heritage project aims to:
- Deliver heritage-based renewal, taking a whole place approach that links project investment to the wider area regeneration, existing partnership structures and community development processes.
- Enable use of underused and endangered heritage buildings through providing targeted grants, supporting community ownership and partnership working with local and strategic stakeholders.
- Improve the sustainability of built heritage in a challenging funding environment, by taking a fabric first approach to the repair of buildings.
- Enhance the economic viability of repairs and maintenance by improving the wider place context and promoting the area as a place to visit and invest.
- Build capacity in local organisations and individuals to enable them to fully support the ongoing management and maintenance of Govan’s heritage.
Future heritage projects to be delivered in Govan over the next five years include the rebirth of the Pumphouse at the Graving Docks and work at the historic Brechin’s Bar, a number of local churches, the former Lyceum cinema and the Fairfield Annexe.
The proposals for these projects have been developed with local people and stakeholders, and the wider programme prioritises some long-standing opportunities and threats – with some sites vacant for decades. The restoration of heritage buildings and sites to become the area’s biggest assets is key to attracting visitors to the area and improving the quality of life for residents.
A heritage activity and skills plan will also be delivered as part of the project, engaging local people and organisations to maximise heritage and building opportunities, develop careers in the heritage construction sector and increasing community pride in Govan’s outstanding built heritage.
George Gillespie, executive director for neighbourhoods, regeneration, and sustainability at Glasgow City Council, said, “Heritage-based regeneration projects have already contributed significantly – alongside new housing and the Govan-Partick Bridge – to the transformation of Govan in recent years.
“The projects over the next five years will continue this transformation, bringing new life to some of the fantastic heritage buildings and spaces found in this part of the city.”
