THE historic Govan Graving Docks will be developed and restored as part of a regeneration plan for the area on the south bank of the River Clyde.

The Scottish Government has awarded £2.4m to the project.

The cash will be used to upgrade a riverside walkway and create green space by 2025.

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It is intended to help attract business investment, reverse biodiversity loss and habitat decline and create a visitor attraction.

There are further plans to use the dock to repair and restore heritage vessels.

A footbridge linking the site to neighbouring visitor destinations including the Glasgow Science Centre is planned once private sector funding is secured.

Developer New City Vision wants to create a new riverside community and urban green space to bring the land back to use.

The plans include the reopening of Dock No 1 for historic ship repairs, in partnership with The Docks and Piers Trust. The restoration of the site’s sole remaining building - the Pumphouse - is also outlined in the ambitious plans.

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The refurbished dock and pumphouse will also become a visitor attraction.

The site has been derelict for around 40 years and recently was used as a location for the Hollywood film 1917.

Richard Bell, deputy leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The Govan Graving Docks is a unique site in Glasgow, offering both a glimpse of the city’s past and a view into a future where we realise the potential of this remarkable Clydeside location. 

“The very welcome announcement of £2.4m funding from the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme will allow work to dramatically improve the appearance of the site, create new public green space to be co-designed by the local community, and improve access and connections to Glasgow Science Centre. 

“The support announced today will hopefully act as a catalyst for future funding and the development of further stages in the regeneration of the Graving Docks.”

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The money from the Government’s £10m Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme is one of 15 projects, including six in Glasgow.

Others are £1.45m for the Maryhill TRA green infrastructure project, £772,000 for the Cadder Woods Community Greenspace, £182,000 for a Community Net Zero Hub, and £797,000 for Greening Royston.

And Clyde Gateway will receive £200,000 for the Shawfield remediation work.

Tom Arthur, community wealth minister, visited the Govan Graving Docks site to meet those behind the project.

He said: “Neglected sites are often found in more disadvantaged settings and can become no-go areas or hamper community development. By targeting long-standing vacant and derelict land we can ensure that investment reaches the areas that need it most.

“The Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme helps attract private investment to locations which have lain dormant for years. It also supports low carbon developments, helping Scotland reach net zero by 2045 and grow an economy that is greener, fairer and more prosperous.”