Glasgow area to benefit from new park as work gets under way

An underused area next to high-rise flats at Queensland Court and Gardens is being transformed into a "vibrant urban park" with a rich planting scheme that will incorporate outdoor socialising space and informal woodland.

The project will also deliver toddler and children’s play spaces, a bicycle pump track, and cycle storage facilities.

The start of groundworks on site (Image: Glasgow City Council)

Sustainable drainage measures that mimic nature such as rain gardens, basins and swales, will also be retrofitted on-site to better manage rainwater and mitigate the likelihood of future flooding.

Councillor Elaine McSporran, chair of the Cardonald Area Partnership, said: “I’m delighted to see work commencing on a project that will deliver transformative environmental benefits that meet the needs and aspirations of residents.

“The greenspace improvements offered by this project will encourage greater social interaction and deliver a greener, more pleasant environment for play, recreation and active travel.

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“The introduction of nature-based solutions to reduce the risk and impact of surface water flooding will also ensure the future useability and enjoyment of this valuable community space.”

The joint project is between Southside Housing Association and Glasgow City Council through the City Deal backed Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership.

The award-winning landscape design has been recognised by Building with Nature and the Landscape Institute.

Alex Cameron, chair of Southside Housing Association, said: “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 look forward to seeing residents enjoying the benefits of what the space will offer.”

Construction is being carried out by contractor RJ McLeod to a Sweco and Raeburn Farquhar Bowen design, with work due to be complete by the end of June.

Residents, some project funders and RJ McLeod (Image: GCC)

Arthur Keller of NatureScot added: “As Scotland’s nature agency, we are always pleased to support the creation of good urban green spaces. It’s well recognised that improving greenspace in urban areas brings environmental benefits in addition to health, economic and social benefits.

“The ERDF Green Infrastructure Fund has supported several projects across Scotland and we’re delighted to be working again with Southside Housing Association.

“The fact that they closely involve local residents was a key factor in our decision to award funding. I am convinced that as well as the surface water measures, the improvements here will be valued by the local community and will benefit nature.”