NORTH Laurieston holds geographical, historical and future significance.  

As one of the local councillors, I have become increasingly aware of the importance of the area’s regeneration. Residents, businesses and stakeholders have raised concerns about neglect, alongside recent fires and demolition.  

Historical neglect has been allowed to happen at the heart of an already struggling community in a changing landscape.

After arranging cross-party meetings with partners and meeting local businesses and residents, I welcome the current administration’s recent interest in the area.  

Now, a Laurieston Business Forum is being set up, with hope it will lead to providing a way for businesses to come together, share ideas and take collective action.

The North Laurieston Masterplan led by New Gorbals Housing Association represents a unique opportunity to invest in a forgotten area. The masterplan must deliver on its promises of bold ideas, potential investment and a vision that stays true to the character of the area and its residents, both old and new.

For generations, North Laurieston’s built heritage has captured Glasgow’s spirit, with Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian structures that showcase the craftsmanship of their eras. Residents share stories of a petting zoo, while historians recall grand railway structures.

However, many buildings are in a fragile state due to years of neglect, insufficient funding and lack of enforcement by Glasgow City Council. The council could have invested sooner – it didn’t. The council could have held owners accountable – it hasn’t. The council could have shown vision – but it never did.

Without proactive measures to restore and repurpose these structures, Glasgow risks losing an irreplaceable part of its identity and story.

The North Laurieston Masterplan offers a path forward, aimed at creating a neighbourhood where people want to live, work and visit, while preserving its distinctive architecture.

This vision requires commitment and collaboration across political lines. It’s not a time for politicians to grab headlines but rather to join residents who pick up litter monthly or connect with those in new developments like New Gorbals Housing. We need to ask what’s next for their area, visit sites on the verge of destruction, ask “how did it come to this?” and learn from these experiences.

Glasgow City Council should lead by identifying resources to implement the masterplan. It must outline timelines, funding and expected support from the Scottish Government.

A crucial component of any future planning must address connectivity.

North Laurieston has transport options, from Subway to bus links, yet it remains unacceptable that these populated routes can lack safe, well-lit walking areas.  

This not only impacts daily life but also limits opportunities for economic growth and social mobility.  

For the new masterplan to succeed, we must prioritise new urban green spaces – once abundant here, now only part of the area’s history along the Clydeside.

We should all be committed to working towards these solutions. Achieving the transformation North Laurieston deserves will require a concerted effort from all levels of government. The tired tribal politics must give way to genuine, constructive collaboration.

With proper planning, connectivity, collective dedication and co-production, North Laurieston can once again become a thriving community: an area that celebrates Glasgow’s heritage in the finest tradition while contributing to a sustainable future.