Proposals to revamp a neglected part of Glasgow could act as a “catalyst” to help regenerate other parts of the city, according to a local councillor.

A motion being presented to full council this Thursday by councillor Ruairi Kelly highlights the work of the North Laurieston Masterplan which is being carried out by the New Gorbals Housing Association on behalf of and in conjunction with Glasgow City Council. 

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Councillor Kelly believes that the plan could act as a catalyst for a new future for Glasgow’s South Bank, bringing it together with ongoing city centre regeneration while delivering the final stage of the wider regeneration of the Gorbals and Laurieston.

(Image: Councillor Ruairi Kelly, at the Laurieston area of Glasgow. Picture taken by Robert Perry.) Over the years, the North Laurieston area has suffered from poor upkeep of listed and heritage buildings, general lack of care towards built heritage, failure to recognise active travel and public transport and a lack of ambition in returning the River Clyde to the centre of Glasgow life.

The Glasgow Times walked around the area with councillor Kelly and councillor Alexander Belic, of the Southside Central ward earlier this year. 

Kelly said the abandoned buildings could be saved as part of the masterplan, before adding that getting ownership of several properties or meaningful engagement with the owners is crucial for the plan. 

Now, Kelly's motion states how North Laurieston can become a vibrant and modern waterfront community protective of its “world-class built heritage” and with additional housing capacity next to the city centre.

(Image: Councillor Ruairi Kelly, at the Laurieston area of Glasgow. Picture taken by Robert Perry.) It reads: “[This] council calls on the UK Government to address the VAT imbalance between renovation and new build projects. 

“Council believes that the removal of VAT would support the preservation of heritage assets in the city and instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury detailing the impact this can have on the city, its heritage, ambitions and sustainability targets.

“The council commits to developing an implementation plan to deliver on the ongoing masterplan and to highlight this as an area of priority and opportunity with the Scottish and UK Governments and institutional investors.”

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Members will be asked to consider the motion on Thursday.