First look as derelict land behind SWG3 turns into new space
DERELICT land behind Glasgow’s SWG3 is currently being transformed into a new community greenspace. The multi-disciplinary arts venue in the city’s West End has announced that the first phase of work on its new garden will be completed this week.
Situated behind the main warehouse building, 3200m² of wasteland, which has been registered as derelict for more than two decades, has been redesigned in consultation with neighbours, resident artists, staff and the wider local community.
It is one of SWG3’s most significant developments yet.
From next spring, the garden will be open daily, all year round, and will be a space for everybody to enjoy.
Throughout the rest of this year, work will begin on bringing to life the plans for the rest of the space, including bespoke seating, growing and food production beds, a sheltered gathering space, a sensory planting area and a woodland walkway.
The project has been made possible thanks to £511,037 of funding from a combination of funders including the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund, the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund and the VKR Foundation.
Andrew Fleming-Brown, managing director of SWG3, said: “We’re delighted to be able to reveal our plans for The Garden. It’s an integral part of our vision in creating a truly world-class cultural and circular campus, as well as an exciting way for SWG3 to become even more involved with our local community.
“As a project, The Garden holds so much potential to collaborate, learn and create and we can’t wait to welcome visitors.”
The development has been led by horticultural and design expert Jeremy Needham. Since The New York Times’ Climate Hub, hosted at the venue during COP26, Jeremy has been lovingly looking after a miniature forest of indigenous plants and trees, donated by the global institution following a powerful installation in SWG3’s Galvanizers space by artist Es Devlin.
A spacious outdoor terrace stretching out beneath the Warehouse windows has also been built featuring a sculpture designed by award-winning Scottish artist Jacqueline Donachie.
As well as addressing a known demand for public greenspace in the area, The Garden is a key part in SWG3’s vision for the future, which includes the site going completely net zero.
An ambitious plan will unlock not only the potential of the SWG3 site and its people, but also the surrounding areas and beyond, using arts, creativity and nature to help tackle poverty and climate change.