Concern as drug users move into old hospice
THERE are fears a Glasgow road is becoming more rundown as drug users move into a historic property in the area.
The iconic India Buildings is being torn down in Bridge Street as it poses a safety risk. It is also understood the former Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice – just off the road in Carlton Place – is being used by people taking drugs.
Govanhill resident Eddie McGonnell, who was born and raised in the Gorbals, said it is “heartbreaking to see the state” of the street. He backs calls from local councillor Soryia Siddique to regenerate the area.
Mr McGonnell said: “The amount of influential buildings is probably incomparable to any other working- class area outside the city centre. It is the main gateway to the Southside of the city.”
Pointing out a number of historic buildings that have disappeared from the streets, he also expressed concerns about the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice.
Mr McGonnell, of Govanhill, said: “A building in close proximity to Bridge Street – the former Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice – is reportedly being used by drug users.
“I have noticed a gradual decline in the area, specifically in the last 10 years the area has gone downhill.
“So many famous buildings existed on this short stretch.”
Explaining its grand past, he pointed out the SFA was formed at Dewar’s Hotel in Bridge Street in 1873.
Mr McGonnell also referred to Bridge Street station’s grand portico, which was knocked down in the 1950s.
Demolished tenements designed by Alexander Thomson in nearby Eglinton Street are also a loss he pointed out.
The India Buildings built in 1876 now join their fate as it is currently being torn down.
The street has a number of successful shops and restaurants and Mr McGonnell doesn’t want to see them relocate. He recounted how a number of businesses including two pubs are gone.
The council said a masterplan is being created to revive North Laurieston and a development framework will look at Bridge Street.
Calling for a cash injection to improve the environment, Mr McGonnell, who passes Bridge Street daily on the way to work, added: “Urgent investment is needed alongside consultation with the local community, backing from the council, the Scottish Government and potential European funding. Glasgow is spending £ 115 million on the Avenues programme and working- class areas like Bridge Street and the Gorbals are receiving nothing.”
Southside Central councillor Dr Siddique said: “I have arranged a cross- party meeting involving local councillors from the Govan and Southside Central wards alongside relevant partners, to forge focused, cost- effective and urgent sustainable solutions to regenerate Bridge Street and the surrounding area.
“The objective is clear: rescue our heritage, regenerate and build a sustainable future for the area.”
A council spokesperson said the Avenues Plus scheme will run close to Bridge Street between Carlton Place and Norfolk Street.
He added: “As part of the Laurieston TRA, Glasgow City Council are working with New Gorbals Housing Association on a masterplan for the North Laurieston area from the railway line to the Court and from the Clyde to Norfolk Street. New Gorbals Housing Association have commissioned Elder and Canon to undertake the masterplan.
“The area includes the highest density of at- risk listed buildings in Scotland and the masterplan will look to build on heritage assets to deliver a mixed- use city centre quarter on the south bank of the Clyde with pedestrian- first civic spaces.
“In addition, the South Central Local Development Framework ( LDF) was adopted as Supplementary Guidance to the City Development Plan in September 2023.
“It sets out a vision and priorities for the area and includes more detailed neighbourhood guidance on Tradeston and Kingston.
“This makes specific reference to Bridge Street. The LDF also contains an Action Programme and Action 2.3.4 proposes a master planning approach to development in Tradeston, Kingston, North Laurieston, and other areas as appropriate, to support ongoing regeneration efforts and enable coordinated development and delivery of neighbourhood infrastructure.”