Homes plan sparks row
A MAJOR transformation is in the pipeline for a historic Govan site.
But the travelling community who live near Water Row claims the scheme is discriminatory and plans to fight back against it.
A HISTORIC Govan site is the subject of major transformation plans which could begin next year.
Developers have laid out options to turn Water Row into a “destination of choice” for residents, visitors and businesses.
Possibilities include creating between 80 and 230 homes alongside restaurants, cafes, shops and grassy areas on the former Harland and Wolff Shipyard.
The idea is to open up the area, with three of the options seeking to make use of the proposed bridge link from Govan to Partick, currently being developed through the City Deal.
Glasgow City Council, Central Govan Action Plan and Govan Housing Association are drawing up the masterplan, with a decision on which option will be pursued expected in the coming months.
In their proposals, the developers said: “Govan has the potential to become much more richly layered in the range of uses, activity and people that are attracted to it – it can become more desirable and vibrant.
“Changes at Water Row can have regenerative benefits to the wider Govan community and the city.”
The plans have faced opposition from showpeople who stay on the site as three of the proposals would involve evicting them and moving them to alternative plots.
Earlier this month showperson Jimmy Stringfellow, hit out at the proposals, claiming the showpeople are being discriminated against.
One plan would see up to 230 homes and 33 commercial facilities built and re-introducing lanes and streets through where the showpeoples’ caravan sites currently lie. There would also be new greenspaces and parkland created.
Another option, which would see the showpeople moved, would involve building up to 200 homes and 28 shop units, with Govan Cross, a new park and the river all connected as one place. Showpeople would also be affected by proposals for 200 homes and 28 commercial spaces, which would see the riverfront become the main public space and Water Row become a ‘high street’.
Glasgow City Council is negotiating with Mr Stringfellow and other showpeople as they seek to move forward with plans.
A spokesman said: “We are continuing to work with local people and organisations in Central Govan as to how best to develop this site at Water Row, which is a key regeneration location for both Govan and Glasgow.”
The hope is that any new development would attract sculptors, furniture makers, cake makers and jewellers as well as more TV and film jobs and digital technology.
A new social enterprise hub and an innovation district for medicine and technology has been proposed. A small boat repairs station, restaurants, cafés and play centre, as well as speciality shopping, could also be included.
A new showpeople museum, as well as a national centre for medieval sculpture,could be incorporated into the plans. And access to the river, including kayaking, boating, jet skiing and triathlon events are being looked at.
It is expected that the project will cost in the region of £17million.