CHARRETTE REPORT MAY 2015 foreward

Glasgow City Council, with funding support from the Scottish Government and The River Clyde and the waterfront has also been one of the most important GHA, appointed Barton Willmore to lead on a charrette for Govan and Partick. areas of focus for regeneration and economic development within Glasgow. The charrette is the first stage towards the implementation of a Strategic The regeneration of the waterfront has been characterised by a shift to a service Development Framework for the area, which will be a spatial planning policy sector economy and an increase in the residential population beside the river. to coordinate and guide the area’s regeneration. The charrette process took These changes have brought new jobs and activities to replace the industry place over the first 3 months of 2015, culminating in a workshop at the Riverside which has now gone from the upper reaches of the Clyde in Glasgow. Museum between 16 – 19th March. This report tells the story of the process and indicates the main strategic ideas which emerged. However, too many physical, economic and social barriers remain to the integration of Govan and Partick both with each other and crucially to the wider Historically the Govan and Partick areas of Glasgow were spatially, socially networks and opportunities of the City beyond. The City Council, partner and economically interconnected. For at least 2,000 years the area had huge agencies and the wider network of stakeholders locally share a vision that importance as a location where it was possible to ford the Clyde. As the River through a strategic approach to urban design interventions and by working developed its role as a centre of industry, a port and an international seaway, it collaboratively to share knowledge and resources, a fundamental shift can was deepened; but the vital social and economic connection was maintained be achieved over the next decade in the performance of the city district. through the provision of a network of cross-river ferries. The charrette model has been perfectly suited to the task of building on this optimism and bringing together the key decision-makers, with the local experts, th In the late 20 century the river lost its role as a seaway, a port and a centre to build a shared spatial vision which can deliver real change in this area. of industry. The City Corporation’s attempts to improve the situation through demolition of tenement housing and road building often made the problems The charrette process demonstrated strong support for improved links – worse rather than better. Communities were dispersed and physical barriers physical, social, economic – between the communities on both sides of the to movement created. The historic Govan ferry was closed to passengers in Clyde. The City Council will work to deliver on this aspiration through planning the early 1980s. These changes led to significant social, economic and spatial strategy and capital investment. Achieving the vision for the place which has dislocation as a consequence and these problems were particularly experienced emerged through the charrette will require a continued high level of community in Govan. and stakeholder involvement and the Strategic Development Plan process will be delivered in that spirit. In Govan over the last few decades a new vision for the area has emerged. This new vision could be understood as a ‘placemaking’ approach to urban Hopefully you will find this report of the charrette process and outcomes as planning; a belief that the best solutions to the challenges of the area will stimulating and useful as we have. be rooted in the existing urban form and will emerge from working with the local community. Significant achievements have been made in preserving and maintaining the historic environment, in building new residential and economic facilities, in changing perceptions of the place and in integrating local Forbes Barron communities and stakeholders into the planning process. Head of Planning and Building Control CHARRETTE REPORT MAY 2015 “I always thought that bringing the two communities together would be a lot better. In my opinion I think it would “Something for the local be good if a bridge was built community. A bridge would give people a better between Govan and Partick.” opportunity to spend time and money in both communities, not just one.” a shared vision...

GETTING THE CONNECTION ON THE AGENDA The Govan Partick Charrette was the first step in this process, Over the last 10 years around £200m in public funding has its purpose to listen to and record the needs and wishes been committed towards regeneration and infrastructure of these communities and to create an appetite for a step improvements within the Govan and Partick Charrette change in people’s perception. area. This figure does not include the new South Glasgow THE POTENTIAL OF THE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Hospital, which has itself seen upwards of £800m invested. Several hundred million pounds is due to be invested in The most notable aspect of the charrette, or rather the SDF, the area in the next few years through programmes such as is that this is the first time that Glasgow City Council has the Clyde Valley City Deal. These areas have changed over aimed to strategically plan for the focused development and recent years, and generally for the better. investment in two specific communities, separated by the River Clyde, at the same time. However, to date, a tiny proportion of this funding has been focused on re-establishing true connections between these The great deal of investment that has been recently directed two communities. Sites adjacent to the River Clyde have to both banks of the Clyde has generally emerged from seen over £1bn of investment over the last decade, but it project specific approaches as opposed to any kind of could be argued that a true sense of place has still to be comprehensive plan spanning the Clyde, with the potential created on both banks over the river. exception of the City Centre. The charrette study area, while termed ‘Govan and Partick’, looked a little bit further afield Glasgow City Council has identified the need for a Strategic and included much of the West End, the Finnieston area and Development Framework (SDF) to be developed, in support also further south towards the likes of Ibrox and Elderpark. of Glasgow’s City Development Plan, to examine best ways for any beneficial connections between Govan and Partick It has been made clear from the start of this process that to be re-established. the charrette would form a consultative draft urban design scoping for the Govan and Partick SDF – importantly this was also to feed into City Deal bid work and investments that may come further down the line.

INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

1 IN T RO D U CT IO N Day 1 32

Day 2 42

Progressing Ideas 45 2 P RE -CH ARRE The Charrette Process 10 TTE PROC ESS Organising the Charrette 12 3 THE CHA Publicity & Audience 17 RR ET TE D AY 1 & 2

Community ‘Gazebo Days’ 20

Stakeholder Workshops 22

Reminiscense Group 27

Schools Workshop 28 4 O U TC OM ES DA Y 3

5 OU TCOM contents. ES: FUTURE PLANNING

THE CHARRETTE: DAY 2 OUTCOMES: DAY 3 OUTCOMES: FUTURE PLANNING

1 IN T RO D U CT IO N

2 P RE -CH ARR ETTE P ROCESS 3 THE CHA RR ET TE Activity 50

DA Botanics to Bellahouston 54 Y 1 & Commercial / Civic / Community 56 2 The Overall Concept 58

Heat Mapping 60

4 O U TC Looking Forward 64 OM ES DA Y 3

5 OU TCOM ES: FUTURE PLANNING INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1 THE CHARRETTE: DAY 2 OUTCOMES: DAY 3 OUTCOMES: FUTURE PLANNING

1 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

The Charrette Process

Every charrette is unique to the community involved. In the case of this project, there are two communities – each proud and distinctive neighbourhoods that are vital elements to both the history and future of Glasgow. There is also, essentially, a third ‘component’: the space in between and its potential to test and even re-establish physical, cultural and economic connections.

In our view, the key aim of the Govan and Partick Charrette was to provide the environment for the local communities and stakeholders to reach consensus on both the big questions of strategic direction and the identification of localised placemaking opportunities. Following on from the success of existing initiatives in the study area, this is the perfect time to explore the will for a greater connection between the two communities and to establish a shared vision on how this can be best achieved, to use the River Clyde as the focus for connection rather than as a physical barrier.

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In order to establish the best way to deliver the charrette, it was important to define what could be meant by the theme of connection. The starting point was that this could be a physical connection between Govan and Partick, 1 2 3 be it a bridge or a ferry, potentially achievable in the longer term through an approach for City Deal funding. However, as the charrette process unfolded it became clear that ‘the bridge’ was almost a metaphor, as the connection between areas and beyond any physical connection should be as much the BUILDING focus. COMMUNITY MOMENTUM STAKEHOLDER CAPACITY A great deal of time was spent looking into both Govan and Partick in this FOR THE WORKSHOPS BUILDING process and when they were compared we became aware that there were CHARRETTE different challenges and issues to be addressed for each. Govan had lost a significant amount of its population and when we asked people the type of area that they wanted to live in or that they saw coming out of charrette process, they spoke about the old Govan, about the way it used to be with cinemas, dance halls, shops and cafés and bars. Indeed It was felt that Govan PRE Schools / Themes: in its heyday reflected many of the qualities associated with the West End Advertising / Community Days / Visit / Live / today, and they want it again. Website / Twitter Interviews Work / Place The issues identified within Partick related more to its physical connections, or lack thereof, to the river. With the railway line and Clydeside Expressway located between the community and the water the existing environments do not encourage pedestrian movement.

The approach to the charrette recognised the fact that these areas were very different and also that the charrette / SDF was to cover a very large geographical area. In order to better understand the unique qualities, THE CHARRETTE differences, issues and opportunities between the areas we identified three strands of pre-charrette engagement:

• Community capacity building • Building the momentum for the charrette • Stakeholder workshops POST COMMUNITY & SDF OUTCOMES STAKEHOLDER REVIEW FEEDBACK

11 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

Organising the Charrette

The scale, ambition and scope of the forthcoming SDF We found that the pre-charrette engagement events formed brought challenges, as well as opportunity, on how to a key part of the overall process and outlined a new model organise the Govan Partick Charrette for such a large and in terms of preparing and delivering charrettes of this scale. complex area. It provided the opportunity to speak to local people, of a range of ages and backgrounds, who may not normally While a charrette is defined by the speed at which attend something like a charrette. Visiting or speaking focused design workshops are delivered, it was felt that to people as they went about their day-to-day activities a programme of ‘pre-charrette’ engagement was a vital helped to illustrate the fact that the charrette was essentially addition to its normal process. Not only was this important about the communities themselves and that they had real to ensure that we were able to listen to the thoughts and opportunity to influence change by being involved. ideas of the largest possible number of residents and stakeholders, but it also allowed the team to raise awareness With the SDF requiring to examine a very broad range of and build momentum towards the charrette event itself. overarching themes, the pre-charrette activities also made it possible to have important conversations up front with Therefore, in the lead up to the charrette on 16-19 March, the large number of stakeholders. This helped to inform the a number of events were held allowing the team to build structure of the charrette in order to provide a better forum momentum but most importantly to start listening to what for generating ideas and potential solutions. people had to say.

Govan ‘Gazebo Day’ Schools Workshop Partick ‘Gazebo Day’ CGAP Presentation Stakeholder WorkshopsReminiscence Group The Charrette Charrette Report Feedback

21 24 28 2 4 & 6 10 16 - 19

FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL / MAY

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PRE-CHARRETTE Pre-Charrette events and activities included:

• Community ‘Gazebo Days’ • Schools Workshop • Reminiscence Group • Stakeholder Workshops

Further information relating the the pre-charrette events and activities can be found in section 2 of this report.

CHARRETTE EVENT ORGANISATION The team chose the Riverside Museum as the venue for the charrette, located on the edge of Partick and situated on the opposite bank of the Clyde from Govan. This venue was highly significant in terms of the context of what the charrette was seeking to achieve. Partick and Govan are communities both joined and divided by the River Clyde and bringing people to the centre of both areas to discuss the idea of connection was too strong an opportunity to miss.

The team considered holding the charrette in either Partick or Govan, but it was felt that this may diminish the fact that the discussion was for the people of both communities. The riverside location did have some challenges in terms of accessibility, the Clyde Expressway separating the venue from Partick and Govan being across the Clyde. However, that was a key purpose of the debate and we wanted contributors to think about the close relationship that the communities could or should have with the River Clyde, and how that could be improved.

In order to ensure that the charrette was easily accessible for Govan residents, we commissioned the Govan Ferry to be in operation throughout the charrette. It was free to use and open to all, allowing people in Govan to easily access the museum for the duration of the charrette and for charrette attendees to explore both areas at their leisure.

We also produced a timetable and published it on our website to make clear to attendees how the process would run over the four days. Outside of the key timetabled events, the charrette was generally fluid to respond to the feedback and thoughts presented by the community.

13 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

The opening presentation to introduce the community to the charrette was on the evening of the 16 March. The first full day of the charrette began with walking tours of Govan, Partick and links along the Clyde in 17 March. The attendees were divided into groups and given the opportunity to walk and experience these areas and think critically about them while guided by the teams of planners and urban designers. When the teams returned the experiences garnered by the groups was used to inform the afternoon’s discussion and they worked towards identifying 5 ‘big things’ and 5 ‘wee things’ that could be changed to improve their area.

Day Two of the charrette involved working up the ideas that had been identified on the first day and taking them further. Sites that had been identified as important were looked at more closely, as were specific journeys through the area that had been highlighted as important. Throughout the day people were able to drop in and out and the formalised portion of the day finished after 5pm allowing attendees of the evening drop-in sessions to have one to one discussions with the team as and when they arrived.

The final day of the charrette was a day for the design team to focus on pulling together all the commentary from the previous two days for a final visual presentation. This was an opportunity for further drop in sessions, but without formalised events throughout the day. The final presentation on the process and the outcomes commenced that evening, highlighting three areas of focus and key journeys that should be taken forward for greater consideration by Glasgow City Council.

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15 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

16 THE CHARRETTE: DAY 2 OUTCOMES: DAY 3 OUTCOMES: FUTURE PLANNING

Publicity & Audience

While we know that it is impossible to speak to everyone we considered that a campaign that embraced advertising and social media would be the best way to engage with people across such a wide study area and to publicise the charrette itself.

A website was built to provide information about the process as well as provide project updates following the charrette, specifically:

• What is a charrette? • Why a Govan & Partick charrette? • Content and timetable for the charrette • Charrette outcomes

In addition to the website, posters were placed in subway stations at Govan, Partick and Kelvinhall for two weeks leading up to the charrette which advertised the event and directed people to the website (www. govanpartick.com) and twitter page (@govanpartick) where further information about the process was available and constantly updated.

A number of invitations were also sent out to local organisations, politicians and interest groups, as well as posters in and around the community advertising the charrette.

The website proved to be a great success and at the point of the charrette opening on Monday 16 March it had achieved the following:

• 1700 users • 2300 sessions • 800 mobile sessions (700 in Glasgow)

While Twitter achieved the following:

• 75 followers • 88 tweets

A Sunny Govan Radio interview aired on Monday 16 March.

17 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

18 THE CHARRETTE: DAY 2 OUTCOMES: DAY 3 OUTCOMES: FUTURE PLANNING

2 THE PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS 19 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

Community ‘Gazebo Days’

The most important factor to getting clear outcomes from the Govan Partick Charrette was through the involvement of those communities themselves. The team wanted to maximise the level of community input, above what may be able to achieve during a managed charrette, and so held two community days at Govan Market and Partick Market.

The aim was to hold this at the very start of the process and to alert people to the forthcoming charrette by asking their views as they went about their day.

Feedback was recorded through prepared questionnaires, video interviews and dicussions over a large aerial map that displayed the full extent of the charrette study area. A rickshaw and driver was also on hand to offer to transport people either down to or up to the river and to think about that journey as they were experiencing it.

20 THE CHARRETTE: DAY 2 OUTCOMES: DAY 3 OUTCOMES: FUTURE PLANNING

During these community engagement events the principal GOVAN OUTCOMES PARTICK OUTCOMES outcome was that there was great support for a bridge link, • 25 video interviews • 20 video interviews rather than a ferry, to reconnect the communities of Govan and Partick. While many supported the option of a ferry, • 20 questionnaire’s completed • 16 questionnaire’s completed and potential for one to continue running, people liked the • Many felt connections had been better in the past • Many felt connections had been better in the past reliability of a fixed link and saw that as a more attractive • Many recognised that a connection between the • Many recognised that a connection between the option. communities remained communities remained People also wanted to see more shops in Govan. They • Some felt that there was no connection all • Many felt that Partick lacked the ‘community spirit’ of wanted to see more activity, including on the riverside • 97% of respondents (questionnaire) wanted improved Govan walkway. Broadly similar answers emerged in both Govan connections • All responses (questionnaire) wanted improved and Partick and there was a feeling that connections »» Of these people many felt a footbridge would connections between the two had been better in the past. A new achieve this »» Of these people many felt a footbridge would connection was recognised as a positive step, with a achieve this footbridge emerging as the preferred option to achieve • 97% of respondents (questionnaire) said they spent this. A telling output was that almost all questionnaire time at the river • Only 20% of respondents (questionnaire) spent time at respondents from Govan said they spent time at the »» Mostly as a walking route or for leisure time the river • Favourite place on the river was the Graving Docks riverside, whereas this reduced down to 20% from • Favourite place on the river was the Graving Docks respondents from Partick. • What people wanted to see in 2025: When we asked where the bridge should be, the vast »» Bridge majority felt that it should cross from Water Row to, or near, »» More shops in Govan the Riverside Museum. Interestingly, the majority across »» Riverside walkway both areas also identified their favourite place on the river as being the Graving Docks.

21 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

Schools Workshop

50 students from Govan High School, Hyndland High School, Notre Dame High School and St Thomas Aquinas Secondary School attended an afternoon workshop in the Riverside Museum on 24 March.

The students engaged in a number of exercises that included placing symbols on a large floor plan to indicate good places, bad places and their favourite place. They also drew / wrote a postcard from themselves in 2025 explaining how the area of both Govan and Partick had changed in the 10 years since 2015.

The results of these exercises firmly pointed to a desire to connect the two communities as well the need for improved transport connections such as walkways, a bridge and potentially a ferry link. What emerged very strongly from young people was a need for greater activity, in or along the river.

These outcomes were reflected in other consultations as well as through Twitter feeds and the website.

22 THE CHARRETTE: DAY 2 OUTCOMES: DAY 3 OUTCOMES: FUTURE PLANNING

OUTCOMES OF SCHOOLS ENGAGEMENT Key comments on what the students would like to see in their areas:

• Improved transport – pedestrian, subway and buses • More parkland/open spaces • Swimming pool, leisure centre, skate park • Cinema, more and better shops/shopping centre • Restaurants • Lively space by the river • Bridge and ferry links

In short, the students ideas and ambitions were all about activity. Activity on, along and around the River.

QUOTES “So much has changed since I was a teenager. The community has become so much stronger and it’s a great feeling to be so close to my neighbours. Every weekend there is some kind of event on the Clyde.” Taylor Webb, St Thomas of Aquinas Secondary School

“Many changes have happened since you were 14. I can finally see my friends who live on the other side of the river because a bridge has been built connecting the two sides and it is okay for pedestrians and not just cars.” Eli McKeown, Notre Dame High School

“The future is much better here. We have swimming pools and a skate park, the streets are much more bright and friendly. There is now a ferry connection between Govan and Partick.” Saim Tenwear, Govan High School

“I visited the ship building museum today, they built it to commemorate the people who built the ships. I’ll stop by the conservation park later to see the seals by the Clyde. They built it by the Clyde so that both land and marine animals could be helped.” Ishbel Ross, Hyndland Secondary School

23 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

Stakeholder Workshops

The communites of Govan and Partick are, individually, complex areas with a wide range of strengths, weaknesses and influenecing factors. Many organisations and initiatives are actively seeking to improve the areas and there is a range of private and public sector remits to consider.

In order to consider how and whether the two communities can work better together through improved connections, it was vital to learn of as many of the individual and shared issues and opportunities as possible.

A total of four stakeholder workshops were held over the space of two days, split into topics of Live, Visit, Work and Place & Wellbeing. Between 20-30 stakeholder organisations were invited to each session that was of most relevance to their objectives. This gave an early indication of the big issues for the area and started the process of combining the considerations of organisations and community groups.

24 THE CHARRETTE: DAY 2 OUTCOMES: DAY 3 OUTCOMES: FUTURE PLANNING

LIVE WORKSHOP of mid-market housing, housing for ownership. Meanwhile, KEY COMMENTS there were number of agencies in the Partick area who were One of the main themes of the Live workshop was a focus • Govan – A need to increase population density: How struggling to compete with private developers and student on the factor of population change. While both communities do you get the West End’s feel, but keep Govan’s housing providers in terms of land value and therefore have changed significantly over the last 100 years, the identity? unable to deliver a reasonable amount of social housing. population statistics for Govan show an enormous change in • Partick – Provide opportunities for mix of housing that population and population density. In 1912 there were 95,000 The question that emerged in many of the discussions includes affordable provision, bearing in mind that people in Govan, whereas the figure is now closer to 31,000, was whether there is a need for a housing strategy to be space is at a premium. and for an area much larger than assessed in 1912 (today’s balanced across both areas, to potentially plan more student • Connection – Consensus around a crossing point, be Govan Ward boundary). and private housing to the south and enable more social that a ferry or a bridge, although a bridge had greater housing to the north. Logically this might achieve a better The workshop discussion raised some interesting support. housing balance between the two areas. considerations on the resulting impact of population density. • Focus on the links to the River on either side and the A calculation for an area in Govan and Partick showed a It was felt that the issue of land value also, partly, extends need to consider ‘the journey’ that will make or break population density of approximately 80 people per hectare into house value as well. The average price for a 2 bedroom people’s experience before and after using the bridge. around Partick, while in Govan this was approximately 18 flat in Partick is approximately £190,000 while the average • Discussion on a north - south spine in three parts, with people per hectare. The comparison shows that people are price in Govan is around £90,000 - almost half the price. a ‘live’ focus, that will create an interesting journey with living at approximately a quarter of the density in the Govan This was viewed as both an opportunity and a constraint. active edges. area that they are living in the Partick and West End areas. An opportunity to those who wished to get on the property ladder but a constraint to investment by the private sector, Although population density may bring positives and as development on sites that required remediation rendered negatives for each situation, such as any amenity impacts the proposal economically unviable. associated with high density living, it also helped to consider what is required to support greater levels of business and The workshop also began to identify the idea of a journey, leisure activity. This set the scene for stakeholders to discuss extending a spine of housing from Byres Road down through what kind of environment they want to live in. The vast Partick and Govan and along Orkney Street. This concept majority of contributors were keen on areas with high activity would create Glasgow’s newest street with a new bridge through shops, cafés, bars and cinemas, particularly on the enabling that link to take place. north bank of the river and in Govan. With, generally, four times as many people on the streets of Partick as opposed In summary, the Live workshop focused on the need to to the Govan area, the question was put on whether the increase population density and provide opportunities for a population densities needed to be increased to achieve this. mix of housing in both communities. There was an identified need to plan for both areas at the same time with consensus The Live workshop also explored the type of housing that around a crossing point over the River Clyde. There was also is available in each community, including tenure choice. On a focus on links to the river on either side and that a bridge the one hand there were agencies in attendance, operating itself may not be enough and that increased activity may be in Govan, who highlighted their desire to see a greater mix required through creation of a new journey north - south.

25 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

VISIT WORKSHOP For the workshop, a number of smaller attractions/uses and KEY COMMENTS places people were likely to want to go were plotted on a This workshop included agencies or representatives of • The River is the focus. map, including smaller shops, cafés, bars and active streets. destinations that form key visitor attractions in and around What emerged very strongly was a clear pattern of a rich mix • There is a unique string of visitor attractions along the the charrette study area. The topics of the workshop of uses and activity on Byers Road, Dumbarton Road, Argyle river: Can this create a sum greater than its parts if they explored the importance of attractions in fostering activity in Street, Great Western Road, Paisley Road and also around were linked together better? Govan and Partick and in maximising potential benefits from Govan Cross. However, there also emerged substantial gaps • Better connections are needed to bring together tourism. in this activity pattern along and around the River Clyde. This all the attractions in the area and make them Plotting of key visitor attractions surrounding this part on was partly due to the industrial areas on the Govan side and accessible for pedestrians, while offering a good travel the Clyde showed a concentration of large and notable the Clydeside Expressway and vacant / derelict sites that experience. attractions as a potential circuit north and south of the river. currently separate the river from Partick and the West End. • The need for more activity on streets, routes and However, the pattern was more complicated in the sense journeys. As discussion continued the question was raised as to that these visitor attractions tend to sit slightly isolated from whether we should be actively planning to create bands of • Consensus around a crossing point, be that a ferry or a the communities that surround them. mixed use between these big visitor destinations, so that bridge – however, a bridge had greater support. Discussions identified that more could be done to realise the they could begin to offer an overall visitor destination or • ‘The journey’ as the attraction – potential for a visitor potential of major attractions being so close to one another focus. The Visit Workshop concluded that the river has to be loop with ‘anchor’ destinations. as most people visited these destinations in isolation. The the focus of this approach, it is what makes the place unique. • Riverside Museum - This attracted 1m visitors in 2014: potential for bringing somewhere in the region of 3.5 - 4 This approach could support a unique string of visitor Is it possible to attract 10% of these to Govan via a million visitors per annum down to one recognisable and attractions along the river and where the whole could be bridge? greater than the sum of its parts. well connected area, encouraging them to move between • People increasingly spend time before events at the venues, emerged as an obvious goal that is still difficult to This approach will rely heavily upon connections, small and SECC / Hydro outwith the city centre (Finnieston) – can achieve. large, that would bring together all the attractions in the we learn from and capitalise on this? A highlighted example was the impact that the opening of area. There was a general consensus that given the potential the Hydro arena has had on Finnieston. Many people are amount of development that could take place around this now walking down to Finnieston and spending time and area, the goal is to ensure that development is mixed use. It money dining there before a concert when they previously should also provide the smaller activities between the large would have done that in the City Centre. visitor destinations and an environment that ties all this area together. There was consensus that a new bridge crossing over the River Clyde, between Govan and Partick, could strengthen While there was consensus on the river crossing point, there the existing circuit of attractions that could generate linked was also a proposal for one at the Graving Docks to enable trips and encourage people to spend more time in the area, a circuit of movement and activity from Finnieston, Pacific and particularly in Govan. Quay and round to Govan.

26 THE CHARRETTE: DAY 2 OUTCOMES: DAY 3 OUTCOMES: FUTURE PLANNING

WORK WORKSHOP KEY COMMENTS This workshop recognised Govan currently provides for a • The potential for a bridge was broadly supported by significant number of jobs. This was seen as a key positive, the stakeholders, who could see the benefits of greater particularly as it served a strategic employment need as well linkages. as a local employment need. • Strong feeling that the South Glasgow University Hospital investment is a major opportunity not to be The situation was seen as being in contrast to Partick, missed. where it was felt that there is proportionately much less local employment. Discussion focused around whether this • The importance of north-south links was raised, as was balance of employment, particularly in terms of lower value the experience of that ‘journey’ and the need for it to employment, is now focused too heavily in the one area. be improved. The scale of employment areas around Govan was also • The time is now to reconnect Govan and Partick. considered, such as the Helen Street corridor for example, • Population and population density must rise to with questions raised as to whether some of these uses support business and employment in Govan. would or should begin to relocate over time. • Pacific Quay would not have happened without a Contributors thought about peoples’ journeys to work in bridge – evidencing the importance of links. Govan, largely concentrated on coming from the motorway • Joined-up and stegic thinking can make a huge network to the south with limited connections to Govan or different in turning the existing strengths of the area to the river. However, the opening of the new South Glasgow create an even greater asset. University Hospital (Southern General) was seen as having potential to make a significant difference in terms of a work/ life balance and activity in Govan.

One of the main statements raised was that Govan and Partick have all the right ingredients in terms of sites, opportunities and new development coming forward to maximise employment and economic growth. It just needs to be joined together. A new bridge could provide that link and share the employment benefits between both Govan and Partick. It was felt that there was opportunity to change the perceptions of Govan area, but also to increase the population and population density to support business and employment generation.

27 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

PLACE & WELLBEING WORKSHOP KEY COMMENTS DISCUSSION ON THE RIVER The Place & Wellbeing Workshop focused very much on • Change in Govan and Partick must be sensitive to the During all four workshops a number of questions were asked the River Clyde and its strengths but then examined those needs of those who live there currently. regarding the river: strengths and opportunities through an environmental • Straightforward pedestrian links should be key along • What does all this mean for the River Clyde? perspective. Contibutors felt that any planned change to with removing the fear factor of some of these places: Govan and Partick has to be sensitive to the needs of the perception based barriers are as important as physical. • Whose river is it / who does it belong to? existing population. • Sequencing of development must be carefully • Who gets a chance to decide who uses it in the future? considered: then other types of Attendees pointed to the need for straightforward connections first, One of the outputs from Place & Wellbeing Workshop was development. pedestrian links along the Clyde and felt that access to the the suggestion that actually, to some extent, there was a water was hugely important. Although a bridge could be • The process as it moves forward must not isolate need to change the nature of the river itself. How could critical in terms of improvements to the area, it would only be people; needs to be a positive impact on mental greater activity be achieved: part of the whole. wellbeing. • Great value in easy pedestrian connections, access • more slipways for smaller craft / storage areas Graphics prepared by WSP, which showed changes in to the water and quality places. These things help alongside existing and new slipways etc.? pedestrian/cycle accessibility and travel times if a physical improve wellbeing. • more pontoons for larger craft? connection over the river were to be provided (a permanent ferry link or bridge), were explored and discussed. • A bridge is critical, but it is only one part of the Difficulties were identified in terms of achieving commercial whole. viability around small to medium scale water-based It emerged that there would be significant benefits for businesses due to the current management regime of the those to the south accessing shopping and the range of River, which is focussed on the needs of large scale harbour activities in and around Partick, as well as a bridge being of operations such as King George V Dock. Ultimately the SDF great value to people to the north of the river in terms of will need to further explore new ways to generate value in access to employment and a wide range of attractions and and around the area and to investigate whether this could be destinations. helped by creating more opportunities for small craft to use During the workshop there were a number of discussions the river and, therefore, increase levels of activity. which cautioned against the value, or the risk, of ‘big planning’. Whilst strategic plans were recognised as CONCLUSION important, contributors made the point that the ‘bottom-up’ Overall, the conclusion emerging across the workshop approach currently happening in Govan is an exceptional sessions was that instead of there being potential to plan example of grass roots, community based regeneration. for a bridge, this process was leading towards a plan to Therefore, the SDF needs to have a careful balance between reconnect the city. It was felt that the real opportunity of the ‘top-down’ planning and grassroots planning that examines SDF was to properly reconnect two areas and communities how it is best to provide for the connections of people and that have been divided over time. opportunities that this could create.

28 THE CHARRETTE: DAY 2 OUTCOMES: DAY 3 OUTCOMES: FUTURE PLANNING

Reminiscence Group

The charrette team met with 13 members of the Govan Reminiscence Group to discuss their observations on how the communities of Govan and Partick have changed over the years. A key aim was to learn their views as to whether stronger connections between these communities should be re- established and to explore how this could best be achieved.

Although the team took along community questionnaires and Postcards from the Future and Past to be completed, most of the discussion focused around examination of the large Govan and Partick floor map.

We were informed about the Secrets of Hidden Govan such as The Daffodil King Of Govan and the Stepping Stones between Whiteinch and Water Row. They also mentioned that there is still a school in Patrick that still bears the Govan Crest; just one indication that these communities were once very closely joined.

Many of the members felt that the only effective transport link between the areas of Govan and Patrick was the Underground, so they were very enthusiastic about using the ferry for the duration of the charrette.

The was a great focus on all means of connection that have been lost. Attendees named and discussed the eight ferries that used to operate on the Clyde and talked about the Rotunda tunnel that could take a horse and cart, the fording of river with cattle and the existence of an all-night ferry. Many of the group stated that they work at Govan Parish Church, home of the Govan Stones, which they are very proud of and encouraged others to visit.

When asked about the potential for a new linkage, almost 90% stated preference for a footbridge rather than a ferry, although most liked the idea of both as an option.

29 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

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3 THE CHARRETTE DAYS 1 & 2 31 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

day 1.

Tuesday 17 March 2015

The charrette in its entirety was held at the Riverside Museum, located between the two communities of Govan and Partick. The client and project team funded the Govan passenger ferry to operate during the hours of the charrette to further assist people in attending.

The opening presentation took place on the evening of Monday 16 March, while Day 1 took place on Tuesday 17 March and consisted of:

• Welcome presentation • Site walks • Themed strategic workshops • Evening ‘drop-in’ discussion session

32 THE CHARRETTE: DAY 2 OUTCOMES: DAY 3 OUTCOMES: FUTURE PLANNING

KICKING OFF The opening presentation took place on the evening of Monday 16 March at 6.30pm and was attended by approximately 50 people which included members of the public (many of which had registered through the website), local stakeholders and politicians.

The presentation provided the background to the project, the outcomes of the pre-charrette events and outlined the timetable for the charrette events itself. The history and importance of the area was outlined, as was what we had heard from the community so far. Stephen Tucker presented and made clear the value of hearing the views and thoughts of the local community and how that underpinned the process.

DAY 1: THE MORNING SESSION The morning session began with a welcome presentation that summarised the opening presentation for those who had not attended the previous evening. The team then outlined the schedule for the day, which included a choice of site walks followed by themed workshops in the afternoon.

The four guided site walks, which attendees chose from, were:

• Partick Loop - a circuit from the Riverside Museum via Beith Street, Partick Cross, Argyle Street, Yorkhill and Ferry Road • River Loop - a circuit from Riverside Museum via SECC campus, Millennium Bridge, Pacific Quay, the Graving Docks, Govan Cross, Water Row and returning to the Riverside Museum via the ferry • Govan Loop (short) - a circuit from Riverside Museum using the ferry to Water Row then via Govan High Street, Elder Park, Golspie Street, Orkney / Vicarfield Street and Govan Cross • Govan Loop (long) - as above but including Ibrox, the edge of Cessnock and the Graving Docks

33 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

DAY 1: THE AFTERNOON SESSION LIVE WORKSHOP IN SUMMARY:

The afternoon session was based upon the same themed The Live workshop identified a couple of big moves. First of ‘5’ Big Things: workshops that were used successfully with the stakeholders; all was this idea of Partick and Govan, or north and south of Live, Visit, Work, Place and Wellbeing. However, to try and the river, as an entity and area in its own right. When people • Bridge pick up some of the interconnecting themes and issues, it spoke about the riverfront, or the City Centre’s relationship • Corporate/Civic North Bank/Culture/Heritage/ was decided to also include a table and discussion to focus with the riverfront, it was highlighted that these areas are Community South Bank on People, Culture and Heritage. made up of a number of different types of communities. • North South journey with gateways, key spaces along The view was that Govan and Partick should be / could be the route A number of drawings began to emerge very quickly over considered on the same basis. the course of the afternoon. However, on Day One, as is • Graving Docks – Explore innovative development common, there was a great deal more discussion than there In terms of large scale interventions a bridge was models to unlock site, potentially including community- was specific drawing work. undoubtedly the most common suggestion. Indeed a led initiative number of broad options were generated, but all of these • Responsibility of large business i.e. BBC, hospital This process was healthy and allowed the team time to were focused at Water Row and linking to either the either side of Govan to participate in community request that attendees map out, in terms of their ideas or Riverside Museum or the vacant Glasgow Harbour East development output, 5 ‘big things’ that they would make to really change site on the other side of the River Kelvin, owned by Peel • Defined public space/activity on Water Row the nature of the area and also 5 ‘wee things’ that represent Holdings. They came up with the idea of a spine from smaller and more immediate (potentially community based) Botanics to Bellahouston, forming an active north-south link ‘5’ Wee Things: initiatives that could attract the investment and interest across the Clyde with potential for a mix of commercial and • Public Realm Improvements in Govan needed for major change. residential uses. • Pop-up community activity The smaller initiatives or interventions often noted as being Another consideration was in relation to the importance of »» Events seemingly less important things can, in practice, often have the Glasgow Harbour East site and its relationship to the the greatest impacts. Riverside Museum and Water Row / Govan. The idea of relationship between the Commercial (Glasgow Harbour East), the Civic (Riverside Museum) and the Community (Water Row / Govan) was strongly stated. This concept emphasised the importance of journeys and movement.

The point was made that large commercial development has a responsibility to the City and that the SDF should outline what form and shape that responsibility should take. Overall, a lot of strengths were seen to exist and it was highlighted that the process should not lose sight of community based projects and the need to factor these into any bigger plans.

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35 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

VISIT WORKSHOP IN SUMMARY:

The Visit workshop identified and explored the idea of a ‘5’ Big Things ‘5’ Wee Things: loop / circuit / journey around the area, focused on the river. It pointed to the need to regenerate Princes Dock and • Princes Dock and Graving Docks • Elder Park Improvements Graving Docks and link the two with a bridge. It emphasised »» Marina »» Farmhouse = community space garden the importance of links and routes. Not just bridges but »» Business: tech companies and floating offices »» Lighting walkways, journeys and experiences. However, contributors »» Start up incubation units »» Band stand did emphasise the need for a bridge connection between Govan and Partick. • Links and Routes • Reinstate Water Row slipway »» Clydeside Walkways • Improve edges of Festival Park – development briefs Potential new attractions suggested could include a Peoples’ for its edges Museum or some kind of community facility on the Govan »» Kelvin Walkway side / Water Row at the arrival point of the bridge. Activity »» Cantilevered • Kelvinhaugh Street – Glaze the Arches and events on the Clyde were key and the design of any »» Nature viewing platforms • Review impact of Fastlink development at the Glasgow Harbour East site would be »» Other routes to Partick »» Especially on narrow roads through Govan significant for how the area could work. »» Consider placemaking • Bridges »» Not enough stops »» Princes Dock to Graving Docks »» Govan to Partick • The Glasgow Harbour East Site »» Development of international significance • People’s Museum »» Water Row, Govan arrival point • Events on the Clyde »» Boat races etc.

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37 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

WORK WORKSHOP IN SUMMARY:

The Work workshop recognised the importance of key ‘5’ Big Things: connections, particularly to the large employment areas in Govan and between the South Glasgow University Hospital • Connect along both sides of the River Clyde for and Partick / Glasgow University (via Govan Road). people and wildlife • Connection north and south (a bridge) Contributors mapped areas that were important to them in • Understanding industry - where are the employers terms of their daily activities, as well as identifying existing based, what do the companies do - brand and and potential ‘hidden treasures’ that may attract greater market investment in the area if harnessed correctly. • Enable and allow arts and media to grow without negative impacts on each other - must connect them with the heart of Govan and each other • Series of destinations (stepping stones along the journey)

‘5’ Wee Things: • Key business opportunities - fostering and supporting new business, temporary and permanent • Floating markets between Govan and Partick, linking the two areas • Wayfinding strategy - links to river for people and wildlife • Opportunities to experience wildlife and learn about them - better business environment and business opportunities

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39 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

»» Growing / Cultivation interesting idea of softening and naturalising the river’s edge, DAY ONE OUTCOMES allowing it to return to nature over time. • Supporting Govan Market Throughout all the workshop sessions, all contributors were encouraged to sketch down any areas or comments PLACE & WELLBEING WORKSHOP IN SUMMARY: important to them, or to get this done by one of the design A significant amount of discussion during the Place & ‘5’ Big Things: team that was faciliting. Wellbeing workshop focused on activating riverside routes, both on and adjacent to the water. A bridge was seen as • Crossing the Clyde – Bridge/Ferry/Cable car At the end of day one, a Structure Diagram was produced to highly beneficial to creating a focus on this part of the river • Resolving the underpass near the museum – Walkway record the recurring themes from the workshops including and creating a pedestrian journey between Govan and on the rivers edge the key routes, nodes (areas of activity), gateways and, crucially, areas and sites that were identified as having Partick, although localised improvements in public realm • Resurrecting and revitalising 3 key historic routes (such as at the Expressway underpass) were needed to opportunity for improvement. This is shown opposite. • Softening the river edges and improving accessibility realise the benefit of this. This diagram reflects the clear message from Day One which Greater access to the river was another strong focus, with ‘5’ Wee Things: was that the first steps towards the consideration of nodes some concern raised that any form of bridge would further • Underpass near the museum, at Ferry Road – maintain, and gateways should be to set out the most immediately reduce the amount of activity on the water. There was also an lighting, signpost, gateway achievable and straightforward actions to make the most of what already exists. • Urban quality improvement. Junction at bridge over Expressway – Partick Station. Green/living wall, mural/ The supporting discussions also drew out that heritage art, signposting from Partick Station opportunities at Govan, Fairfields, the Graving Docks etc • Resolving bin/litter problems in key Partick spaces. were also of particular note. This drew out questions of Urban realm improvements – fence painting what the opportunities are to improve the quality of these • Pop-up art interventions in Govan environments and how any interventions can be achieved. • Nesting island on the Clyde A broad message emerging across the feedback was the overriding recognition that any major developments or interventions to reconnect Govan and Partick may only realise the full benefits over a 25 or 30 year timescale. This highlighted the wish to continue to make small investments now, focused on improving the perceptions of the area or reminding people of the opportunity or the scale of opportunity that exists.

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41 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

day 2.

Wednesday 18 March

The overall aim of day two was to work up the wealth of ideas that had emerged into a series of more structured forms that represented some consenus of the best ways for Govan and Partick to move forward in the future. The form of the day was left relatively flexible, through an initial recap of Day One and then themed workshops throughout the day, to allow for ideas to emerge and to engage with attendees who could only contribute for part of the day:

• Welcome presentation • Themed workshops (AM & PM) • Evening ‘drop-in’

The urban design structure that had emerged from Day One was used to focus minds during the morning workshops on the following themes:

• Mixed use development • Infrastructure • Journey, experience and events • Redevelopment, sites and change

A separate table / workstation was set up throughout the day to discuss issues specifically related to Delivery.

Some clear ideas emerged, including the ‘the ABCs’, which were then the topics for afternoon workshops and were then developed further by the team on Day Three.

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43 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

THEMED WORKSHOPS • Importance of a north / south journey link During the themed workshops of Day 2, a number of strong • The circuit, or the visit / activity circuit points really began to emerge. • An active bridge, a visitor destination in its own right • A recognition that some views etc of Old Parish Church The River Clyde was, understandably, a key focus of people’s were important minds. At first, everyone saw the opportunities along the river in a different way. However, the discussions developed • The understanding that sites on the river are no into recognition that the river was actually at the heart / longer on the edges, but actually act as gateways and centre of a cruciform or cross (a north / south link and the important sites and visible sites in their own right river running east / west), and not as an edge or barrier.

One of the earliest points raised was that historically the relationship between Govan and Partick was a relationship based on complementarities, be it agricultural, or industrial, or religious, or cultural. These areas worked with each other, they complemented each other, and that was an important way of seeing the river.

One of the morning workshops specifically explored redevelopment, sites and the potential for change, be it sites with existing proposals or areas with potential for investment and improvement. These development sites were considered as gateways and not barriers, with a value more than as simply a site but more about how they can contribute to the riverside uses and the adjoining communities.

As part of this, recognition emerged that the development sites were points along a potential route rather than just individual locations.

A summary of some of the main issues to come through the morning workshops included the:

44 THE CHARRETTE: DAY 2 OUTCOMES: DAY 3 OUTCOMES: FUTURE PLANNING

ACTIVITY Progressing Ideas

The overarching message from people’s ideas and discussions was that with some strategic thinking and investment, it might be possible to re-establish the best parts of the connection that Govan and Partick had in the past.

The potential ways to deliver this focused on mapping achievable interventions or policy directions. This was reflected in the emerging ABC concept: :

• A - Activity (a visit circuit) • B - Botanics to Bellahouston (a north / south journey) • C - Commercial, Civic and Community (a bridge at the heart of the connections)

The following images reflect some of the ideas that emerged from the afternoon workshops on Day Two. The summary of the Day Three outcomes explains how the considerations of the ABC’s were developed to reflect the consensus of the charrette contributors.

45 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

BOTANICS TO BELLAHOUSTON

46 THE CHARRETTE: DAY 2 OUTCOMES: DAY 3 OUTCOMES: FUTURE PLANNING

COMMERCIAL, CIVIC AND COMMUNITY

47 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

48 THE CHARRETTE: DAY 2 OUTCOMES: DAY 3 OUTCOMES: FUTURE PLANNING

4 OUTCOMES DAY 3 49 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

a - activity

The first of the main outcomes of the charrette related to However, there was a sense of lost opportunity that the A potential bridge crossing was strongly supported to the importance of increasing levels of activity. All people defining feature of the two communities, the River Clyde, create a focus point on the river and help bring forward engaged during the charrette - be it students at the school’s suffered from a lack of activity both on and adjacent to better connections between the water and its neighbouring event, those interviewed on the street, stakeholders and the water. People spoke about the sense of pride in the communities. An important consideration was for the bridge those attending the full charrette event - pointed to the community when the flotilla display of the Commonwealth design to minimise the potential to further discouraging river need for greater activity in, on or along the Clyde. Games reactivated the Clyde and analysed how elements of usage by boats and small crafts. Ideas of an active bridge that could be captured for the area all year round. were discussed as an ambitious intervention. The communities noted pride at the quality and potential of the Victorian parks that surround the communities of Govan In terms of activating the river itself, some people felt that and Partick. Although it was noted that some improvements a quick solution would be to improve riverside access and could be made, there was recognition that activity in these public jetty facilities to encourage greater use by smaller areas played a strong part in residents’ feeling of wellbeing. craft. Others focused on the importance of the potential development / redevelopment sites along the river (such as the Graving Docks, the Glasgow Harbour sites and Water Row) coming forward with a mix of uses and improved Clydeside pathways.

50 THE CHARRETTE: DAY 2 OUTCOMES: DAY 3 OUTCOMES: FUTURE PLANNING

CONCEPT DIAGRAM URBAN FORM

Copyright The contents of this document must not be copied or reproduced 51 in whole or in part without the written consent of Barton Willmore. INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

The charrette contributors highlighted an inherent Consensus emerged not just of activating the immediate 1 Redevelopment of the Western Infirmary interdependence between being successful in delivering surrounds of the River Clyde, but of a circular route that 2 Redevelopment at Beith Street sustainable activity both on and adjacent to the river. In included the importance of Govan Road’s linkage to other words, a concern that even if a mix of land uses were Elder Park and the South Glasgow University Hospital, the 3 Improved connections across the Clydeside Expressway delivered along the river, and there was no activity on the currently undeveloped sites on the north bank of the Clyde 4 Improved connections under the Clydeside Expressway river, that the mixed use element might fail. Conversely, that and take in the enhanced activity Water Row, Pacific Quay/ activity on the river may fail if no mixed use development Princes Dock, the Graving Docks and the land to the west of 5 Mixed use development and activity at Peel site is provided along its banks, which some considered to be the SECC. Some felt that careful consideration was required 6 A new bridge link current situation. Therefore, it was felt vital that activity both to maximise the increased activity from the Hospital and how 7 Mixed use development and activity at riverside sites on and adjacent to the river be considered as part of the one this could be harnessed as a benefit rather than a potential aim. disruption to the lives of local residents. 8 Redevelopment of Yorkhill Hospital site 9 Mixed use development and activity at SECC site Emphasis was made of these areas being a mix of uses, wherever possible, rather than distinct and unconnected 10 Development at Pacific Quay / Festival Park improvements ‘quarters’ that may emerge from too strong a focus on 11 Route of Fastlink respectful of Placemaking individual sites or areas. 12 Redevelopment at Cessnock - connections to the River 13 Mixed use development and activity at Princes Docks site 14 A new bridge link between Pacific Quay and Graving Docks 15 Mixed use development and activity at Graving Docks site 16 Mixed use development of GHA Broomloan Road site 17 Re-imagining / redevelopment of Water Row site 18 Improvements to Elder Park - community gardens 19 Redevelopment of BAE Systems site 20 Completion of Glasgow Harbour redevelopment

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EXPRESSWAY BARRIER

CONCEPT DIAGRAM A - ACTIVITY

Copyright The contents of this document must not be copied or reproduced 53 in whole or in part without the written consent of Barton Willmore. INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

b - botanics to bellahouston

The second big idea and outcome was to aim towards encourage enough activity to maintain the feeling of a safe internationally Cities have undertaken projects to reduce revitalising the sense of place via a key north - south route and attractive place. the severance of waterfronts and inner city areas caused by from as far north as the Botanic Gardens to Bellahouston major roads. Park in the south. This would seek a pedestrian and cycle Byres Road works equally well in the evening as it does friendly route down the length of Byres Road, resolve during the daytime in terms of creating a safe and active A key benefit of providing commuters with a safe and inviting existing access issues from Partick Cross to the River Clyde environment. There are some existing uses at Govan Cross pedestrian/cycle route, via a new bridge over the River Clyde, and provide an attractive people-friendly environment that that already fulfil this role to a degree but it was felt that its opportunity to increase footfall and, therefore, activity extended through Govan and down Orkney Street. there is significant potential to encourage investment or through Govan Cross and beyond which would in turn attract influence design decisions which could expand activity both investment. A key factor in people’s thoughts on improving a north- at the Cross and along Orkney Street /Broomloan Road. south journey was through their wish to maximise benefit The graphic opposite highlights the series of ideas of of the internationally renowned visitor destinations and North of the River, Beith Street (historically Partick’s high interventions, redevelopments and opportunity areas attractions that the surrounding area has to offer. Workshop street) was another location that was specifically highlighted that the charrette contributors felt could help to link and as an important location to have a focus on environmental sessions identified the roughly linear arrangement of improve the communities of Govan and Partick through the improvements and public realm. A form of intervention Glasgow University, Kelvingrove Museum, the new Hunterian establishment of a journey between the Botanic Gardens in this area was felt needed to bring a knock-on effect to Museum, the Riverside Museum, the river itself, the Govan and Bellahouston Park. The promotion of a mix of uses along improving the attractiveness and perception of linkage to Stones at Govan Parish Church and visitor opportunities at this route was seen as key to setting destinations that will the river over and under the Clydeside Expressway. Although Elder Park. maintain activity and encourage public realm improvements. the Glasgow Harbour East site was seen as the main A graphic that was produced to highlight existing areas of potential route, the importance of improving the expressway 1 Traffic calming along Byers Road active uses in the area (see page 60) illustrated the lack of underpass was also stressed. This was identified as a key activity between Partick Cross and Paisley Road West, with potential pedestrian/cycle commuting route for people 2 Redevelopment of the Western Infirmary who worked at, and lived around, the medical facilities the exception of Govan Cross itself. People used this to 3 Redevelopment of Yorkhill Hospital site stress that opportunities were being missed to create an within Yorkhill, Western Infirmary and Glasgow University’s attractive linkage through these areas that could enhance a medical departments, who will now be travelling to the 4 Redevelopment at Beith Street sense of place and make people want to continue exploring South Glasgow University Hospital. A suspended or floating 5 Improved connections under the Clydeside Expressway the journey. pontoon walkway down the side of the Kelvin was suggested as an innovative way to provide a more open and welcoming 6 Improved connections across the Clydeside Expressway The level of activity and vitality of Byres Road, particularly connection to the River Clyde than the existing underpass. 7 Mixed use development and activity at Peel site at its northern end, was felt possible to replicate in parts 8 A new bridge link of Govan. This could then help encourage investment in Whilst there was a recognition of the current role of the developments and the public realm further south towards Clydeside Expressway as a major mover of motorised 9 Re-imagining / redevelopment of Water Row site vehicles across Glasgow, it was recognised that the volume Bellahouston Park. A new bridge crossing was seen as vital 10 Mixed use development and activity at Graving Docks site to achieving this long term vision. of vehicle movements and the design of the infrastructure also brings significant downsides for the waterfront 11 Improved connections across railway lines It was recognised that it may not be possible, or desirable, to regeneration. In particular the Expressway physically severs 12 Mixed use development of GHA Broomloan Road site have new shops or a vibrant mix of uses all along this north the waterfront from the West End and Partick; it limits the - south route. However, it was felt that a shop or a active developable space at the waterfront and it detracts from 13 Redevelopment of the Broomloan Road / Hinshelwood sites ground level use at certain corner points or gateways would the environmental quality of the place. Across the UK and 14 Improved gateway at Paisley Road West

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CONCEPT DIAGRAM URBAN FORM CONCEPT DIAGRAM B - BOTANICS TO BELLAHOUSTON

Copyright The contents of this document must not be copied or reproduced 55 in whole or in part without the written consent of Barton Willmore. INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

c - commercial /civic /community

The final main idea / outcome from the workshops was the The scale of corporate investment opportunity along the 1 Mixed use development and activity at Peel site importance of careful integration and interaction between north bank of the Clyde was also seen as a significant 2 Link through Peel site to Clydeside Expressway the three Cs of Commercial interests, Civic provisions and opportunity and strength to the area. There was concensus the Community. These considerations arose through the on the importance of fully realising the potential benefit 3 Mixed use development and activity at riverside sites acknowledged importance of three distinct areas right offered by development of the two sites directly adjacent to 4 A new bridge link at the heart of the charrette study area and focused as a the Riverside Museum. triangle over the River Clyde: the Glasgow Harbour East 5 Re-imagining / redevelopment of Water Row site development site owned by Peel Holdings; the Riverside There was also a significant level of discussion on the Museum; and the community of Govan, which maintains a opportunity of using the strength of community in Govan direct relationship to the river. to feed into the success of these corporate and civic assets to the north of the river. Consideration of the community Although these three areas were the specific focus of aspect was not only to related to respecting the needs of discussions on outcomes and interventions, the balance of the existing residents, including the Showpeople community how to deliver positive change through the joint working of at Water Row, but also how the wider community can grow these interests is also of huge relevance across the whole and expand through appropriate local redevelopment and charrette study area. regeneration.

The Riverside Museum is a recent development that was The potential of a bridge link right at the heart of these considered to be a significant asset to the area. Almost three areas, providing a strong physical connection across 750,000 people visited the museum in 2013, rising to over the conceptual triangle, received very strong support 1,000,000 in the Commonwealth Games year of 2014. Yet this through the charrette discussions. A number of bridge has not yet been sufficient in itself to encourage investment crossing locations and designs were considered, including in adjacent sites or to significantly increase river movements the potential of incorporating some uses/structures on the across to the community of Govan. bridge itself. People felt that, if possible, a bridge that went from Water Row and connected to both sides of the River Kelvin would be best, while also being able to open to allow river traffic to pass.

56 THE CHARRETTE: DAY 2 OUTCOMES: DAY 3 OUTCOMES: FUTURE PLANNING

CONCEPT DIAGRAM C - COMMERCIAL / CIVIC / COMMUNITY

Copyright The contents of this document must not be copied or reproduced 57 in whole or in part without the written consent of Barton Willmore. INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1 the overall concept

a, b, c

The combination of these simple strategies (A, B and C) has the potential to draw towards an overall concept.

Circuits of activity both along the River Clyde and through a new north - south spine that would encourage residents of both Govan and Partick to explore their one shared community asset. Long term and strategic thinking could resolve current weaknesses of each community by combining the strengths of both.

Utilising the strong asset of the green ring of the six major parks that surround Govan and Partick adds greater Pedestrian accessibility with river crossing from Govan Pedestrian accessibility with river crossing from Partick emphasis to the strategic picture.

A new bridge could be at the epicentre of the change. Not only would the bridge connect two sides of the river or indeed two communities, but it also has the potential to reconnect major parts of the city.

Cycle accessibility with river crossing from Govan Cycle accessibility with river crossing from Partick 58 THE CHARRETTE: DAY 2 OUTCOMES: DAY 3 OUTCOMES: FUTURE PLANNING

OVERALL CONCEPT DIAGRAM

Copyright The contents of this document must not be copied or reproduced 59 in whole or in part without the written consent of Barton Willmore. INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

INDICATIVE EXISTING HEAT MAP heat mapping

Existing

This plan indicatively shows areas of activity such as shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs, public buildings and visitor attractions.

It shows that there is a more comprehensive network north of the River which stretches across the West End. This is seen to be defined along Byres Road, Dumbarton Road, Argyle Street and Great Western Road.

These areas of activity are less comprehensive south of the River, mostly defined around Govan Cross and along Paisley Road West.

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INDICATIVE POTENTIAL HEAT MAP

Potential

When mapping some of the potential interventions outlined during the charrette we can see that the network of places and potential areas of activity across Govan, Ibrox and Cessnock could be greatly improved.

This is achieved through new mixed use development, environmental improvements along key routes, improved connectivity through the area and increased population density.

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5 OUTCOMES FUTURE PLANNING 63 INTRODUCTION PRE-CHARRETTE PROCESS THE CHARRETTE: DAY 1

Looking Forward

Glasgow City Council will use this Charrette to commence preparation of the Strategic Development Framework for Govan and Partick. At this early stage, it is impossible to say, what form the framework will take. Nor can we presume the exact nature of its content. Encouragingly however, the Charrette raised some clear and innovative ideas for the City Council to consider in taking the process forward. The Charrette is perhaps best recognised as providing food for thought and perhaps even a counterpoint, in forthcoming discussions with landowners, developers and partner agencies.

In addition to the physical outcomes identified in the last chapter, there were a series of recurring themes that echoed throughout the pre charrette stage and through the charrette itself.

Under each theme Barton Willmore has added a ‘consideration’. These are based on experience of what has worked elsewhere, on what was discussed at the charrette and the general aspiration of community and stakeholders.

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BIG PLANNING AND WEE PLANNING DELIVERY MECHANISMS AND PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP From our earliest discussion with the Central Govan Action Plan team, While there exists a significant, delivery machinery and skillset, south of the through the workshops and then during the Charrette itself, people river which does not currently carry across to the north, the private market is emphasised their desire to see a balance between what they called ‘big a much greater force north of the River. This is a major factor in considering planning’ and ‘wee planning’. The expression of desire for ‘wee planning’ how to deliver the Strategic Development Framework. Whilst attracting the as well as ‘big planning’ was a recognition of the need for more responsive market is the greatest challenge south of the River, managing (or raising) its and place specific approaches to urban development. That the area needs ambitions is the challenge further north. sensitive redesign and reconnection, which put the human experience and the human scale at the forefront of planning and development. This is true The private sector has delivered significant development and improvement for areas in public and private control – recognising that the whole City along the north bank of the Clyde. Peel, SECC and others need to be functions as a common space of use and belonging, regardless of lines on recognised as key contributors to the regeneration of the Clyde with a maps. central role in taking that process forward. That said, discussion at the charrette also identified some local frustrations over what was described as Partly this was in response to what had gone before. Areas like Govan, were a lack of imagination, and an absence of connection and diversity in some witness to the ravages of the comprehensive redevelopment era when large of these developments. Contributors perceived things to be different to the tracts of tenement housing / communities were torn down. Partick too saw south with a greater emphasis upon connecting communities, places and its fair share of planned change with the arrival of the expressway. In each development. case the community based housing associations led the charge against top down planning and effectively championed the retention of tenemental This kind of commentary was not unexpected given that the charrette communities and rehabilitation. Given this history, the call for a balanced identified reconnection as its central theme. However it raised an interesting approach was hardly a surprise. proposition – that all organisations north and south could learn from and benefit each other. That the true form of any partnership should reflect the In today’s parlance, the reference to ‘wee planning’ described the many unique qualities of both the Govan and Partick sides and that this partnership community based initiatives that have contributed significantly to the must be equally public and private in nature. regeneration of the area. Amongst these, there can be no doubt that the work within Govan is significant and an exceptional example of partnership in Consideration 2: The City Council should seek to establish a partnership operation. body (that shares its boundaries with the SDF) which seeks to create a forum where public sector and private sector organisations north and south of the The picture North of the River was however quite different. While the same River Clyde can seek to make mutually beneficial regeneration decisions. notable local and community activity exists, it is generally of a lesser scale, has less impact and has no overarching partnership organisation as a guide. During the charrette a number of contributors felt this a missed opportunity.

Consideration 1: Is there merit in extending the work of the Central Govan Action Plan north of the Clyde and forming a partner organisation that shares its boundary with the SDF.

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HOUSING STRATEGY NORTH AND SOUTH help create high quality environment that can help attract HOUSING DENSITY families into the inner city. During our work in Govan and Partick, discussion identified Restoring the balance of activities and uses to the streets of real and obvious challenges in the delivery of a balanced All the housing associations have made forays into Govan, its surrounding communities and for that matter to housing action plan for both north and south of the river. The affordable private housing through shared ownership and the land between Partick and the River Clyde, was a recurring difficulties in delivering this balance were a constant theme other mechanisms. GHA has a very successful mid market and extremely popular theme throughout the Charrette. that ran through the workshops and during the Charrette rent project in the redeveloped Ibroxholm flats near Paisley Many of the older contributors recalled a time where that itself. Road to the south of the study area. The private sector too, rich mix of uses was not limited to the area around Govan in the shape of Crudens and CCG predominantly, have Cross but extended extensively south toward Paisley Road. To the north of the River the housing mix is significantly worked hard to encourage private sales in Govan. However Indeed many spoke of the similarities between the way these skewed toward the private market and owner occupation. despite some very stylish and modern developments, private communities used to look and the present day mix of uses The market works well for those who own their own property sector interest remains relatively limited south of the River. found in the West End and Partick. but proves a very significant challenge to those trying to gain a foothold in that market. The situation begs the question of whether a specific While the charrette focused upon physical connections there housing strategy could be evolved that is focused cross river was also an awareness that the experience of the journey Local housing associations struggle to compete with private upon both Govan and Partick. It was a recurring and to some was critical and that seeing other people on the streets developers for new housing sites (albeit some affordable extent obvious question through the charrette as to whether was important to achieving this. One of the more telling housing has been delivered in Partick and the surrounding only by working together would the larger area have the images of the charrette was a graphic showing very different area); a situation that has been exacerbated recently with potential to deal with this imbalance. Can student housing population densities that exist north and south of the river. the acceleration of developments of purpose built student be encouraged south of the River and restricted to the north; Population density in Govan is approximately one quarter of accommodation; developers in this area seem to be capable can tenure restrictions be applied that ensure more private that in Partick. In very simple terms, that’s 75% less people on of paying even higher land prices than private housing housing further south; can private housing north of the river the streets. developers. accommodate a greater mix of tenure? It is therefore imperative that as a backdrop to broader South of the River the balance is diametrically opposed. Consideration 3: The SDF should be partnered by a single discussion on physical connections, the SDF also recognises Here, the Community Based Housing Associations remain Housing Strategy that shares its boundary with the planning the importance of population density. The activity levels at the heart of the development process and together document. that contributors aspired to at the waterfront, and along have built up a very significant body of well managed social key routes and the mixed use environment that this would housing. They are joined by GHA who having cleared large demand cannot happen without people. That rich and areas of difficult stock now manage and maintain a much diverse environment in the West End is significantly shaped healthier yet still significant accommodation. by the level of population and corresponding street activity. Furthermore, the East Govan and Ibrox TRA seeks to deliver more than just housing and is a key component of the wider regeneration of Govan. Sites held by GHA also provide the opportunity to link the river corridor south, into the heart of the regeneration area. A mixed use approach here could

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This is not always an easy problem to resolve. There is THE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK AND It was repeated throughout the charrette that this project often pressure locally for less dense housing. However in ITS KEY SITES – ENGAGING WITH DEVELOPERS AND is unusual in that it has so many committed schemes and developing a significant number of sites to the south, a BUILDING MOMENTUM proposals. Within the next five to ten years we will likely see balance must be struck between demands for front and progress on at least the Peel site and the TRA. Glasgow The Charrette identified a number of large strategic moves. back gardens / private space and the needs of the local University currently has an agreement in place to acquire the It deliberately focussed upon the strategic opportunities and communities (and that particular Govan / Partick Community) Western Infirmary site, Yorkhill will soon be marketed and not the needs of individual sites and landowners. Usefully, overall. More people, means more shops, cafes and facilities. the developers for the Graving Docks are in the process of a number of landowners and developers attended the Repopulation and redensification of Govan was a very strong considering how to take forward that site. It is therefore not charrette / or the pre charrette workshops. Their views were theme throughout the charrette. only a positive development context but an ideal time for incorporated but at the same time other ideas for their land offering guidance and trying to influence these processes. Consideration 4: Raising population levels and increasing and land around their sites were heard. population density between Partick and the River, alongside But not everyone may feel the same. The SDF is a strategic The value of the charrette, that this discussion can take place the River, and south of Govan Cross should be a key planning document. Many developers and landowners will away from the normal pressures of site delivery, is a strength; objective of the SDF. Population density should be focused view its progression with interest but given the fact that they it is however also a potential criticism. The SDF must deal upon the key routes, gateways and edges identified through have proposals already for their site they might not all see it explicitly with (and look to resolve) the balance of strategic the charrette process. as a particularly useful document. The SDF will take time to ‘City’ (or Govan Partick) objectives and the needs and put together and be adopted. By the point of its adoption aspirations of individual developers and landowners. some of these sites may have moved forward significantly. The delivery of the three big moves is dependent upon a Therefore there is a need for the City Council to begin now number of key sites. to consider the implications of the Charrette on existing proposals. • The Peel Site and Water Row feature at the heart of all three strategic moves. They are currently being Critical in convincing developers of the value of the charrette promoted for a commercial and a mixed development and the SDF is an early emphasis upon what the SDF respectively. The latter is also the subject of some brings by way of infrastructure funding and site preparation debate between the City and a number of local investment. groups. Consideration 5: Is there merit in a further discussion • The Graving Docks and the SECC site also feature specifically focused upon the development industry, on the strongly in the idea of increasing Activity along the outcomes of the charrette and on how precisely the City Riverside. Council could support developers proposals through the • The TRA further south and development south of City Deal funding – ‘Delivering Govan / Partick’. This could Partick Cross generally, are central to the concept of potentially link through to Consideration 2. linking the Botanics to Bellahouston.

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ACTIVITY: DELIVERING MIXED USE This last aspect is critical to the delivery of the central plank of conversation at the Charrette – the need to increase activity in the River, on the River and alongside the River Clyde.

The consensus view of those individuals and groups that participated in the charrette was that all development alongside the River should take every opportunity to increase levels of activity, density and mixed use. In addition the consensus view was that developments that encourage activity should be regarded positively even if they fell below standards on parking and open space or for that matter challenged detailed policies. In other words the increase of population density and activity at these key sites is the priority.

Consideration 6: The SDF process and team should focus particular energy in the short to medium term engaging on the key sites (and with the respective landowners and developers) that emerged during the charrette process. The SDF itself should recognise the creation of greater activity and mixed use along the river and on these sites as the priority for the City.

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OUTCOMES - FUTURE PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS 1 BIG STUFF AND WEE STUFF Is there merit in extending the work of the Central Govan Action Plan north of the Clyde and forming a partner organisation that shares its boundary with the SDF. 2 DELIVERY MECHANISMS AND PUBLIC Establish a partner organisation (that shares its boundary with PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP the SDF) with equal representation from public and private organisations north and south of the River Clyde.

3 HOUSING STRATEGY NORTH AND SOUTH The SDF should be partnered by a single Housing Strategy that shares its boundary with the planning document.

4 HOUSING DENSITY Raising population levels and increasing population density between Partick and the River, alongside the north and south of the River, and south of Govan Cross should be a key objective of the SDF. Population density should be focused upon the key routes, gateways and edge identified through the charrette process.

5 THE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT Is there merit in a further discussion specifically focused FRAMEWORK AND ITS KEY SITES upon the development industry, on the outcomes of the charrette and on how precisely the City Council could support developers proposals through the City Deal funding – ‘Delivering Govan / Partick’. This could potentially link through to Consideration 2. 6 ACTIVITY: DELIVERING MIXED USE The SDF process and team should focus particular energy in the short to medium term engaging on the key sites (and with the respective landowners and developers) that emerged during the charrette process. The SDF itself should recognise the creation of greater activity and mixed use along the river and on these sites as the priority for the City.

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