CLYDE WATERFRONT GREEN NETWORK STRATEGY 1 Clyde Waterfront Green Network Strategy 2 CLYDE WATERFRONT GREEN NETWORK STRATEGY 3 Contents 01 Introduction 02 Context 03 Methodology 04 Network Characteristics 05 Strategic Framework 06 Proposed Projects 07 Delivery and Implementation 08 Next Steps 4 “ The Green Network is an ambitious 20 year programme, which will link parks, walkways, woodlands and countryside along miles of path and cycle routes bringing 01 a range of social, economic and environmental benefits Introduction to the Glasgow Metropolitan Region. Our Vision is for a transformed environment which improves lives and communities and lets business flourish.” Glasgow Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership CLYDE WATERFRONT GREEN NETWORK STRATEGY 5 River Clyde Understanding the Green Network The Green Network approach seeks to create Understanding these benefits drives identification incidental spaces within built up areas. They a series of connected, complimentary and of opportunities for and delivery of change in the can and should provide for a range of functions high quality greenspaces across the Glasgow short, medium and long term. Green Networks can encompassing wildlife havens, recreation and Metropolitan Region. help to; cultural experiences, organised sport and informal amenity/play. They operate at all spatial levels, The concept of Green Networks advocates a • Encourage stronger communities by creating from small scale spaces in urban centres, through joined-up approach to environmental management: places to be proud of suburban fringe, to wider open countryside. Rather than concentrating on individual sites in • Improve health by supporting active lifestyles and isolation, the approach considers the relationship enhancing a sense of well-being Objectives between greenspaces, habitats and the needs • Support biodiversity and environmental of surroundings communities; defining assets, The main objective of this Green Network Strategy sustainability by creating connected habitats articulating a clear strategy and providing a policy is to set out a bold and imaginative framework framework in which to set priorities for investment. • Stimulate enterprise and boost local economies for Clyde Waterfront that can help deliver a step Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network by increasing confidence in areas change in the quality of its greenspace assets. This Partnership (GCV GNP) is the organisation tasked is about improving the setting and competitiveness Green Networks vary from place to place, and with delivering the strategy. of this place; attracting investment, enhancing can incorporate a range of different greenspace quality of life, improving biodiversity and assets, including for example green corridors, It is increasingly recognised that high quality encouraging healthy lifestyles. Green Networks can provide multiple benefits. semi-natural spaces, managed public parks and 6 The strategy is based on the outcomes of a study corridors that connect into the River Clyde can be are many spaces which are of much poorer quality. project which set out to: enhanced, by creating and improving spaces that These represent improvement priorities, linked to act as their ‘gateways’, drawing movement to and wider regeneration initiatives and development • Identify how the development of a Green from the wider countryside. proposals. A strategic approach will co-ordinate Network along the Clyde Waterfront would such opportunities to improve quality and diversify While Clyde Waterfront is home to greenspaces of align with the Scottish Government’s Strategic provision and function, helping create greenspace exceptional quality and character, such as Glasgow Objectives - and other policy initiatives and assets that are complimentary and balanced. documents - thus supporting the Strategic Green, Kelvingrove Park and Victoria Park, there Outline Case for intervention. • Identify how a Green Network could help support ongoing urban regeneration initiatives. • Identify how a Green Network could stimulate and support further development along the Clyde Waterfront,framing and delivering a shared vision for change. Understanding the Opportunity A review of existing greenspace assets reveals substantial scope for improvement, but at the same time great potential for change that can have wide reaching benefits. The Clyde Waterfront Green Network provides particular opportunities to enhance existing green corridors in a way that better connects Greater Glasgow’s communities with the wider countryside. Considerable progress has been made creating active waterfronts along the banks of the River Clyde. This progress should be supported further, in tandem with measures to reinforce provision of quality greenspace. In particular, north-south green Key Opportunities: Clyde Waterfront Green Network CLYDE WATERFRONT GREEN NETWORK STRATEGY 7 There are particular opportunities to... help to attract economically active residents, • Create connections between communities attract inward investment and help to increase and key destinations - including employment ... Encourage stronger communities property values. This is particularly significant locations, key centres and leisure/tourism • Improve the quality of urban life within the for the Clyde Waterfront where many existing destinations. Improvements to the network corridor - making it an attractive place to live. neighbourhoods suffer from low demand housing can not only link greenspace assets but also Good quality greenspace can help to raise the market conditions and where substantial new offer potential to link communities to key image and perception of the area and help to residential development seeks to mix the housing locations and centres. The potential to improve restore confidence. High quality greenspace can offer of waterfront. connections between communities to the waterfront and in turn Glasgow City Centre is apparent. ... Improve health • Respond to local community needs for recreational activity leading to healthier lifestyles. Many of the areas along the Clyde Waterfront have populations which suffer from poor health recreational activity leading to healthier lifestyles. ... Support biodiversity and environmental sustainability • Provide substantial ecological benefit and help to alleviate flood risk. The Green Network provides a comprehensive habitat for wildlife. There are a number of important wildlife habitats within the study area. However there are opportunities to deliver greater diversity in terms of habitat creation within the Green Network. In addition, there is potential to assist natural flood water storage. Benefits of the Green Network 8 ... Stimulate enterprise and boost local River Clyde looking towards Clydebank and Erskine Glasgow city centre looking towards Glasgow Green economies • Help to deliver economic benefits. Green Network investment can create attractive environments encouraging future commercial and business investment. Clyde Waterfront is a key driver of economic growth within the West of Scotland. Considerable progress has been made in the creation of a comprehensive economic destination. Both Glasgow City Centre and Pacific Quay represent key employment nodes. • Underpin and promote tourism and heritage activity. The Clyde Waterfront Green Network can play a significant part in underpinning tourism and promoting local heritage. For example, an established heritage trail is in place and will be complemented by attractions such as the Riverside Museum and ferry services along the river. The Green Network can help to connect these assets. “Progress does not demand a “You can take beauty to the bank. degraded environment. Beauty Special places have economic is good for business. There value. It’s the placemaking is a business case to respect dividend. People stay longer and and honour the land. It creates they return.” tremendous value in real estate.” (Ed McMahon – Founding Father of Green Infrastructure) (Pat Noonan – Founder of the US Conservation Fund) CLYDE WATERFRONT GREEN NETWORK STRATEGY 9 10 Policy Context The most relevant policy documents influencing the NPF2 recognises that the Glasgow and Clyde Clyde Waterfront Green Network Strategy are the Valley Green Network Partnership is delivering National Planning Framework 2 [NPF2] (2009) and this National Development in the west Central Belt The GCV Structure Plan (2006). by “taking forward a programme of greenspace enhancement designed to promote healthier The GCV Structure Plan (2006) identified a high lifestyles, better environments, greater biodiversity, quality, multifunctional Green Network spanning stronger communities and economic opportunity.” the metropolitan region as one of its key three And that “priority is being given to key urban themes which would deliver sustainable economic regeneration areas such as the Clyde Waterfront”. growth for the area. In 2007 the GCV Green 02 Network Partnership was formally launched to work The Clyde Waterfront is given flagship regeneration strategically in coordinating and facilitating delivery status in the GCV Structure Plan and NPF2 identifies Context of the Green Network. the “Clyde Waterfront as one of six key locations in the Central Belt where major change is taking NPF2 identifies the Central Scotland Green Network place, and where the scale and complexity of issues as one of fourteen “National Developments” in demands co-ordinated action”. This national and recognition that its delivery “offers the opportunity regional prioritisation of