A DERELICT site once central to the Clyde’s shipbuilding industry is set to be transformed following a £2.4million award.

Govan Graving Docks were used for final painting and repair of vessels but have lain empty for 40 years.

The grant from the Scottish Government’s vacant and derelict land investment programme will be used to upgrade a riverside walkway and create green space by 2025, to help attract business investment, reverse biodiversity loss and habitat decline and create a visitor attraction.

Further restoration of the historic dockyard will see it used for repairing heritage vessels, while a footbridge linking the site to neighbouring visitor destinations including the Glasgow Science Centre is planned once private sector funding is secured.

Councillor Richard Bell, depute leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The Govan Graving Docks is a unique site in Glasgow, offering both a glimpse of the city’s past and a view into a future where we realise the potential of this remarkable Clydeside location.

“The very welcome announcement of £2.4million funding will allow work to dramatically improve the appearance of the site, create new public green space to be co-designed by the local community, and improve access and connections to Glasgow Science Centre.

“The support announced today will hopefully act as a catalyst for future funding and the development of further stages in the regeneration of the Graving Docks.”

In 2019, the docks were used as a location for major World War One movie 1917.