A PATH for pedestrians and cyclists is being proposed beside Pinkston Canal Basin as a vital link between two major Glasgow developments.
Scottish Canals have applied for planning permission to landscape rundown former industrial land at Mid Wharf Street.
The aim is to provide an “accessible, safe and attractive traffic-free route” connecting massive regeneration projects at Sighthill and Dundashill as well as tying in with the redeveloped pedestrian bridge over the M8 linking to the City Centre beyond.
It is hoped that the ‘skow’ boat, a rusted relic retrieved from the bottom of the Forth and Clyde Canal, could be given a new lease of life as a focal point in a new area of public realm.
The path would pass through the corner site where the boat is and wrap around it. Heritage interpretation and seating would also be provided.
Other remnants from the wharf’s industrial past would be integrated within the public realm design.
The wharfside edge is wider than most towpaths having previously accommodated a railway line taking goods to and from canal boats.
It overlooks the activities of Pinkston Watersports including white water canoeing and training for water-based emergency services.
Application documents describe the green space between Payne Street and Mid Wharf Street as “a valuable amenity which would be greatly enhanced with public realm improvement for access.
“Dialogue is ongoing with Parkour Scotland to combine this with a national landmark facility that would complement the adjacent urban sports.”
The route would connect the Dundashill development site, above, and Sighthill, below.