DETAILS of a new vision for the historic Govan Graving Docks have been revealed with up to three-quarters of the site earmarked for a maritime heritage complex. Several hundred flats are also proposed.
A document drawn up for developer New City Vision — setting out the current status of the proposals — states that housing will be reduced to around 310 units, compared with 750 in a previous plan which city officials rejected.
That refusal prompted a rethink which has led to a significantly different strategy, produced by architects O’Donnell Brown, which puts the culture and heritage of the site to the fore.
The new approach centres around three key priorities:
— Delivering appropriate maritime heritage and cultural activity on the site
— Reinstating Dry Dock 1 for berthing and ship repair
— Delivering reduced housing numbers, 50 per cent of which will be ‘affordable’
Among the proposals is a bridge connecting with Pacific Quay and reinstatement of a historic north-south route through the docks — known as Highland Lane — in the form of a covered pier with workshop and event space, walkway and viewing platform.
The document states: “The greater part of the overall scheme is to be dedicated to a maritime heritage complex, to include docking facilities for historic ships, as well as for berthing and ship repairs.
“The details of this scheme are necessarily at the preliminary stages because the project team have sought input from, and are in discussions with, key maritime heritage stakeholders.”
These include Clyde Dock Preservation Trust, Central Govan Action Plan Group, TS Queen Mary Preservation Trust, Waverley Steamer Trust, Glasgow City Council and Govan Community Council.
The report adds: “New City Vision has initiated and led those discussions, and are prepared to dedicate three-quarters of the site for an enhanced maritime heritage complex which will complement the relatively restricted residential land use.
“The intention is to offer something highly significant in terms of social, cultural and historical value to the city.”
Housing is proposed for several areas. There would be accommodation in three apartment blocks, fronting on to Govan Road, providing a 50/50 mix of affordable and private rent or sale apartments.
Two tenement blocks would be built at Clydebrae Street “overlooking and wrapping” around the basin located in the west of the site, offering apartments intended for private sale or rent.
Finally, at Stag Street there would be a single block overlooking dock No 2, offering flats for private sale or rent.
The document also explains: “New City Vision aim to transform the site from its current derelict, dilapidated, state into something useful, and which allows people in the local community, or coming into the local community, to find space to start and grow creative or social enterprise through the making available of affordable and easy access space for start-up enterprises, communities, and ‘better places’.”
It’s anticipated that the first, short-term, phase of development would consist of re-instating Dry Dock 1; The Highland Lane Pier structure; workshop space at Stag Street; and a skills training hub,
The full scheme would be phased over 10 years and would include restoration of the pump house and other Grade A listed-structures
The next stage will be formal re-engagment with statutory consultees and stakeholders.
The Graving Docks were used last year for scenes in major World War One movie 1917.