Inside masterplan that will shape the regeneration of North Laurieston

The draft North Laurieston Masterplan has been developed in a partnership between Glasgow City Council and New Gorbals Housing Association and was prepared by consultants, Elder & Cannon Architects. The draft Masterplan will soon go out to public consultation for six weeks in May and June.

The Masterplan’s origins lie in development frameworks for the city centre and south of the Clyde, and an ambition to support development that repairs and re-densifies the area into a liveable district that respects its cultural and historic assets while also connecting to a reinvigorated waterfront. Proposals include the development of vacant land and buildings there.

The vision of the Masterplan considers the short, medium and long-term needs of the local community and North Laurieston’s strategic importance in terms of its connection to nearby neighbourhoods that have been successfully regenerated. The vision aims to transform the district through:

• Re-connecting North Laurieston to the city centre, Tradeston, New Gorbals and the rest of Laurieston;
• Reinstating the urban form, addressing gap sites, the civic waterfront and improving connections;
• Revitalising existing heritage assets, streets and public spaces; and
• Re-establishing a vibrant neighbourhood on the city’s South Bank.

Key proposals in the masterplan include bringing vacant buildings - including much of the listed properties on Carlton Place - back to productive use; improving the quality and attractiveness of local streets and spaces to tackle the pervasive environmental decay in the area; and redeveloping vacant gap sites.

Some of this work is likely to be longer-term, so the initial approach will be infrastructure-first - focusing on improving the quality of the public realm will be key to building investor and attracting developer interest.

The council will work with owners on the management and enhancement of their heritage buildings, and will use statutory powers if needed to address deteriorating heritage buildings and bring them back to productive use.

The masterplan, which is being prepared by the New Gorbals Housing Association and Glasgow City Council aims to tackle short term problems as well as long standing issues.

The document reads: “This masterplan aims to encourage and guide the future physical redevelopment of vacant land and buildings and also deliver improvements for the community.

“The masterplan will show how the area could change for the better in future and also consider the more immediate needs of the community and its environment. North Laurieston may currently appear forgotten. However, this once thriving neighbourhood on the south bank of the River Clyde is imbued with social, cultural and historical significance that will be central to its regeneration.”

The masterplan aims to make the traffic dominated streets more ‘people friendly’ and create more space for walking, cycling, and access to shops, cafés and sitting out.

Ideas include connecting paths to the railway archway to the Gorbals and new Laurieston housing routes, widening pavements and boosting safety with lighting and better overlooking of pavements.

Councillor Siddique said: “I am pleased that my cross-party meetings have resulted in progress. This second consultation is another welcomed opportunity for local people to have their say on the future of North Laurieston. The area has huge potential, and by working together we can ensure that new development strengthens the community and reflects the priorities of those who live here.”

The Southside Central politician added: “The unique heritage buildings must be an integral part of the area’s future. All levels of government must work together to achieve the best possible outcome – a place where people feel safe to live, work, put down roots and enjoy the area.”