 | | Our infrastructure works have improved - and will continue to improve - the connections between the Glasgow Harbour development site, the waterfront and neighbouring areas in the West End, Partick, Broomhill, Thornwood and Whiteinch.
The position and size of the site posed some challenges during the masterplanning process. The site has been cut off from surrounding areas for some time, both through its ship yard and industrial uses, but also because of the Clydeside Expressway and the barrier it creates.
However, for the development to work it was vital that we overcame this disconnection, and create access to the Clyde and Kelvin waterfront - waterfront that has not been accessible to the general public for many decades. And a number of methods have been used to achieve this.
Firstly, all of the development plots within Glasgow Harbour have been carefully aligned with streets within the exisiting surrounding areas. These add a sense of continuity and connection, and what architects call 'view corridors' - in short, it means that you can stand on a street in, say, Broomhill and look down through Glasgow Harbour and onto the Clyde.
Secondly, where possible we have removed barriers - most noticably, the redundant railway embankment at South Street. This involved removing 60,000 cubic metres of material in order to create better physical access and views between Glasgow Harbour, Partick, Broomhill, Thornwood and the West End. The embankment was previously a towering barrier, and its removal has opened up the site and the waterfront hugely, meaning that everyone can enjoy new views of the Clyde and easily access the new facilities at Glasgow Harbour.
A vital, but often overlooked - element of these new facilities is the public space we are putting in at Glasgow Harbour. Around 30% of the development site will be public open space, park land, walkways and landscaped areas. This includes an 11-acre public park and around 3km of high quality, granite-paved Clyde and Kelvin riverside walk and cycle way. These facilities will be developed in phases with the rest of the development, and have a vital role in creating a green, vibrant and pleasant environment - for all of the community to enjoy. The first phase is already open to the public, and the next phase is underway.
The final stage of the infrastructure process is also underway - creating new connections between Glasgow Harbour and surrounding areas. A major series of road works is due to be completed by late 2007. This £25 million programme of works - which is funded by Glasgow Harbour with contributions from the EU and Scottish Enterprise - will improve the local road network and relieve current traffic congestion. But, most importantly, we will also be creating new road and pedestrian bridges over the Kelvin and over the Clydeside Expressway.
Just one of the benefits of these works will be direct access between Glasgow Harbour and Partick interchange - the station serving Glasgow Harbour, which is currently undergoing £12m improvements.
Over and above these improvements is a new public transport link planned by the city. Possibly taking the format of a light rail service (LRT), this system will provide convenient, efficient and reliable travel between Glasgow Harbour, the West End and city centre. We are currently in discussion with Glasgow City Council about this transport link, and have reserved a route within the development.
Local Councillor for Hayburn, Eamon Fitzgerald JP, comments on the Meadow Road underpass:
"As local councillor, I am delighted with what has been achieved to link our community with its new neighbourhood at Glasgow Harbour.
"This really does make it easy and safe to drop down to the riverside to use the public open space and splendid walkway which is there for everyone to enjoy.
"I urge you to take a walk down Meadow Road and stop to see the children's splendid work. See if you recognise familiar landmarks depicted.
"Congratulations to the children, staff and Glasgow Harbour for an inspired way of 'saying come and see us'."
Find out more about:
How to get to Glasgow Harbour
Road works & improvements
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