‘Crucial’ Clyde Project Phase in full force
Transforming the waterfront – phase two of the River Clyde masterplan is underway, posing an ‘opportunity for development’ in Glasgow city centre.
The Custom House Quay project is currently going through the second phase of consultation, following an engagement event in the City Chambers in late January.
Proposals by designers, New Practice, have been sent around to local councils, who are urging residents to share their thoughts on the plan for the riverfront.
Tom Napper, secretary of Kinning Community Council, said: “This is a good opportunity for development in the area that needs it but it should be balanced with a long term view of other areas in the city.”
He says that the quay redevelopment is crucial, otherwise it will not be possible to expand into the next chapter that the council is aiming for.
He added: “There needs to be a forum for advocating for similar changes in other parts of the city.”
Introduced under the title, Meet our Waterfront, New Practice believes the city centre waterfront plan will provide important engagement to reach stakeholders.
The River Clyde plays an important role in Glasgow’s history, and is, according to the designers, described with: “Glasgow made the Clyde, and the Clyde made Glasgow.”
The Clyde has been in the process of finding its new identity, and New Practice aims to welcome more social interaction to the area.
They want to improve the structure and quality of the bank walls, which should create a better experience for pedestrians and cyclists around the river.
New Practice has been generating online engagement tools, such as surveys and walking tours to build excitement and participation around the “once in a generation” project.
Carol Lao, Tradeston resident, said: “I am excited to see this project come to life, I really want to see the Clyde flourish into an open area, becoming a hub for socialising outside.
As someone new to the city, I find it thrilling to follow the city’s various regenerative projects, and I, for one, cannot wait to use the improved bank.”
The project is funded by the Glasgow Region City Deal, and it was developed in response to Glasgow City Council’s City Development Plan, which plays a vital role in improving the city.
The New Practice project is focused on reimagining the existing open spaces around the River Clyde, delivering utility space for the city in the form of an accessible urban park.
Jaye Mackay, young professional, said: “I would like to see cycle paths improved along the riverbank, as it would improve my commute to work.
As a young professional, I would also feel much safer whilst cycling and it would really shorten my commute along the river in the mornings.”
A public consultation was put into force back in Autumn 2024, where design proposals received feedback during what they named: “Community Engagement Phase 1”.
Now, the second phase of consultation is underway and a feedback link for residents from local councils is set to be filled before 13 February 2025.
