Glasgow | Public Realm | News & Developments

[milton]

Haha - brilliant! I'd never put the two of those together before.
I wonder if they'll do anymore free concerts again? I went to the one in the Park years ago, and then the one in the Botanics a couple of years back... great days. The Botanics one was especially good as it had been the most rotten summer, and that day was glorious sunshine!
Someone should do a gig in Kelvingrove, with a stage set up on the path, using the hill as a natural amphitheatre.

[maccoinnich]

Was the Botanics one you're talking about in the summer of 2004, as part of the West End festival? If so that's the gig I was talking about. Really really good day out, with great music, and, as you mention, gorgeous weather. There were about 20 of us on the train over to Glasgow.

[milton]

That's the one, mac! It was a great day

[istanbul05]

I was wandering round the riverside at the weekend and noticed a 'no pedestrians' sign adjacent to the STV building on the river front. An attempt has also been made to prevent pedestrians from taking a left hand turn off the bell's bridge on the southside of the river and pedestrians are restricted from either going under or over the squinty bridge on the south bank.

Speaking to a pal who lives in the flats next to the QE3 building he told me residents are attempting to block pedestrian access along the river between themselves and the river.

I'm worried about the private ownership of space along the riverside and its implications for the walkability of the clyde. Any ideas of what the council and developers view of this is? It would be a disaster if all the public money invested in the riverfront led to a succession of gated communities, CCTV cameras, fences and security guards preventing a stroll along the clyde, or a broken route involving walking around individual developments.

Shouldn't the point be an continuous walkable route along both sides of the clyde if we are to bring life back to the area? I think this is a real concern and whilst I recognise the importance of defensible space in producing a sense of security and safety for residents, most of us are quite happy to have council maintained pavements available to all outside our flats/houses.

I'm now concerned a lobby of private owners (residential and commercial) will believe they have bought a piece of the clydeside that no one else is allowed to use. This would not only turn people away from supporting the clyde as a regeneration project for the whole city but raise questions about spending public money on the area. Sorry for the length of my post and my unannounced entry to your forum, but I would like to hear some debate about this.

[Chief]

No need to apologise at all mate - you've raised an important and very valid point. I think we have discussed this before, but it was quite a while back.

You're absolutely right that if we want life back on the riverfront then we have to keep it open access. I think the last time we discussed this, we weren't holding out much hope for the south bank, because GCC is too inept to actually do the right thing and tell developers that the river belongs to the city, not to their customers.

There is more hope for the north bank, however, with the only obstacle being the 'modern' block of flats situated just west of the Kingston Bridge. Last I heard, GCC were trying to negotiate open access rights?

Maybe someone else has more up to date info.

[The Boy David]

Yep, from my point of view you are absolutely right, Istanbul05.

The Clyde should not become a long line of private property and a yuppie mecca where only the well paid get anywhere near large chunks of the riverside.

Of course, every flat/house/skyscraper needs it's own private property for the residents to use exclusively (when you pay so much you at least deserve some private land to go with it), but these areas should be set back from the river front, so that both the public and the resident can enjoy views and space beside the water.

The best example I can think of where this is the case is in Vancouver. All around the bay (which surrounds downtown on 3 sides), there is a large public walkway for everyone to use, and then slightly set back from this are the 20-30 story condo's. These condos have their own gardens and spaces which are slightly raised from the pedestrian areas, giving them the same view of the water (if not better) and their own private space away from the public. It seems to be a pretty good way of working it - everyone gets what they want.


So if people start building properties right on the riverside here in Glasgow, there is no space to have two separate areas for both parties, and this is a terrible flaw. At the end of the day, money talks, and so the residents will end up privatizing the land if developers keep on building so close to the riverside.

This, as we have said before, is absolutely unacceptable.

[M_Riaz]

Istanbul 05 thanks for highlighting a very sensitive issue which my community council and residents association are negotiating with GCC at this time and moment.

The owners of the estates which have river front walkways each own a piece of the riverfront as it is in their deeds when they purchase the property hence they are responsible for the maintenence and upkeep of their property communaly along with other owners within that estate.

When a person buys a detached or semi detached house with gardens they own their piece of garden which they may do with what they want so long as it is within the law.

The problem is that in an ideal world the opening of riverside walkways is all fine and well to the general public but ...who would take on the responsibilty of public liabilty!! GCC certainly dont want to take the responsability as we have been battling with them over the last few years.

STV and ourselves the Mavisbank Quay estate have legaly & rightfuly blocked the openings to right of way to the public untill who takes responsibility of public liabilty.

As i say i am all for the right of way for open riverside walkways but not at the expense of the owners, GCC have to come up with a radical plan for their river regenration plans if it wants to draw people to the riversides on both banks.

This is a doc i have had in my files for a while on the River Clyde promanade which the council have plans for ...so lets see what they do in the future for our great river.

Mo

[ClydeWaterfront]

I'm worried about the private ownership of space along the riverside and its implications for the walkability of the clyde. Any ideas of what the council and developers view of this is?

Shouldn't the point be an continuous walkable route along both sides of the clyde if we are to bring life back to the area?

There are two areas on the south bank of the Clyde which were developed for housing before the current strategy for a public walkway on boths banks of the Clyde was put in place. This creates a problem for GCC and the residents in negotiating a solution to this. Clyde Waterfront are aware of the problem but not involved in the detail of the negotiations.

All new developments have clear public rights of way along the river bank. For example at Glasgow Harbour there is a wide public walkway with private gardens for the residents just above and behind the walkway over the basement car parks. The intent is to have a walkway all along the Clyde other than where shipyards sewage works and port operations prevent access. The improvements at Broomielaw and Tradeston have just started as part of this process.

[M_Riaz]

pdf file on it here, asdfg

Originally Posted by asdfg

Does anyone have any more information about the Greenhouse?

The only other information I can find is here http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/s...ticleid=195770, but it doesn't say when it's due to be built or its exact location (between Duke St and Gallowgate... so is that College Business Park?).

[asdfg]

Originally Posted by M_Riaz

pdf file on it here, asdfg

Thanks for the link.

Unfortunately, it's for a different business sector from what I had hoped, but at least I know now.

[M_Riaz]

GCC items 15 & 16

Cooncil using the publics ideas for a change,bout time too.

PARKS ENHANCED VISITOR FACILITIES
BELLAHOUSTON PARK
PROPOSED TENDER FOR LEASE OF PART OF PLANT PRODUCTION DEPOT

Recommendations
I recommend, therefore, that Committee approves the issue of tenders to ascertain the Best
Value facility for this location and negotiations of a lease to the preferred bidder to enable the
development and operation of a Garden Centre in Bellahouston Park as an enhanced visitor
facility for Glasgow.

THE PROPOSAL
The responses were assessed as suitable for inclusion in Bellahouston Park as they fit with
our model of optimisation of Council property.
The area identified in Bellahouston Park suitable to accommodate such proposals is part of
the existing plant production depot at the east end of Bellahouston Park accessed from
Dumbreck Road and close to the existing dry ski slope. We would propose to retain our
plant production on this site but with rationalisation of the space an area available of up to
7.7 acres could be made available for this proposal which would bring a significant visitor
attraction to the park.
There will be costs associated with re – organising the existing plant production facility and
storage areas in Bellahouston Park to make the site available. This cost would depend on
the area required and would be borne by the successful tenderer.
The tender process for the selecting Parks Enhanced Visitor Facilities has been agreed
with Development and Regeneration Services and the Council’s Legal Section.
BENEFITS
The benefits are that such a facility, which is lacking in Glasgow, would:
1. Attract a large steady flow of visitors all year round.
2. It borders on an area of high amenity housing and would have an instant additional
year round appeal of the park to residents in the surrounding area.
3. There would be significant financial gain, in the form of equity, to the Council over the
lease period which is expected to be for a minimum of 25 years to a maximum of 99
years, dependant on the successful tenderer.
4. Income to the Council would also be generated from business rates.
5. The Council’s gardening apprentices could be seconded for periods to the Garden
Centre to gain retail experience in this field.
6. The scale of the proposed operations would create around 25 to 100 new jobs in the
area, depending on the successful tendered option.
7. The existing derelict walled garden included in the area identified for this facility would
be restored by the successful tenderer and would be open to the general public free of

---------------------------------------------------------
PARKS ENHANCED VISITOR FACILITIES
BOTANIC GARDENS
PROPOSED LEASE OF THE FORMER RAILWAY STATION SITE IN THE BOTANIC
GARDENS FRONTING ON TO GREAT WESTERN ROAD

Images of the abandoned station.

BACKGROUND
In January 2006, the Parks and Facilities Committee approved a report from Land Services
outlining the mechanism whereby improvements could be made to visitor facilities in Parks.
The actions contained in that report were derived from the Parks & Open Spaces Strategic
Best Value Review and Implementation Plan, which identified a need to enhance and
develop facilities and amenities in Glasgow’s parks.
As part of this programme, an advertisement was placed in the Glasgow Herald on 23
March 2006 seeking expressions of interest for business opportunities in Kelvingrove Park
and the Botanic Gardens.
Agreement was reached with Development and Regeneration Services and the Council’s
Legal section on the selection and tender processes and in August 2006, tenders were
issued for Parks Business Opportunities for the Botanic Gardens former Railway Station
site.
Only one suitable submission was received. This proposal is by the G1 Group and is for
the reconstruction of the former James Miller Railway Station building with the front and
gable elevations replicated from the original building and a contemporary rear glass
elevation along with the development of the subterranean platform areas. This would
provide a family orientated Café-bar and restaurant on the ground and first floors and a
performance / conference facility at one end of the subterranean platform level and a
nightclub / venue at the other, all accessed from the Botanic Gardens and Great Western
Road.
2. THE PROPOSAL
G1 have offered a fixed rental bid of £5, 000 per annum for the first 5 years rising to £12,000
per annum thereafter plus additional capital investment within the gardens of:-
2.1. £100,000 to improve the load carrying capacity of the tunnel under the gardens and
Great Western Road.
2.2. A Children’s Play area to be designed by Land & Environmental Services which will be
established next to the railway station site with costs in the region of £100,000 -
£120,000.
2.3. The construction of a miniature railway with reproductions of the Caledonian Railway
Company’s engines with this being in the region of £80,000 - £100,000.
2.4. The construction of a bandstand in a style keeping with the Botanic Gardens valued at
some £50,000.
2.5. The design of a temporary pavilion into the existing landscape which could be erected for
special events or performances such as “Bard in the Botanics” which could come into
play during periods of inclement weather with this being in the order of £50,000.
It is projected that the Botanic Gardens will welcome in excess of 600,000 visitors this year.
Clearly this is in part due to the re-opening of the Kibble Palace.
Over and above the financial contributions detailed above, the proposal to rebuild the Botanic
Station will provide the garden visitors with a range of enhanced facilities including clean
modern toilets which incorporate baby changing facilities; year long access to restaurant and
café facilities and a range of facilities which will enhance the attraction of the Botanic Gardens
for families with younger children.

[M_Riaz]

Ahem.

Herald

From derelict station to a city flagship

One of Scotland's leading leisure entrepreneurs has promised a mini-railway, bandstand, and pavilion for a flagship city park.

Stefan King, millionaire head of bar, club and restaurant chain G1 Group, will also construct a conference and performance centre, as well as a nightclub, on a disused subterranean railway platform if his bid for a new venue at Glasgow's Botanic Gardens is accepted tomorrow.

Mr King, whose portfolio now includes more than 40 venues across Scotland, wants to recreate a historic railway station on the perimeter of the west end park as a family orientated cafe-bar and restaurant across two floors.

[Boards]

No thanks. I want the station re-opened as part of the actual rail network or extended subway using the many existing dissused tunnels in the city.

[legslikeaspider]

I don't trust Mr King as far as I could kick him. After his behaviour with that building in George Square he shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a landmark bit of the city.

He still owns the (now defunct) Anal Bar near Anniesland (people kept nicking the 'c' from the sign, so the name kind of stuck) and the building is falling into disrepair at an alarming rate and becoming an ugly blot on the landscape. As a result, I'm concerned that if the new Botanics venture is not a success, it could end up going derelict again quickly.

[milton]

Originally Posted by Boards

No thanks. I want the station re-opened as part of the actual rail network or extended subway using the many existing dissused tunnels in the city.

Me too, but because some short-sighted ARSE at the council allowed building of flats on the line, either CPOs or a costly skirting around would be required:

Sorry about the rubbish quality - did that on paint!
Anyhoo, the flats are in the red box, and the dotted line is the train line. Bit of a problem.

Who the hell allowed that? Seriously? They should be put in stocks in George Square.
Or Kelvin Way.

[Boards]

Its most annoying as ( if I remember correctly ) this line runs up through Kelvinside and to Maryhill and if you look at a map of Glasgow's rail network this is the one of the most glaring gaps in the system ( Great Western Road-Kelvinside-Maryhill area ). Not to mention it would have been lovely to see the station and underground line functioning again.

[M_Riaz]

The previous infrastructure is certainly still there, if it was viable i feel they could rebuild on it.... hmmmm something to ponder about.

Images Here

[milton]

I think the other place there'd be problem would be at Kelvinbridge. You would need to reinstate a crossing over the Kelvin at the Big Blue (the bridge might still be okay - it's the one with trees on it..).. but quite apart from that, the park area beside Kelvinbridge subway station would be bisected by the rail line.
I'm not wanting to sound negative here, because I would like the line, but those areas are established parts of the West End, and it'd be difficult to change that (I wish more was made of that area beside the subway station already.. it's crying out for an injection of life.. riverside cafes, etc..)

[M_Riaz]

Herald

King gets go-ahead to recreate Botanics station

Stefan King, the millionaire leisure entrepreneur, has been given the go-ahead to recreate a historic railway station.

Glasgow City Council's executive committee approved the scheme without any major objections yesterday.

However, there are still a number of hurdles to get over before work on the project in the Botanic Gardens, in the city's west end, begins.

[M_Riaz]

GCC Core Path Plan



DRAFT CORE PATHS PLAN FOR GLASGOW

Do you enjoy Walking, Cycling, Horse Riding, Running, In-line Skating, Rowing, Canoeing or any other outdoor pursuit that involves using paths or rivers in Glasgow?

Glasgow City Council is currently consulting the public on the "Glasgow Core Paths Plan" which will influence the development of Glasgow's Path Network over the next five years.
The vision within the plan aims to provide a "Connected Glasgow" where residents and visitors can move easily around the path network on foot, by bike or any other non-motorised means.
Paths may be used to manage public access in environmentally sensitive areas such as parks and woodlands or on the edge of the City to help farmers and land managers to manage access on their land.
They can be anything from a tarmac path to a grassy field margin.
Whilst each core path may not be suitable for all user groups, the core path system in Glasgow as a whole will provide for people of all abilities.
Some of the paths will be on water to meet the demand s of canoeists and rowers, so you will find that the River Kelvin, White Cart and Clyde upstream of Glasgow Green are designated as 'paths on water'.

Not all paths in an area will become core paths