Update on plans for the A listed Govan Graving Docks in Glasgow

Published: 12 October 2023

Glasgow City Council has been given an update on progress of work on the Govan Graving Docks, an A listed structure which is unique in Scotland. 

The Govan Graving Docks are owned by New City Vision, who propose building new homes on the southern edge of the site. Beyond this proposal, other options being considered for the rest of the site include: the reactivation of Dock 1 for the repair of heritage vessels; the restoration of the historic dockyard public realm; the creation of new greenspace areas; and the construction of new routes throughout. Community consultation on design by the site owners is ongoing with the local community, with completed design expected in late 2024. Central to the sustainability of the Govan Graving Docks project is community involvement, and New City Vision have agreed to the transfer of all parts of the site outwith the residential development to community ownership at nil value. This approach will be a condition of funding agreements.

Council officers are now in discussions with a range of funders with a view of completing the redevelopment of the Graving Docks - outwith the proposed residential development - over the next decade, and today (12 October) the council has approved the acceptance of an offer of £200,000 from Sustrans to develop concept designs for an active travel route through the site, including a potential new bridge link to Pacific Quay.

This new funding follows an award of £2.368million earlier this year to the council from the Scottish Government's Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP). The VDLIP funding will meet the costs of initial improvement works at the Graving Docks.

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "Recent years have seen significant regeneration activity on the Clyde in Glasgow, and the emerging work at the Govan Graving Docks means the potential of another site on the river is on the way to being unlocked. This project would not only potentially feature new housing, but also see a heritage shipping facility, new greenspace and restored historic dockyard public realm being delivered at this remarkable location."