Glasgow river park proposals explained as consultation opens

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, said: "The Custom House Quay and Carlton Place project will transform a historic part of the waterfront in Glasgow city centre. 

"These are very exciting proposals for a new and unique city destination, and the consultation sessions will give those taking part the chance to both learn much more about them and give their views on what they would like from the final design and masterplan."

Here's everything you need to know.

Where is the proposed development?

The works are planned to take place on both the north and south banks of the River Clyde, either side of the South Portland Street suspension bridge.

The area lies between the Gorbals Street and A77 bridges.

Why is this development being proposed?

Glasgow City Council says the area is badly in need of regeneration.

The quay walls on both sides of the Clyde have reached the end of their lifespan and could become structurally insecure.

In August of this year, a fire broke out at one of the vacant three-storey buildings at Carlton Place, following a previous blaze in January.

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The council says the project will see a significant area of the waterfront in the centre of the city enhanced for public use and enjoyment, encouraging more active, healthier lives and social interaction for the people of Glasgow.

Glasgow City Council is the owner of both sites, and says the plans will "ensure future resilience on site and transformation of the area".

What is planned to be built?

The proposals would create a £25m river park.

A built-out area of 20 metres is planned outside the A-listed Custom House on the north bank of the Clyde, while the south side of the river at Carlton Place will be revamped with a new 500 square metre green space, with proposals to introduce new accessible pathways, public realm and amenities, including a play area.

Portland Street Suspension Bridge (Image: Supplied)

When will consultation take place?

There will be two phases of public consultation.

In the first phase, two sessions in the City Chambers will take place, the first between 11am - 2pm on 9 October, with the second running from 5-8pm. 

There will also be an online survey from the morning of 9 October - running until 26 October - that will allow those taking part to find out more information and give feedback on the proposals.

A second phase of statutory public consultation will take place in early 2025, when people from across the city will have the opportunity to see how their input has informed the design of the riverfront prior to the submission of the planning application.

What happens after that?

Following consultation on the design, a detailed planning application will be submitted in early 2025.

Approval of this is slated for summer or autumn of that year, with construction on the new quay walls to begin in 2027.

A number of environmental studies and assessments will be carried out to support the planning submission, to ensure that any potential negative impact is minimised through robust mitigation measures and improvements to ecology and biodiversity and integrated into the designs.

Who will pay for it?

Funding will come from the Glasgow City Region City Deal which sees both the Scottish and UK Governments each provide £500million of funding for various infrastructure projects.