Description:
Major public realm improvements are now complete at Govan
Cross, creating a vibrant, attractive civic space and entrance way
to the heart of Govan. The improvements, which are part of Central Govan Action
Plan, represent a £2 million pound investment. Three sites have
been improved: the Square and the forecourts of both the shopping
centre and the Underground Station.
The Aitken Memorial
Fountain has been fully restored and reinstated as part of the
planned works. The original Govan Baby
(pdf opens in new window), the missing cherub that once graced the
top of the cast iron structure, has been unexpectedly found and
reunited with the rest of the fountain.
Improvements to Govan Cross include new paving, lighting,
seating and planting, all in top quality materials to reflect the
historical significance of Govan and its potential to once again
play an important role in the life of the City.
Artist Kate Robinson has been working with local residents to
capture ideas which are reflected in a series of engraved paving
stones, an important feature of the redeveloped area. Find out more
about the
public art project on Facebook.
As well as providing an attractive civic space for gatherings
and events, Govan Cross has the potential to be a major public
transport node for the new South Glasgow Hospital, and a key
pedestrian river crossing point connecting Govan to Glasgow
Harbour, the new Riverside Museum and the River Clyde itself.
Funders include Glasgow City Council, Heritage Lottery, Govan
Cross Shopping Centre. The works were made possible thanks to a £1
million contribution from Scottish Government's Town Centre
Regeneration Fund.
This first phase of public realm improvements is designed to
boost Govan town centre's commercial and social success. Works are
now complete and an opening
ceremony took place on 1 June 2011.
A second phase of public realm improvement is planned to
upgrade Water Row, the Riverside Walkway and establish the
infrastructure required to facilitate a ferry crossing.