Water Row Masterplan
The Planning Service's long-term and sustained commitment to Central Govan has resulted in delivery of the first phase of the Water Row Masterplan.
A long-standing vacant site that formed a barrier between Govan town centre and the River Clyde now accommodates 92 homes and 6 ground floor commercial units, set within unifying, high quality, public realm centred around the southern approach to the Govan-Partick Bridge.
The masterplan re-connects the town centre with the river, reinstates Govan’s historical function as a river crossing point and re-positions Water Row as a strategically important site at the centre of an emerging Innovation District.
Rowanbank Gardens
Rowanbank Gardens features 126 new mixed-tenure homes, including a high proportion of family accommodation, around a vibrant residents’ courtyard garden.
This shared landscape serves as the natural heart of the community, complete with communal growing beds and fruit trees that have become key amenities for new residents. The homes incorporate an industry leading all-electric and fabric-first approach, paired with sustainable systems such as heat recovery to minimise energy use.
The evolution of Rowanbank Gardens showcases the ability to reduce urban sprawl by optimising the number of people living in well-designed sustainable homes in well-connected locations served by public transport.
The Bruce Obelisk Restoration Project
This project restored a historical monument and united the local community, by highlighting the importance of shared local heritage and the world-leading craftsmanship of the Carron Iron Works.
The Bruce Obelisk was commissioned in 1785 by James Bruce, an explorer, antiquarian and anthropologist.
The iron obelisk incorporates side panels, supported on a plinth. Four lions “couchant” decorate the top corners of the plinth. Oval plaques depicting goddesses are framed by embellishments.
Works started in summer 2023 and completed on 6th June 2024. The local community played a significant role in the project, participating in activities inspired by James Bruce’s legacy.
The Edinburgh Futures Institute
The redevelopment of this key historic asset within the heart of a wider regeneration area delivers a transformational space.
The proposals demonstrate collaboration across all professionals and disciplines to open this historic site once again to the public and welcoming Edinburgh communities, residents and visitors, as well as University of Edinburgh staff and students.
The attention to detail whilst recognising the need to adapt for modern use has shown innovation, collaborating and the delivery of a secure sustainable future for the building.
Flow Country World Heritage Site
In July 2024, UNESCO inscribed the The Flow Country as a World Heritage Site, marking the site as globally significant, as important as the Great Barrier Reef or the Serengeti and worthy of protection and restoration.
The planning position statement sets out the Council’s position with regards to proposed developments within the Site . The need for this guidance results from the lack of precedent, with no site in Scotland previously nominated for wholly natural World Heritage criteria, nor one in a location where there is there is significant development pressure, specifically from onshore wind energy and electricity.