DSSR was proud to see the completion of a new £3.1m community park in South Dalmarnock, the latest in a series of regeneration projects we have worked on in the East of Glasgow. The aim of this series of regeneration works is to provide the necessary groundwork for investment from the private sector, encouraging new construction in the area by providing the necessary utility infrastructure and creating a positive, modern environment.

This latest project saw the introduction of new integrated green urban infrastructure. It is also the first project completed under the Scottish Government’s £50 million low-carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, a five-year competitive fund to bring abandoned sites back into use for community and environmental benefit.

We have been working with the Scottish Government, as part of a wider design team, to target the regeneration of vacant and derelict sites which have a negative impact on communities, particularly in more deprived areas.

The low-carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme recognises the potential for many of these sites to be transformed into assets which benefit local communities, including green space for health and wellbeing, growing spaces, community facilities, low-carbon affordable housing, and renewables.

As the masterplan for the area evolves, DSSR has been working to evolve the utility strategy in order to future-proof the new development plots. This primarily involves the introduction of new infrastructure or diverting existing infrastructure.

This new green urban infrastructure was officially opened by Tom Arthur MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance, and Clyde Gateway board member, Rosie Robertson.

The park was transformed from a vacant and inaccessible site into a dynamic new green space with new footpaths, lighting, rain gardens, informal play and landscaped areas.

As part of Clyde Gateway’s ongoing commitment to increasing biodiversity and reducing the area’s carbon footprint, over 5,000 square metres of shrubs and 45 trees have also been planted in South Dalmarnock.

Clyde Gateway board member, Rosie Robertson, said:

“Everyone at Clyde Gateway is committed to reimagining once derelict and inaccessible sites into attractive new green spaces that the local community can really benefit from. This investment also helps to attract much-needed new homes and job opportunities to the area.”

Tom Arthur MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance, said:

“This is the first project completed under the Scottish Government’s £50 million low carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme and is a good example of driving regeneration and innovation while improving biodiversity and tackling climate change as part of the wider transformation of our economy.

“The park’s design opens up views of the River Clyde, maximising its proximity to the water. It’s really important to us that we support as many people as possible to access the park, one of the reasons why lighting has been installed throughout, making it brighter and safer.”