Giant steps for Govan Cross as work starts on £1.66m scheme

Work has started on a £1.66m improvement programme for the Govan Cross area.
The Square and the forecourts at the Subway station and shopping centre will all benefit from the scheme, which is part of a broader £120m decade-long plan to regenerate the neighbourhood’s streets, buildings and green spaces.
Govan Cross will lose its giant planters and gain an open space with seating. The trees at Govan Subway station will be removed and seating installed.
The Square at Govan Cross will be transformed using natural stone paving, new lighting and street furniture, creating a space with a view of the Clyde and a venue for community events.
As part of the works at The Square, the Aitken Memorial Fountain will be fully restored and reinstalled and paving slabs will be engraved to reflect Govan’s long and fascinating history and promising future.
The three projects are being co-ordinated by the Central Govan Action Plan (CGAP) in consultation with the local people.
CGAP hopes a ‘friends of Govan Cross’ organisation will be established sometime in May. There will be an inaugural meeting at the Pearce Institute on May 12 at 6pm. Those wishing to attend are asked to call 440-2334 or e-mail danielle.stirling@gswra.co.uk.
Deirdre Gaughan, chair of CGAP’s steering committee, said: ‘This is really welcome and long, long overdue.
‘We’re hoping it’s going to get us back to the sense of community spirit that we had years ago. It would be good to see these improvements extended right along Govan Road.
‘The people in Linthouse, especially Linthouse Housing Association, have made an excellent job of their area, as has Drumoyne.’
Nicola Sturgeon, MSP for Govan and Deputy First Minister, said: ‘Nearly 90 towns and places benefited from this government’s £60m town centre regeneration fund.
‘Govan Cross received £1.3m to help with a number of improvements including planting, lighting, street furniture and re-roofing the Pearce Institute. This will help preserve this historic building and generate investor confidence in Govan town centre bringing new business, opportunities and jobs to the area.
‘We are determined to turn around the fortunes of town centres and businesses across Scotland – help them reach their full potential and come through the economic downturn in the strongest possible position.’