Plans to transform banks of River Clyde given go-ahead

A project to transform both banks of the River Clyde has taken a major step forward after planning approval was secured.

Glasgow City Council intends to revamp Custom House Quay on the north side of the river and Carlton Place on the south side. Construction is expected to start next year.

It believes the scheme can unlock the full potential of a prominent stretch of the Clyde and better connect the waterfront to the city.

Plans show new paths, play and gathering spaces and areas for pop-up events and activities. The Ladies Waiting Room building on Clyde Street could be turned into a retail or food and drink venue. Repairs to the quay walls will also be carried out.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, SNP, the council’s deputy leader, said the project will be “a major step forward in activating the riverfront and improving the surrounding environment”.

“People will already have some of the early work to open up views of Carlton Place, but this will be a huge investment to develop a new riverside park and break the disconnect that the city has with the Clyde.

“Now that planning permission has been granted, we can get on with what is important to the people of Glasgow, and that is delivery.”

Funding for the scheme is coming from the Glasgow City Region City Deal, a more than £1bn investment from both governments. It is part of a wider vision to create a ‘River Park’ in the city, making the riverside a focal point for leisure and recreation.

Construction is anticipated to take place between 2027 and 2030, according to the council.

The project focuses on the area between Glasgow Bridge and Victoria Bridge and aims to address the “structural integrity” of the quay walls, enhance pedestrian and cycling routes along the river edge and create “active public space which brings vibrancy to the area”.

Pavilions could be installed at a later date LDRS

“Over the years, Custom House Quay and Carlton Place have fallen into disrepair and, in their current form, they disconnect the Clyde from the city,” the plans state.

“This masterplan presents an opportunity to reconnect the city and its communities with the river. The proposed public realm will provide a range of outdoor spaces that are legible, accessible, and unique.

“They vary in size, scale, and character to provide a rich experience and promote social and civic inclusion — injecting life back into the heart of the city.”

The application states Custom House Quay is “generally in poor structural condition and requires renewal” while the public realm is “deteriorating”.

“Retaining walls block views from Clyde Street, limit visibility and passive surveillance, leading to reports of anti-social behaviour at the site,” it adds.

“Carlton Place is overgrown, and public access has been removed due to the condition of the quay wall.”

Pavilions could be installed at a later date, although there are no plans to provide them at the moment.

The Ladies Waiting Room could be converted into a “retail, food and drink, leisure or commercial use”. “The property is an important feature in the masterplan, and will be retained,” the plans state. “The refurbishment of the property is not part of the quay wall works, but will form part of a future commercial strategy for the site activation.”