Granton’s last remaining gasholder will be transformed following a £1.24 million award from the Scottish Government’s low carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme.
Councillors at the Development Management Sub-Committee on 25 January approved planning permission for the next stage of redevelopment of the iconic Granton Gasholder.
Today, it was also announced that the project’s application to the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund has been approved. This will tie in with the overall programme of delivery and will secure up to £1.3m of further grant funding to take this stage of the works forward.
As the restoration of the Gasholder frame continues, work will begin in Autumn 2023 on public realm improvements to the surrounding land.
Ultimately, the goals of the restoration are to ensure development of the surrounding sites can take place whilst opening up the area to create a multifunctional public space that can be used and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said: “Neglected sites are often found in more disadvantaged settings and can become no-go areas or hamper community development. By targeting long-standing vacant and derelict land we can ensure that investment reaches the areas that need it most.
“The Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme helps attract private investment to locations which have lain dormant for years. It also supports low carbon developments, helping Scotland reach net zero by 2045 and grow an economy that is greener, fairer, and more prosperous.
“This green space development at the Granton Gasholder will bring a significant boost for the community and enhance wider regeneration. I look forward to seeing the completed project.”
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I am delighted that councillors have recently approved planning permission for the exciting high quality open space element of the redevelopment to the historic Granton Gasholder.
“The restoration of the Gasholder frame is already underway through funding provided by the Council and the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. With today’s announcement that we’ve been successful in our bid to the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund, we’re now able to progress our plans for creating an exciting public space which will see this iconic structure breathe new life into Granton Waterfront.
“This important development represents our plan to transform the structure, the centrepiece of our £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront, into a visitor destination with high quality open space for everyone to enjoy.
“The wider regeneration is about using brownfield land to develop a sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood its residents will be proud of. It will be an area where people live in affordable, environmentally friendly homes, have excellent transport and active travel links, and access open and green space, arts, sports, and culture. Restoring the Gasholder is the first step in unlocking the wider regeneration.”
A derelict site once central to the Clyde’s shipbuilding industry will be transformed following a £2.4 million award from the low carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme.
The Govan Graving Docks were used for final painting and repair of vessels but have lain empty for 40 years. The Scottish Government award to upgrade a riverside walkway and create green space by 2025 is intended to help attract business investment, reverse biodiversity loss and habitat decline and create a visitor attraction.
Further restoration of the historic dockyard will see it used for repairing heritage vessels, while a footbridge linking the site to neighbouring visitor destinations including the Glasgow Science Centre is planned once private sector funding is secured.
It is one of 15 transformational schemes sharing £10 million in 2023-24 from the Programme. Other successful projects include:
- Creation of a community learning campus on the site of a former Midlothian colliery
- decontamination and redevelopment of former military land at Cromarty Firth to enable construction of 93 affordable homes
- reuse of vacant and derelict buildings in Fife as an employment and training hub for rural green jobs and apprenticeships
- support for community-led food production in Clackmannanshire
Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur visited the Govan Graving Docks site to meet those behind the project. He said: “Neglected sites are often found in more disadvantaged settings and can become no-go areas or hamper community development. By targeting long-standing vacant and derelict land we can ensure that investment reaches the areas that need it most.
“The Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme helps attract private investment to locations which have lain dormant for years, It also supports low carbon developments, helping Scotland reach net zero by 2045 and grow an economy that is greener, fairer and more prosperous.”
Councillor Richard Bell, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The Govan Graving Docks is a unique site in Glasgow, offering both a glimpse of the city’s past and a view into a future where we realise the potential of this remarkable Clydeside location.
“The very welcome announcement of £2.4 million funding from the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme will allow work to dramatically improve the appearance of the site, create new public green space to be co-designed by the local community, and improve access and connections to Glasgow Science Centre.
“The support announced today will hopefully act as a catalyst for future funding and the development of further stages in the regeneration of the Graving Docks.”
Projects to receive funding from Stage 2 of the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme for 2023-24:
| Lead applicant | Application | 2023-24 (£) | Total Grant Recommended |
| City of Edinburgh Council | Granton Gasholder | £1,224,410 | £1,224,410 |
| Clackmannanshire Council | Clacks Community – Growing a new Future | £500,000 | £500,000 |
| Clyde Gateway | Shawfield Phase 2 – Remediation | £200,000 | £200,000 |
| Fife Council | Ravenscraig Skills Hub | £491,582 | £491,582 |
| Glasgow City Council | Cadder Woods Community Greenspace | £521,193 | £772,700 |
| Glasgow City Council | Community Net Zero Hub | £182,276 | £182,276 |
| Glasgow City Council | Govan Graving Docks | £368,794 | £2,368,794 |
| Glasgow City Council | Greening Royston | £797,121 | £797,121 |
| Glasgow City Council | North Maryhill TRA Green Infrastructure | £650,000 | £1,450,000 |
| Highland Council | Cromlet Invergordon | £400,000 | £400,000 |
| Highland Council | Longman Park | £850,000 | £2,150,000 |
| Midlothian Council | All Through Community Learning Campus Shawfair | £2,122,000 | £3,667,000 |
| North Ayrshire Council | The King’s Arms Irvine | £400,000 | £600,000 |
| Perth and Kinross Council | Millhaugh – Phase 1 | £93,808 | £93,808 |
| West Dunbartonshire Council | Residential development at Pappert Bonhill | £500,000 | £1,250,000 |
| £9,301,184 | £16,147,691 |
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