Elder Park set for transformation as part of 135th anniversary

The park, created in 1885 by Isabella Elder in honour of her husband John, will be renovated over the coming year, with brand new cast iron gates, iron lamp standards, restored sandstone bricks and paving installed in the image of the 1885 original.

The original entrance to Elder Park on Govan Road. Pic: Acumfaegovan

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The K13 memorial, which honours the Fairfield Shipyard workers who died in the K13 submarine accident in 1917, is also getting an upgrade in the process.

The K13 memorial situated in Elder Park. Pic: Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative

The renovations are being carried out as part of the Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative and Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme and co-ordinated by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, with funding supplied by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Glasgow City Council.

Susan Hanlin, project manager of Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative, said: "When you look at parks around the city, like Alexandra Park, they still have features that are reminiscent of years ago and when you compare, you can see the decline.

"Elder park is a place that has so much history and it should be restored to its former glory."

Proposed plans drawn up by architect Fiona Sinclair. Pic: Fiona Sinclair

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The renovation, planned to be completed by May 2021, will take place alongside 'Mrs Elder's Glorious Gifts', a programme of activities which aims to get the community involved with the project.

Susan said: "It will include foundry visits to get hands on, as well as activities like creating a digital timeline for the history detectives.

"We're even looking at a creative writing competition as part of it, and music events in the park eventually, which was a passion of Isabella's."