TRANSFORMATIONAL environmental works have started to help improve public spaces in a residential area of Glasgow.

It comes after work has started on a £3million improvement project to transform the public spaces around the Cedar high-rise flats at St George’s Cross.

The Woodside Making Project, which is being delivered by the Queens Cross Housing Association and supported by additional funding from the Scottish Government, will aim to improve the streets, green spaces, play parks, and courtyards of the area.

The association is hoping to create an “attractive”, multi-functional green infrastructure network with integrated cycle routes, biodiverse habitats, sustainable drainage, and vibrant doorstep play and allotment areas.

Work will focus on improved pedestrian crossings, construction of new raingardens, new paving, new trees, and streetlighting improvements, along with streetscaping, street furniture, and new cycle stores.

Phase one of the project will involve the area to the west of St George’s Road, while plans for work around east Woodside are currently still being finalised.

The work is likely to be completed by late 2024.

Queens Cross Chief Executive Shona Stephen said: "Public consultation around this project started in 2020 and after Covid delays, I’m delighted it is finally underway.

Glasgow Times:

"We have invested heavily in upgrading the interiors of the Cedar flats and when this renewal of public realm, gardens and greenspaces, including streets and lighting, with green infrastructure improvements is complete, it will be the finishing touches to making this area one of our most popular and desirable neighbourhoods."

Minister for Active Travel Patrick Harvie said: “I’m pleased to welcome the start of the Woodside Making Places improvements, delivered by Queens Cross Housing Association.

"Building on the new walking, wheeling and cycling paths, delivered through the wider Connecting Woodside programme, these works will improve local amenities and create healthier and happier spaces for people to enjoy.

"We want more organisations, right across Scotland, to be able to realise their ambitions for active travel and make their communities more attractive places to live, work in and visit.

"This transformation can only happen through sustained investment.

"That’s why the Scottish Government has committed to investing £320 million, or 10% of the total transport budget, on active travel in 2024-25."

Head of Programme, Places for Everyone, at Sustrans Scotland, Simon Strain, added: "We are so pleased to see work start on Woodside Making Places.

"This Queens Cross Housing Association-led project adds value to our ongoing partnership with Glasgow City Council to improve the area for people walking, wheeling and cycling.

"We have already seen major improvements on Garscube Road, with much more still to be delivered. 

“Making Places will take these changes right to the heart of the community, delivering a functional network of paths and enriched greenspace, transforming the area and ensuring residents can feel the benefit of the wider investment.

“The local community have been vital in the development of this project, and we hope that when complete it will be a well-loved space that makes it easier and safer for everyone to make healthier, happier and more sustainable choices for their everyday journeys."