The Spiers Locks project in Glasgow’s canal corridor has won a prestigious award from the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA). The project won the award for Strategy and Masterplanning at the BURA awards in Liverpool on 31 March.
Spring 2009
The ongoing regeneration of the canal corridor in Glasgow is recognised as key to the transformation of the north of the city. Masterplans were prepared for two key regeneration opportunities within the canal corridor - one of these being Spiers Locks.
The brief and outcome of the masterplan was prepared by the Glasgow Canal Regeneration Partnership (a partnership between Glasgow City Council, ISIS Waterside Regeneration and British Waterways Scotland) working with local residents and stakeholders. The aim of the consultation was to build a consensus around the regeneration of the area through the engagement of local residents and stakeholders.
The Spiers Locks Masterplan aims to reconfigure the area into a mixed-use location (two million square feet of floorspace) offering increased levels of employment and services, an attractive residential environment and improved public realm, with the canal as the focus of the neighbourhood.
Councillor Philip Braat, Deputy Executive Member for Business and the Economy at Glasgow City Council, said: "The commitment and dynamic team working of all partners will ensure an enduring and tangible impact on the local community. The Spiers Locks Masterplan Framework will undoubtedly be a catalyst for the regeneration of the area."
Steve Dunlop, Director Scotland at British Waterways added: “We aim to create thriving canalside environments, bringing benefits to the people for generations to come and Spiers Locks is a prime example of this work.
“The design encompasses the uniqueness of the canal’s rich past, history and heritage, and also includes the current needs of the community and local businesses – it is an excellent model of collaboration between organisations.
“The development at Spiers Locks represents the kind of future we want, and are committed to delivering in Scotland. Judging by the success of so many Scottish canal based activities honoured at the awards we are achieving great things.”
More information on the BURA awards is available at: www.bura.org.uk