Glasgow City Council are considering proposals for the £25m transformation of Custom House Quay, which sits on the north bank of the River Clyde
Concerns about the structural integrity of the Custom House Quay wall mean that use of this section of the waterfront for large scale events is discouraged.
It is proposed that City Deal funding of approximately £25m is used to fund the construction of a re-aligned Custom House Quay wall and provision of development platforms within a high-quality public realm setting, enhancing pedestrian and cycle connectivity along the waterfront.
Initial feasibility work has demonstrated that the construction of a new quay wall 20 metres into the river enables the site to accommodate a mixed-use development which retains public access along the river edge.
A mix of residential, hotel and commercial uses with active ground floor uses such as bars and restaurants will generate footfall.
Soft market-testing indicated significant developer interest on Custom House Quay as a development opportunity. The redevelopment of this site would be expected to act as a catalyst for other regeneration projects on the Clyde.
The council recently consulted on the Strategic Development Framework for the River Clyde, which aims to reposition the river corridor as a vibrant and multi-functional part of Glasgow. These plans are being supported through just over £50m of Glasgow City Region City Deal funding.
This particular City Deal funding has four specific aims: addressing the structural integrity of quay walls; enhancing pedestrian and cycle connectivity along the waterfront; unlocking the development potential of vacant and derelict land close to the waterfront; and bringing greater vibrancy to the river and its banks.
Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council and chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, said: “Custom House Quay is very important both in terms of its location on the riverside in the city centre, close to Buchanan Street and St Enoch Square, and as an attractive development opportunity.
“Glasgow City Region City Deal funding means that its redevelopment can now take place. Investment in strategic sites on the Clyde is currently taking place at Glasgow Harbour and at Tradeston with the Barclays campus, and the development of Custom House Quay would be another step towards realising the full potential of the waterfront.”
A previous residential-led plan to develop this site did not happen due to changing market conditions, and the cost of a new quay wall meant the project was not commercially viable.
Next steps for this planned transformation will be the development of design for the proposal and the submission of an application – supported by a masterplan – for planning permission in principle. Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2022 with completion in Spring 2024.
