Govan Graving Docks

The Brief

Glasgow is famous for its renowned shipbuilding capabilities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The shipyards at the River Clyde produced some of the highest quality design and engineering of its day and at its peak one-fifth of all ships produced worldwide were built on the Clyde.

After the Second World War the shipbuilding industry began to decline due to global competition and the once bustling, vibrant and lively banks of the River Clyde fell into dereliction and ruin.

As a result of industry decline after the Second World War, the Govan Graving Docks site on the River Clyde became completely derelict and redundant.

In 2024 funding was secured from the Vacant & Derelict Land fund to regenerate the Govan Graving Docks area and create a modern, functional green space. The works were intended to help attract business investment, reverse biodiversity loss and habitat decline and create a visitor attraction.

After 40 years in disrepair, it took our 12-person Covanburn team 10 months to complete the project. The wide-open space is now populated with recycled granite setts from the original site, refurbished wooden bench seating from Glasgow City Council storage and repurposed mooring posts as street furniture. The design is notable for its sharp, precision landscaping.

Since its opening the park has been popular with local residents including families using the space for recreational activities, dog walkers and cyclists. It is also building up its events calendar with festival and markets scheduled to take place.

This was an absolutely transformative project and a significant investment for the local area. Govan Graving Docks had spent decades as a piece of wasteland after having once been a vital part of Glasgow’s economy and culture. Bringing it back to life was a huge project.