The first phase of Central Govan Action Plan costing £3.5 million, starts this month at Orkney Street.

The lead partner is Glasgow South West Regeneration Agency which will own and manage the former Police Station and convert the ‘B’ listed building into business premises.

The original features will be restored and the space converted into offices for the Agency’s Social Economy Team and Greater Govan Money Matters advice service. Even the old cells will be transformed into ‘incubator’ units for budding entrepreneurs. This work is scheduled to be complete by the spring of 2009. 

Said Councillor George Ryan, Executive Member for Glasgow City Council’s Development and Regeneration Services, ‘The preservation of Orkney Street Police Staiton and its historical legacy to the people of Govan, is a priority for the Council. We are particularly pleased to provide £1.75million from our City Growth Fund to make this happen.’

Linking with this, will be an £8m housing development at Broomloan Road - Govan Road where Govan Housing Association will build around 70 homes on vacant land to the north and east of the police station. These properties will be to rent, for low-cost home ownership and for sale privately. This project is due to start late next year.

Govan Cross will be re-vitalised through almost £1 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund announced as the LOCAL NEWS went to press.

Concentrating on the Pearce Institute and surrounding historic features, it will enable shop front improvements to be made along Govan Road, Burleigh Street and Langlands Road. The Aitken Memorial Fountain, Cardell Halls and Sir William Pearce’s statue will be repaired and restored and a quality surface will link these key buildings and features to enhance the historic core of Govan.

Local MSP Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the news. ‘There are exciting times ahead for Govan and this award will help to bring ambitious plans to fruition. Govan has a truly unique heritage which is of great importance to the people who live and work here and to Glasgow as a whole. The Pearce Institute has been part of the fabric of Govan for over 100 years. It has a hugely important role to play in the regeneration of the area.’