Shawfield National Business District, Glasgow

LUC was a key part of the multi-disciplinary team delivering this large-scale sustainable development framework in the east of Glasgow: a new city district, with improved connectivity to other regeneration sites.

The objective was long-term transformation of this deprived and heavily contaminated area; the Shawfield National Business District could create as many as 15,000 jobs and make a real contribution to Scotland’s economic growth.

At the outset, we prepared a green infrastructure strategy to inform the development framework. This emphasised integrated surface water drainage and pedestrian connectivity to surrounding communities, transport nodes and the River Clyde corridor. Thereafter we prepared more detailed design information and also carried out a LVIA to support the successful PPiP for the development.

We then led the design and implementation of an advanced phase of public realm and landscape works to form an attractive setting for future development. The design included major new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, providing an extension to the strategically important Clyde Walkway, as well as linking the new South Dalmarnock ‘Smart’ Bridge with the centre of the site.

The public realm was deliberately bold, as it has to stand alone until nearby development plans are realised, and we were delighted that the scheme was recognised with a Scottish Design Award.