Glasgow Water Challenges

August 1, 2024

In the mid-20th century, Govan, located near Glasgow city centre, was a bustling hub of industry. The River Clyde was synonymous with shipbuilding, and the term “Clyde built” became a hallmark of quality. Men flocked from the Highlands, Islands of Scotland, and Northern Ireland, bringing their families to find employment in the shipyards. However, 21st-century right-wing industrial policies dismantled the powerful Red Clydeside, which was once a symbol of worker solidarity inspired by the Polish Solidarity movement. These policies led to the closure of all but three of the 17 previously thriving shipyards on the River Clyde.

As Govan transitioned into a post-industrial era, there was little need for its workers or its industrial heritage infrastructure. The highly skilled welders, platers, and turners were rendered surplus to requirements, and the land was sold off to private developers.

Today, the former shipyard sites along the River Clyde are dominated by high-rise flats and luxury homes. For instance, in developments like the misnamed ‘Glasgow Harbour’, there is no actual harbour – just high-rise flats; these luxury homes rising to up to 20 storeys were accompanied by concrete walkways and neatly brick-paved backyards – leaving no space for the inevitable floodwaters to drain. The lack of vegetation means there is now no possibility of natural seepage for the water to dispense. In the two decades since the completion of the Glasgow Harbour development, the area has experienced unprecedented flooding every year, caused by the inappropriate construction of new developments on flood-prone land.

Our Scottish case study focuses on Govan Graving Docks – an A-listed complex of three Victorian granite-built dry docks. So wondrous are the docks and their lock gate system, they have been well used and loved by the local community – in spite of lying derelict, from their closure in 1989 to the present day.

In 2017, the landowner proposed the construction of 750 high-rise flats on the docks, suggesting the conversion of the beautiful dry dock basins into car parks. Activist and photographer Iain McGillivray protested against this development, building a campaign that raised awareness, gathering momentum and support. Ironically, it was climate change that saved the docks when Glasgow City Council refused planning permission, due to the increasing risk of flooding.

While this particular battle was won, the future of the docks remains uncertain and important questions persist – Will the docks be spared, will they be developed for imaginative heritage and cultural use, or will they be used again for shipbuilding? Above all, will any proposed new developments understand the need to take into account the new water levels and flood risks?

On the bright side, the derelict docks have been an inspiration for artists to engage with the site; artists have been attempting to change the narrative about climate change, the relationship to heritage and infrastructure and the possibility of new solutions. The docks are safe for now, but the question about the long-term remains.

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