Partnership to help deliver 3,000 new canalside homes in North Glasgow

More than 3,000 new homes are set to be delivered along Glasgow’s canal network amid evidence of the increasing health benefits of canalside living.Research published earlier this year found that people living within 700 metres of the canal had a 15% lower risk of suffering from chronic life-shortening diseases.During an update on the progress of the Glasgow Canal Regeneration Partnership (GCRP), Glasgow City Council said £750 million of public and private investment will be spent on regeneration projects along the Forth and Clyde canal in the north of the city as part of its Canal Action Plan for 2021-26.Glasgow City Council said £750 million of public and private investment will be ploughed into regeneration projects along the Forth and Clyde canal in the north of the city.The GCRP was formalised through a 2015 Memorandum of Understanding between Glasgow City Council, Scottish Canals, and Bigg Regeneration. The key output of the Partnership was the Canal Action Plan (CAP) 2015-2020, which set out strategic, thematic and geographic areas of focus for the five-year period.Key developments delivered and ongoing along the canal corridor include the ‘Smart Canal’ – a multi-award winning project and a European first for the city, the scheme tackles flooding in North Glasgow and unlocks over 100 hectares for regeneration; hundreds of new homes at Maryhill and Sighthill; the Pinkston Watersports complex; Rockvilla – the base of the National Theatre of Scotland; the Claypits Local Nature Reserve; The Whisky Bond – a seven-floor cultural and creative hub; The Loading Bay indoor skatepark; the Sighthill Link; and the Stockingfield Bridge.In 2021, a new five-year Canal Action Plan was developed by the partners and other local organisations. This was approved by the Partnership Board in December 2021.The New Canal Action Plan 2021-26 notes what has been delivered in the last five years and sets out what is to be delivered in the next five years. The latter includes £750 million of public and private investment; over 3,000 new homes; City Deal investment to improve infrastructure, connectivity and unlock vacant land for development; a reduction in vacant and derelict land; improvements to greenspace, connectivity and active travel; improved health (research published earlier this year found that people living within 700 metres of the Canal had a 15% lower risk of suffering from chronic life-shortening diseases) and wellbeing; and the ongoing promotion of the area as an attractive place in which to live, work, and visit.