Thursday September 3rd 2026
An embankment along the River Clyde is being cut back (image by LDR)
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Drew Sandelands
An overgrown embankment along the south side of the River Clyde is being cut back as part of efforts to make the area “safer” and “cleaner”.
Workers are carrying out “vegetation management” on the western section of the Carlton Place embankment, next to the South Portland Street suspension bridge.
The site has become “heavily overgrown” over many years, with self-seeded trees, scrub and other vegetation growing close to retaining walls, bridges and lights, the council said.
An arboriculture assessment found a significant proportion of the vegetation is in “poor and declining condition”.
A council spokesman said the works will improve visibility, making the area easier to inspect, maintain and manage. “This will support a safe, cleaner and better managed environment for residents, visitors and businesses,” he added.
Further works are still needed to “address the quay wall and areas of instability along the river edge”. As a result, there will be no public access to the open space, with signs advising access is “restricted due to subsidence”.
Bark mulch will be spread on the site after the works are complete, with wildflower seed then spread in Spring. It will be managed by the council’s parks service, which will carry out treatment for invasive and non-native weeds.
Proposals for new lighting and repairs on the A-listed South Portland Street suspension bridge are also being developed. It is hoped the work will complement the recently-completed South Portland Street Avenues Plus project, which included new CCTV, cycle paths and tree planting.
Council officials are also engaging with the owners of a vacant property at 63-73 Carlton Place over the future of the building.
“As a whole, these activities represent an important step in improving the neighbourhood environment while supporting future investment and enhancement of Carlton Place and the surrounding riverside area,” the spokesman said.
A consultation process recently ended on a wider masterplan to “reinvigorate” the ‘North Laurieston’ area, which has been described as the “last piece in the regeneration jigsaw” on the city’s south bank.
Drawn up to address “urban decay” on the south side of the river, a draft plan included bringing empty buildings, like listed properties on Carlton Place, back into use and improving the attractiveness of local streets.
It is hoped the plan can help to “re-connect” this area to the city centre, Tradeston, New Gorbals and the rest of Laurieston. Glasgow City Council has worked alongside New Gorbals Housing Association on the project.
The masterplan, which is currently being revised following the consultation feedback, is expected to go before councillors for approval early next month. It would become a ‘material consideration’ when making planning decisions.
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