Proposals unveiled to transform historic Glasgow park

Plans have been unveiled to transform a historic Glasgow park with hopes of making it "world class".

Among priority project proposals for Queen's Park include a basketball court, bluebell woods, a new skatepark, paths, and a new grand entrance from the Battlefield Monument.

About 1,000 Glaswegians who use the Victorian park gave their views to help shape priorities for the park and recreation ground in the future, with the views then incorporated into a development plan for the green space.

The park - which dates back to 1857, is the third oldest park in the city and was laid out by the gardener and architect, Sir Joseph Paxton, who also designed the Crystal Palace in London.

Councillor Jon Molyneux, of the Greens, said the development plan could lead to sustained investment in the park.

He added: "As well as its obvious role as a greenspace, the park is a major social and economic asset for the southside and it is valued really highly by local people. The response to the public consultation showed that very clearly.

"Funding is already in place for some key improvements, including a new play area at Balvicar Street, lighting to improve safety on key walking routes, and to support reopening Langside Hall, but there is clearly more that can be done to ensure the park continues to meet the local community's needs."

Southside Central councillor Soryia Siddique, from Scottish Labour, said the proposals could help protect the park's heritage and environment while also strengthening facilities and volunteering opportunities.

She described the green space as being at the heart of the city's southside.

The plans read: "Queen's Park and Recreation Ground shall be an exceptional, world class, much used and well-loved public park that respects and celebrates its heritage whilst also meeting the aspirations of existing and future generations".

The Queens Park Working Group set up a steering group to oversee a tender process, with Glasgow-based landscape architect Ironside Farrar hired to carry out work on the development plan.

A range of short, medium and long term projects have been put forward for the park.

Story by Local Democracy Reporting Service reporter Sarah Hilley.