The regeneration of Govan is a priority for the City Council through the Central Govan Action Plan in consultation with local residents.

Govan is an area of particular social and architectural interest in Glasgow, with its history going back 1600 years from ecclesiastical roots through to its role as a world shipbuilding centre in the 20th century. A great deal of 19th and 20th century architecture still survives, and archaeological work suggests there are far earlier finds to be discovered.

Central Govan Action Plan

Central Govan Action Plan is a £120m physical regeneration programme which will transform Govan town centre over a 10 year period.

CGAP involves in excess of 50 projects. Developments currently under way include: 476 new mixed tenure homes; 4.8 ha of vacant/derelict land being developed; 6 vacant shop units converted into new commercial and community space; designation of a conservation Area; and major restoration and repair work undertaken at two landmark historic buildings. Plans to improve two community facilities are under development. In addition, a four phase programme of major public realm works will commence on site in early 2010. Community benefit clauses negotiated on all new build housing contracts have led to work placements and job training for local people.

Govan Cross THI

Townscape Heritage Initiatives fund the regeneration of conservation areas of a town or city which have particularly suffered from social and economic problems. Govan Cross THI complements the work of CGAP by providing for heritage led regeneration and the preservation and restoration of historic features within Govan Cross.

The THI has received a grant of £5.3m from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The funding will enable a partnership of local organisations, led by the City Council, together with the local community, to revitalise Govan Cross, making it a better place to live, work and visit.

The THI involves a number of key projects including the repair and restoration of the Pearce Institute (a striking, grade A listed, example of Edwardian architecture), public realm works, including the repair and restoration of traditional paving finishes, repair work to the Aitken Memorial fountain and William Pearce statue, and grants for repairs to key properties and restoration of historic shopfronts.

To complement the THI works, £1.3m of funding from the Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund has been awarded towards the first phase of public realm works at Govan Cross and roof repair works at the Pearce Institute. These works will be on site early in 2010.

Fairfield Shipyard

One of Govan’s most historic buildings is being restored and redeveloped to create a modern office complex of 12 suites totalling around 18,000sq ft and a community heritage centre focusing on the story of Govan's outstanding contribution to world shipbuilding.

The Fairfield Shipyard Offices is Category A Listed. It was designed in 1890 by architect John Keppie, and served continuously as the main offices for several shipyard operators until declared surplus to requirement in 2001.  The premises then lay vacant for eight years and fell into serious disrepair.

In 2008 a feasibility study, commissioned by Govan Workspace, a local social enterprise, found there was potential demand for offices at the property from the local business community, the public sector and the creative and specialist technical industries. Following the study and purchase of the property by Govan Workspace in March 2009, emergency funding of £1.6m was obtained to undertake structural and fabric repairs and save the building from terminal decline.  The principal funders were Historic Scotland, Central Govan Action Plan/Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government Wider Role Fund.

By the end of 2010 further funding was secured for the full restoration and conversion of the building, with work, costing around £4m, starting in February 2011.