National Lottery Heritage Fund announces support for Govan regeneration

This funding for the Govan Heritage project marks a pivotal moment for Govan, enabling the next phase of historic regeneration in one of Scotland’s most historically significant yet socioeconomically challenged urban areas. 

With a population of around 8,000, Govan is still working to come out from the shadow of post-industrial decline. Increasing interest in Govan’s heritage, from the now world-renowned Govan Stones to Fairfield Heritage, which tells the story of a shipyard, has helped foster a growing sense of confidence.

Govan Heritage: Remarkable Past, Bright Future project will address economic inequalities by repairing, repurposing, and promoting heritage, while building local ownership, skills, and pride.

A key element of the plan is to support the role of community ownership and management of heritage assets in the area. The renewal of the Govan Graving Docks is central to this approach.   

A new community-owned public space is being developed in partnership with Glasgow City Council, alongside the restoration of the historic Pump House, supported by £2.5 million from the Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme.

The Pump House is the last original building still standing on the graving docks site.

The Heritage Fund’s investment will also support the redevelopment of Fairfield Rowan, the vacant office annexe of the iconic Fairfield Shipyard, and urgent repairs to pre-1919 tenements. 

A newly formed Tenement Partnership - comprising Linthouse Housing Association, Glasgow City Council, and energy efficiency teams - will deliver a holistic response to the complex challenges facing tenement owners, supported by Govan Heritage repair grants.

The project also targets environmental improvements to key public spaces such as Elder Park and the quayside at the Graving Docks, aiming to enhance the perception and experience of Govan for residents and visitors alike.

The funding builds on earlier investment by the Heritage Fund in Govan which includes projects to revitalise areas such as the Govan Cross, Aitken Memorial Fountain and Govan Old, and support for the Govan Stones. It reflects the Heritage Fund’s ambitions to support places to thrive and to connect communities to the breadth of heritage on their doorstep​.  

It also follows previous initiatives such as the Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative and is closely aligned with the Govan-Partick Strategic Development Framework and the emerging Glasgow Riverside Innovation District. It complements major infrastructure investments including the £29.5 million Glasgow City Region City Deal funded Govan-Partick Bridge, which opened in September 2024 and with 1.4 million crossings in its first year, and the transformation of Water Row into a vibrant mixed-use waterfront destination. 

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “Govan has an incredibly rich heritage from the ancient Govan stones, and before, through the industrial peak to the modern community with as rich and diverse a cultural mix of anywhere in Scotland.

“When we announced our development support that led to today’s announcement of £1,49m we were told by the community that people in Govan are rediscovering real pride in their shared identity and heritage which will help ensure this investment helps deliver sustainable economic regeneration and a stronger local economy through skills, tourism and a genuine pride in place.”

With additional funding anticipated from Historic Environment Scotland and Glasgow City Council, the Govan Heritage project is seen as essential to the sustainability of CGAP and the wider regeneration framework. Now is the time to secure Govan’s future as a thriving historic place, rooted in community resilience and ambition.

Councillor Richard Bell, depute leader of Glasgow City Council, added: “Govan is an area with a fantastic historic heritage, and while a lot has been done in recent years to restore and promote that heritage, the Govan Heritage Project will take the next step by continuing this work to deliver greater community ownership, training and jobs.  

“The new funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund is key to this next step, and we look forward to working with our partners to help deliver the Govan Heritage Project.  
Govan is undergoing a major transformation just now – from the new Bridge to the work going on at the Graving Docks, as well as significant numbers of new homes and the expansion of the BAE shipyard - and realising the potential of the area’s heritage can help us to ensure that everyone who lives and works there can benefit economically and socially.”

Deirdre Gaughan, chair of Central Govan Action Plan, said: “Govan’s built heritage is a source of great pride for the local community. There is sense of expectation locally that working in partnership with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other funders we can deliver real improvement over the next 5 years. This funding will help to address some of Govan’s most longstanding vacant heritage buildings, turning detractors into real community assets.”