Improvement works to turn Langlands Path from drab to fab completed in March 2014. The uneven walking surface, overgrown shrubs and down at heel appearance are gone forever, replaced by a lovely new path built for pedestrians and cyclists, with natural stone entrance features, new fencing, planting and street lighting. The popular pathway has its very own, community inspired, art installation, with a series of engraved stone panels, each depicting an element of Govan’s history and character, installed along its length.
Langlands Path is the main pedestrian walkway linking Govan town centre with residential areas and important services, such as the library and health centre, in the west. It is an exceptionally busy thoroughfare: nearly 600 people were counted using it in a five hour survey period. The improvement works are all part of the drive, through the Central Govan Action Plan, to make Govan a great place to live by improving the quality of public space and improving access to the town centre.
The path’s engraved stone art panels were designed by Glasgow artist and sculptor Kate Robinson in 2010/11. Based on interviews with local people, they are Kate’s interpretation of the most popular aspects of Govan’s history. Referred to as ‘The Timeline’, full details and images of the art work can be downloaded from this page. You can also view the community interviews on the GovanXArt Facebook page.
The Langlands Path Improvements have been led by Elderpark Housing Association and implemented in stages since 2008 as funding would allow. Very successful small scale improvements were carried out in 2009 to improve the attractiveness and feeling of safety on the path in the short term. This included lifting the tree canopies, cutting back shrubs and replacing with grass. C-Space, a local environment organisation, worked with local residents and schools to survey path users and help scope the full improvement works. This included a study trip to see other path improvement projects that have successfully lifted the tone and popularity of neighbourhoods. Raploch in Stirling served to inspire, and it was here that local residents first had the idea of including an art timeline as part of the improvement works. Now that community vision come to fruition and another piece of Govan’s regeneration has fallen into place.
Key Facts
Status: Complete
Cost: £450,000
Timescale: Complete March 2014
Funders: Glasgow City Council (CGAP & Housing Investment Funds), Glasgow Housing Association, Community Landfill Trust
Project Team: Elderpark Housing Association; Mast Architects; Reid Associates (QS); Landscapes and Contracts (Contractor).