Residents living in the Gorbals and Shawlands neighborhoods in Glasgow have a deep appreciation for their communities, with a desire to see more improvements and amenities. The closure of Langside Halls in 2017 left residents longing for more community spaces. Isla Scott, secretary for Shawlands Community Council, emphasized the shared concern for the future of Langside Halls among the various community councils in the area. Alasdair Kelly, a long-time resident of the Southside, highlighted efforts to address anti-social behavior by revitalizing the space behind the halls.
Enhancing Community Spaces: Plans for Langside Halls
Isla Scott emphasized the need for more community spaces in the area and mentioned a recent downturn in available spaces. Efforts are underway to reactivate the space behind Langside Halls to address safety concerns and create more engaging environments for residents. The Langside Halls Trust, in collaboration with In House, is working on phase one of utilizing the ground floor for community events and activities. These initiatives aim to revitalize the area and provide residents with more opportunities to come together.
Addressing Traffic Concerns and Accessibility
Residents also expressed concerns about traffic congestion and accessibility in the area. Isla highlighted the need for better safety measures and improved public transport options to reduce reliance on cars. Emily Benita raised concerns about the lack of parking provisions in new developments like the Victoria Development in Langside. Additionally, the closure of public toilets behind Hugs & Mugs due to vandalism has been a significant issue for residents like Michael Igoe.
Preservation and Restoration of Heritage Buildings
The discussion also touched on the preservation of heritage buildings in the area. Emily mentioned the challenges faced by buildings like the former Tusk nightclub, which has remained empty for almost a decade. She emphasized the importance of preserving such architectural gems and called for a balance between heritage preservation and practical considerations. Despite the challenges, there is hope for the restoration of these buildings in the near future.
Residents’ Love for Their Neighborhoods
Despite the challenges and concerns, residents of Gorbals and Shawlands expressed their love for their neighborhoods. Lisa Gillen, a long-time Gorbals resident, praised the sense of community and support available in the area. She highlighted the diverse mix of past and present elements in the Gorbals and emphasized the need for a purpose-built community center. Lisa also addressed the ongoing parking issues in the Gorbals, exacerbated by the introduction of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the city center.
Residents like Lisa advocate for more inclusive decision-making processes to address community concerns and ensure that local voices are heard. As these neighborhoods continue to evolve and face new challenges, the sense of community spirit and shared love for the area remain strong among residents. The ongoing efforts to enhance community spaces, address traffic issues, and preserve heritage buildings reflect the deep attachment residents have to Gorbals and Shawlands.
