Client: Queens Cross Housing Association
Sector: Housing Associations
Project value: £4.5M
Location: Firhill, Glasgow
Timeframe: 2023 - 2024
Overview:
Launched in 2017, the Making Places initiative empowers communities to shape the renewal of their local environments. In Woodside, this vision came to life through Woodside Making Places—a transformative project aimed at enhancing the physical and environmental quality of the neighbourhood.
Driven by extensive community engagement, the design process ensured that local voices guided every decision, aligning improvements with the real needs and aspirations of residents.
Following a competitive tendering process, Mackenzie Construction was appointed to deliver Phase 1 of this ambitious project.
The scope included a comprehensive upgrade of streets, green spaces, play areas, and courtyards creating a vibrant, multifunctional green infrastructure with a strong sense of identity and place.
Key features of the project include:
• Integrated cycle routes
• Biodiverse habitats
• Sustainable rainwater drainage systems
• Doorstep play areas
• Edible landscapes
The construction works encompassed both hard and soft landscaping across three multi-storey flats and surrounding low-rise housing. Specific elements included:
• Ground clearance and earthworks
• Redesigned footpaths with new surfacing and paving
• Installation of a new street lighting network
• Hard landscaping including steps, surfacing, and block paving
• Construction and upgrade of drainage systems
• Creation of new play areas with modern equipment
• Provision of a multi-use football pitch and basketball court
• Planting of shrubs, trees, and edible vegetation
• Installation of fencing, railings, and street furniture
• Cycle racks and secure storage facilities
• Enhanced lighting throughout the area
Woodside Making Places was delivered alongside Connecting Woodside, a complementary initiative introducing major new cycle routes linking the neighbourhood to Glasgow city centre.
Funding was provided by Queens Cross Housing Association, with additional support from Sustrans through their Places for Everyone programme, funded by Transport Scotland.
One local resident shared:
“I just wanted to say how nice the improvements to the local area in Woodside are, especially at the Cedar Court flats. Now there are open spaces, grassy areas, biodiversity, and it feels more like a community. Last weekend, my partner and I sat on the grass next to the allotment and bike storage instead of opting to go to Speirs Wharf, Kelvingrove Park or the Botanic Gardens, and it was wonderful. Every weekday after 3pm, the play equipment is full of kids and their parents, and you can tell that people are building relationships with those around them. This is really great work, so thank you to those involved.”