Govan Drydock to reopen as ship repair facility for first time in three decades

A historic dock that has lain derelict for nearly four decades has been given the green light to reopen.

Govan Drydock Limited has been given permission by Glasgow City Council to bring the A-listed site back into use for commercial ship repair operations for the first time since 1987.

The restoration of the Number 1 Dry Dock at the Govan Graving Docks forms part of the wider plans to transform the site into a “vibrant” neighbourhood with new residential housing and community hubs.

Govan Drydock is currently operational as a ship repair and maintenance facility. Earlier this year, it was awarded the contract to project manage and undertake the first phase of major restoration and repair work on the TS Queen Mary, which will help preserve the iconic ship.

Peter Breslin, managing director of Govan Drydock Limited said: “Securing planning consent will allow us to continue the regeneration work on Govan Drydock, which has been derelict for the past 36 years. It is great news for the Govan area of Glasgow and will bring future job opportunities.

“It will also enable us to continue the repair and restoration work we have been undertaking over the past six months on the TS Queen Mary.”

Developers have drawn up “ambitious proposals” that would see 304 new homes built on the southern boundary of the site Govan Graving Docks which dates back to the 19th century.

The Drydock No 1 has been granted a Change of Use Planning Consent

The homes are part of a wider masterplan to regenerate three docks and create new uses for the site that will “reconnect the people of Glasgow with the waterfront”.

Plans to repair and restore the pumphouse – the sole remaining building on the site – into a visitor and community attraction also form part of the ambitious development.

Paul Sweeney MSP, convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Maritime and Shipbuilding Cross-Party Group, added: “I am delighted by the news that Glasgow City Council’s Planning Applications Committee has approved the ambitious proposal to bring the 168m long Category A-listed Number 1 Dry Dock at the Govan Graving Docks complex back into use for commercial ship repair operations for the first time since 1987.

“With support from Glasgow City Heritage Trust, the Arrol-built steel caisson dock gate will now be fully restored to working order, which will allow vessels to enter the dock – and make use of dry docking facilities, commencing with the re-engineering project for the iconic 1933 turbine steamer, Queen Mary.

“After 36 years of dereliction, it has been a life-long dream for me to see the rejuvenation of commercial shipbuilding and repair services on the upper Clyde.”