Skatepark, bluebell woods and basketball court proposed to upgrade Queen's Park in Glasgow

Plans are under way to transform historic Queen’s Park with hopes to make it world-class.

A basketball court, bluebell woods, new skatepark, paths, and a new grand entrance from Battlefield Monument are among priority project proposals.

Some 1,000 Glaswegians who use the Victorian park have given their views to help shape the priorities for the park and recreation ground as a development plan has been drawn up for the green space.

Councillor Jon Molyneux, Greens, said: “The Queens Park Development Plan is exciting and I hope it leads to sustained investment in the park.

“As well as its obvious role as a greenspace, the park is a major social and economic asset for the Southside and it is valued really highly by local people. The response to the public consultation showed that very clearly.

“Funding is already in place for some key improvements, including a new play area at Balvicar Street, lighting to improve safety on key walking routes, and to support reopening Langside Hall, but there is clearly more that can be done to ensure the park continues to meet the local community’s needs.”

Southside Central councillor Soryia Siddique, Labour, said: “Queen’s Park is one of Glasgow’s most valued green spaces and at the heart of our Southside communities.

“I look forward to seeing Glasgow City Council, community groups and local residents work together to deliver real improvements – from protecting the park’s heritage and environment to strengthening facilities and volunteering opportunities. It is important there is adequate funding and long term maintenance to make secure a sustainable and thriving future for Queen’s Park.”

The plan contains a number of themes including that “Queen’s Park and Recreation Ground shall be an exceptional, world class, much used and well-loved public park that respects and celebrates its heritage whilst also meeting the aspirations of existing and future generations”.

The Queen’s Park Working Group set up a steering group to oversee a tender process, with Glasgow-based landscape architect Ironside Farrar hire to carry out work on the development plan.

So far, feedback from residents has been collated and a range of short medium and long term projects have been put forward for the park.

Funding opportunities are to be sought to deliver the development proposals for the park and incremental improvements are also to be considered for gradual roll out.

Pollokshields, Langside and Southside Central Area Partnership are receiving an update on the plan this month.