Elderpark Housing is exploring ways of transforming the ground into a community-focused garden hub with space for growing produce and with a firm sustainability and wellbeing purpose.

Known locally as the “Janitor’s Garden” the land was formerly the preserve of the school janitor when local primary Hills Trust school was in operation. Built in the 1970s, it closed several years ago with the building now demolished.

Now Elderpark has embarked on what it appropriately calls a ” deep-rooted” programme of engaging with the community to listen to people’s views with an event aimed at families taking place recently.

It was undertaken with the cooperation and support of two charities – The Govan Community Project and Inspiring Scotland.

While funding is still to be secured to make the plans a reality, Elderpark Housing is “making good progress” with initial plans to utilise the ground for the benefit of the community.

The exciting proposals could include:

• Flower and vegetable growing opportunities with a firm emphasis on growing ‘culturally appropriate’ produce to reflect the diverse nature of Govan’s modern-day ethnic mix
• A bike station
• Recycling opportunities
• Encouraging local schools to utilise the garden for outdoor learning - further fostering already strong links between the housing association and schools
• Organised walks starting and finishing from the garden while also creating a haven of peace and tranquillity for local people to enjoy and encourage positive mental health

Jonathan Giddings-Reid, community regeneration officer at Elderpark Housing, said: “We are very confident that we will make these exciting plans a reality with enthusiastic community backing - transforming land which has been unused for many years.

“Elderpark Housing is always looking at ways to create opportunities for wellbeing among our tenants and the wider neighbourhood and this redevelopment of waste ground helps achieve that. We are encouraging the community to come forward and support our plans and once finished we anticipate local people will play an important role in looking after it.”

The location of the ‘Janitor’s Garden’ can be found sandwiched between the original Victorian Hills Trust former school – now offices for Elderpark Housing - and new homes built at Nethan Street by the Association in 2021 not far from Govan Cross.

Jonathan added: “Partnership working with local groups is essential and the possibilities for a revitalised community space are endless. Engagement with the community is also vital so we fully understand what people would like this space to become.”

A feasibility study has already been commissioned and an architect engaged for initial work.