Empty premises taken over as regeneration of Govan gathers pace
Two flourishing businesses have set up shop in Govan with a helping hand from Elderpark Housing.
The duo - one a bakery and the other an upcycling and retro-themed shop - have opened their doors and proved an instant hit with customers. Both have transformed shop units which have lain empty for some time by renting them from the local housing association.
And in doing so they have transformed two locations in Govan which is undergoing a multi-million transformation with more new shops and housing coming soon.
Bakery The Dough Cartel has opened at 30 Craigton Road - harnessing the expert baking skills of Olga and Marek Kreplewicz who have fulfilled their dream of opening a bakery with a plant-based theme.
The Polish couple began their love of baking during the pandemic lockdown and took the plunge into full-time business with the new premises. It now sells mouth-watering cakes and delicious sourdough bread to name just two of their tempting offerings.
Olga said: “We have been overwhelmed the goodwill of the people of Govan to our new business. We love our new premises and word is spreading that we are here supporting the community in Govan with a new bakery in transformed retail premises.”
The bakery has an abundance of space - so much so that the couple are offering a helping hand to other local businesses. Already a number of crafts are on display and for sale including some stunning framed photographs of Glasgow.
Less than 500 yards away at 41 Uist Street is Bunker 3 also known as Bunker Art owned by Norman Clark. A stylish and colourful retro goods shop offering framed prints, upcycled furniture “and all things vintage”, it relocated from Argyle Street.
Norman said: “The welcome from the people of Govan to our new location has been incredible. I immediately felt right at home and business has been great since we opened the doors.
“Everyone knows the regeneration of Govan is moving at a fast pace and we are very pleased to be part of that success story.”
Gary Dalziel, chief executive of Elderpark Housing, said: “We are delighted to welcome both businesses to Govan and are impressed to hear they have provided such an instant hit with customers.
“The fact that these two empty premises have now found a new purpose is great news for the community.”
The wider Govan area is undergoing a transformational regeneration drive costing many millions of pounds. Traditionally home to world-beating shipbuilding, it is being reinvigorated with new housing and shops at Govan Cross and a new bridge linking Govan with Partick.
Elderpark Housing is playing a key role in this transformation and within the last two years has built 82 homes for rent overlooking Govan Cross in a landmark and distinctive building with terraced homes nearby costing £11 million.
It has also been the driving force behind a number of eye-catching murals which have sprung up in the community – brightening tenement walls and gable ends.