Members of Glasgow City Council’s Planning Applications Committee unanimously approved proposals to build up to 304 energy-efficient homes on the site’s southern boundary at a meeting on Tuesday 25 March.

The decision marks a major milestone in efforts to breathe new life into the historic docks, which have lain derelict for nearly 40 years.

The residential-led proposals, forming part of a wider masterplan to revitalise the site, will deliver significant investment in the area, bringing up to £125 million in inward investment and creating over 900 jobs during construction. The plans received strong local support, with over 150 community members formally backing the application.

Developer Harry O’Donnell, chairman of New City Vision, said: “Securing planning approval is a significant step in finally bringing the Govan Graving Docks back to life.

“We welcome the decision of the Council’s Planning Applications Committee and their support for the quality and design of our development.

“Housing is a key part of our vision, creating a lived-in environment that will ensure ongoing activity on the site for years to come. There is a clear need for new homes across Glasgow, and this development will help meet that demand while complementing Govan’s wider regeneration.

“Over the past three years, we’ve listened to local voices and worked closely with planning officers to develop a proposal that respects the docks’ heritage while delivering much-needed regeneration. Now, we can move forward with delivering a high-quality development that will support the long-term prosperity of the area and the regeneration of Glasgow’s riverfront.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has engaged with us on this project and look forward to continuing discussions as we progress with the next phases of our regeneration vision, which will ultimately result in the remaining 80% of the site being handed into community ownership.”

Jennifer O’Donnell, director at O’DonnellBrown and lead architect on the project, added: “This approval marks a significant result for Glasgow and a major step forward in the regeneration of the Govan Graving Docks, a site of national importance. The project has benefitted from years of consultation with the local community and Glasgow City Council to ensure that it meets the needs of the area while respecting the site’s rich history.

“O’DonnellBrown are proud to have acted as lead consultant and architect, alongside the wider design team, in bringing this vision to life. We are excited to see the site embark on a new chapter contributing to the ongoing regeneration of Govan.”

The development will consist of 74 one-bedroom flats, 208 two-bedroom flats, and 22 three-bedroom flats, delivered in three distinct phases. Phase 1 will involve the construction of 60 apartments on Clydebrae Street, Phase 2 will introduce a 12-storey block on the western side of Dock 2, and Phase 3 will be the largest phase, featuring a 4- to 10-storey block along Govan Road.

Additionally, proposals for public realm provision will create a welcoming and attractive residential area, well-integrated with its surroundings.

Significant progress has already been made in advancing the wider vision, with planning permission and ship repair works approved at Dry Dock No.1 last year, and approval for an urban green space granted in March 2025.

The project is led by New City Vision, with a design team that includes O’DonnellBrown (lead architects), Iceni Projects (planning consultants), ZM Architecture (heritage architects), Atelier Ten (environmental design consultants), Fairhurst (structural and civil engineers), Cavendish Consulting and TwentyTen Consultancy (both communications).