Backcourt Improvements
In recent years, the Association has co-ordinated 2 major improvement projects to transform dilapidated backcourts into attractive, vibrant open spaces, with new bin storage provision created to account for the larger wheelie bins and recycling scheme now operated by the City Council. The improvements will also hopefully recreate a sense of neighbourliness, bringing people together and fostering a feeling of community ownership and pride in the backcourts.
Resident participation in the design was encouraged by means of public meetings, drop-in days and surveys and residents worked with the Association and Landscape Architect to develop the proposals. As part of each project, two training places with the Contractors were provided for residents from the local area, allowing the trainees to receive valuable experience in environmental works.
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In Spring 2008, the first phase of environmental works were completed to the backcourts of the tenement block formed by Northpark Street / Maryhill Road / Springbank Street. These improvements saw the redesign of 6 small backcourts into a single communal area, with the replacement of large areas of tarmac hardstanding by grassed drying greens with new clothes poles and attractive paved access paths. |
New access was also formed to assist the cleansing uplifts. New planting beds, screen fencing for the bin store areas and seating were also introduced to help soften the previously harsh environment.
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In Spring 2009, improvement works were completed to the backcourts at 17/23/29 Northpark Street. This project has seen these dilapidated backcourts transformed into an attractive space, with redundant brick bin-stores replaced with small seating areas located to catch what sun may be available, with proper clothes drying facilities and new bin storage provided. |
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Part of the works allowed for the repair of existing boundary walls and the introduction of extensive planting beds to improve the overall environment of the backcourts.
The close at 17 Northpark Street is fully factored by Queens Cross Factoring, the subsidiary of the Association, and the residents there, as well as participating in the design, also contributed towards the cost. Grant assistance was provided by Glasgow City Council towards the works in all backcourts, although unfortunately, no funds are currently available for any further improvement projects.
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