The River Clyde frontage represents one of the major environmental and recreational assets within the City and potentially a major contributor to tourist development.

For these reasons, it is essential that the river frontage is treated with care and sensitivity. As it forms one of the most prominent and open vistas near the City Centre’s southern boundary, new development proposals should take account of views, prominent positions and sight-lines on both sides of the river. Strategic positions and views across all the bridges on the River Clyde are important. Corner sites should be treated with particular sensitivity because they usually form sight lines from more than one direction or face approaches to the City Centre from the south, east or west.

In determining built form, scale and massing, account should be taken of listed buildings along the river frontage particularly those that are more prominent, or architecturally distinguished. New development should also take account of these buildings when determining the use of materials.

The River frontage is a major asset to Glasgow. Any development proposed in close proximity to the River will take account of the following criteria:

1. Where new development is proposed on sites along the major streets immediately adjacent to the River Clyde, a townscape analysis should be undertaken to take into account the impact on the River frontage and the surrounding area;

2. The townscape analysis should:

(i) place emphasis on strategic positions and views across the River, defined as all rail, traffic and pedestrian bridges which link the north and south sides of the River and views of all listed buildings, in particular Grade ‘A’ listed buildings;

 

(ii) include a visual assessment of the proposed development as viewed from directly opposite and other prominent positions and sight-lines on both sides of the River;

(iii) recognise the variety of the built form along the length of Clyde Street/Broomielaw frontage. Corner sites should be treated with care and sensitivity, especially in relation to bridge and pedestrian approaches across the River Clyde;

3. Development proposals for the strip of land adjacent to the Clyde Walkway (encompassing Custom House and Broomielaw Quays), should provide continuous public access along its full length. Permeability should be established in such a manner as to provide convenient access from all the major streets which link Clyde Street and Broomielaw; and

4. Very high quality materials that respect the surrounding building styles and materials will require to be used in any development.