Latest news with #JillPidgeon
Glasgow Times
06-07-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow City Council 'committed' to maintaining rose garden
Despite the International Rose Trials at Tollcross Park being suspended in 2024, the event has previously taken place every year within the park where new rose varieties are planted each year before being inspected by a panel of experts. During a recent full council meeting, concerns were raised by councillor Jill Pidgeon about the state of the rose garden which had become overrun with weeds and debris before being cleaned up by officers. Councillor Pidgeon wanted to know what steps were in place to ensure this would not happen again. (Image: LDR) Councillor Laura Doherty said: 'Glasgow International Rose Garden at Tollcross is a cherished and significant feature of our parks estate. 'A recent inspection of the rose beds has been completed and an improvement schedule is now being implemented to address any issues identified. 'This includes deploying operational staff to restore the beds to their internationally recognised standard. 'As part of our ongoing maintenance, we will continue the annual dressing of the beds with 200 tons of mushroom compost. This natural fertilizer is essential to the health and vibrancy of the roses. 'In line with recent budget approvals, we have also launched an extensive recruitment drive for additional park staff. These new recruits will be strategically deployed in key areas, including the rose garden to help maintain the high standard expected by both the local community and international visitors. READ MORE: 'No evidence' that data stolen in cyber attack, says Glasgow City Council 'This effort compliments our climate-ready modern apprenticeship programme, which offers young residents the opportunity to earn while they learn building careers within our valued parks estate. 'While the beds are no longer used for show trials, we remain fully committed to their upkeep and recognise the importance both locally and globally and are dedicated to enhance the Tollcross environment and uphold their international reputation.' Councillor Jill Pidgeon then asked if it was in the city convenor's plan to try and elevate the garden to a point where it would be competing and be part of that international scene. Councillor Doherty said: 'In the budget, we committed £3 million for our parks and I think that highlights our commitment to our parks and the priorities of the citizens of this city.'
The National
04-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Battery storage site on greenfield land given go-ahead after 26 objections
The energy storage site, which faced 26 objections, will be built in Glasgow between Nitshill and Barrhead in a field. The system aims to store electricity from the national grid in periods of low demand and then deliver it back during peak times. READ MORE: 200-year-old Highland distillery's whisky available in United States for first time There are to be 12 containers housing the energy storage systems located on 9.5 acres of designated greenbelt land. Residents voiced concerns over health and safety, fire risk, negative impact on wildlife, light pollution and loss of greenspace in objections lodged with the council. Councillors approved the bid from applicant GPC 1184 Ltd at yesterday's planning applications committee subject to conditions. Speaking at the meeting, councillor Eva Bolander described the plan as a 'very interesting development for the city'. She said she had concerns about ecology but was reassured by information from the applicants and council officials adding: 'I would be more than happy to approve it.' Councillor Jill Pidgeon said: 'I feel this is a really well thought out and welcome development to our city. If we are serious about moving towards net zero we have to start allowing this to be part of our city and our landscape.' READ MORE: 'You will be on trial': Pro-Palestine protesters target Westminster Also backing the proposal, councillor Imran Alam said: 'I think it is a good development. The developers have really thought about this with regards to maintaining a good balance with development and the surrounding green space. If there were major issues, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other organisations would have put in objections.' The Parkhouse Road site is to be surrounded by a 1.8 metre perimeter fence and include infrastructure located in a compound, security lighting and CCTV. The system would store up to 24mw of energy.
Glasgow Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
New development for Glasgow's Calton given the go-ahead
Land to the east of Havannah Street can be redeveloped after Glasgow's planning committee gave the green light to the scheme on Thursday. The project, which includes an arts hub, is being delivered by Glasgow Enlightenment Ltd, a joint venture company set up by Dawn Developments and Drum Property Group. Councillors backed the firm's planning bid despite 25 objections from residents, including Calton Community Council which said the proposals left 'much to be desired'. There were 15 letters of support. The site, which is bounded by Hunter Street to the east and the railway to the south, is set to be used for an 11-storey student accommodation block with 591 beds and 147 build-to-rents flats in a 10-storey building. There will be no car parking, but 484 spaces for bikes. A two and a half acres publicly accessible community park is planned, while a 'community lounge and arts hub', known as Dream Park, will be managed by Dream Machine Productions, a community arts organisation. Council planners had recommended the scheme was approved, reporting it would 'reuse an area of brownfield land located within close proximity to Glasgow city centre' and repair 'the urban fabric'. READ MORE: 'Disappointed': Change to nursery funding could cost parents 'thousands' Cllr Cecilia O'Lone, who represents Calton, said the site has been 'one of the biggest pains in my whole time'. 'For me, it is good to see this coming forward.' She welcomed plans for a park as 'at the moment it's scrubland, it's an eyesore for the people who are living there already'. Cllr Jill Pidgeon, Labour, said the project would be a 'significant improvement'. Both councillors had concerns over the length of time it may take to develop the arts hub, as the charity is 'currently homeless'. A council official said Dream Machine was 'eagerly awaiting' a decision on the application, and had 'asked for some reassurances about timescales'. He added: 'They are certainly looking to get their funding in place to deliver it in the near future because they are currently homeless.' A legal agreement will need to be signed over the ongoing management of both the student block and build-to-rent flats. Councillors asked for that to also cover the maintenance of the park. Dream Park is expected to include a pavilion where 'residents can meet, socialise and relax' while the wider park would be open to the public throughout the day and night. READ MORE: Major roads in Glasgow to close for 17 hours for Tour of Britain cycling final It is also expected that Dream Machine would run an events programme, with art installations, performances, community gatherings and children's parties. Objectors raised concerns about the height of the buildings and the impact of the development on existing parking and traffic issues. They also suggested affordable housing was needed rather than student flats. Calton Community Council said the proposed buildings are 'bulky and ugly'. It added that while there 'might be plans for very low or zero car ownership… Glasgow is not yet ready for people to use alternative means of transport'. They did welcome the development of a public park on land which has been used for 'fly-tipping, prostitution and drug-taking' if ongoing maintenance is included. Council officials reported a factor fee sourced from residents of the new development would cover park maintenance. They added the development would contribute to a 'vibrant accessible neighbourhood' and an 'increase in population numbers could be successfully absorbed into the city centre community'.
