Glasgow drydock scoops national maritime award

The historic drydock, which has been restored and brought back into service over the past year, has won the Coastal Communities Excellence category at a ceremony held at Woods Quay in London on 13 September.

The dock is now fully operational and is soon to begin work on the first phase of a major restoration of the iconic 1930s turbine steamer, Queen Mary.

“Winning this award is a huge honour and is recognition of the tireless work we have undertaken to date on the restoration of Govan Drydock,” said Peter Breslin, managing director of Govan Drydock.

“The project not only has protected and revived the drydock, the business viability has also been proven with the awarding of the TS Queen Mary repair and restoration project, which has brought employment opportunities and community benefits to the area.

“We have exciting plans for the further development of the drydock, which will help contribute to the ongoing regeneration of the Clyde Waterfront and breathe life into the Govan area of Glasgow.”

The docks had lain derelict for 36 years and are Category A-listed. The restoration is part of a wider plan to reconnect the people of Glasgow with the historic site, said Harry O’Donnell, chair of New City Vision which owns the site.

“As we move forward, we continue to carry out extensive consultation on proposals, integrating new homes with carefully thought-out community spaces to deliver a vibrant and dynamic future for the docks,” he said.