A project credited with transforming a Dundee street and tackling isolation won the Streets & Spaces Award.

The Craigie Street Pocket Park was a partnership between Sustrans, Scottish Water, and community group the Stobswell Forum, Dundee City Council delivered a new pocket park and streetscape enhancements in the Albert Street area.

Previously  perceived as being dull and grey due to the prevalence of high stone tenements, the project created a high-quality pocket park in Craigie Street, closing off part of the street to vehicles and introducing Dundee’s first rain garden to address rainwater run-off, new seating, signage and cycle parking.

Complementary works were also completed in other locations along the shopping street to improve pedestrian access and increase safety.

The project’s nomination stated: “The improvements have introduced some much-needed colour into the area and provided a meeting area to help tackle social isolation whilst promoting the Albert Street shopping area as a progressive location.”

The Lord Provost of Dundee, Councillor Bill Campbell, was among the guests at the ceremony.

He said afterwards: “These awards not only celebrate our communities but also to recognise the invaluable contribution that businesses make to them.

“The Dundee projects recognised are great examples of what can be achieved through partnership working and a shared commitment to improving localities and lives.

“Well done to all involved in the projects celebrated at the Scotland Loves Local Awards. From Buckie to Stranraer, your contributions are valued and are making a real, tangible difference.”

Finalists

Inchrya Park, Grangemouth

Friends of Inchyra were responsible for the transformation of Grangemouth’s Inchyra Park. 

The group created an inviting green space that could be used by all by adding a 100-tree community orchard, 3,000 square metres of wildflower meadow, heritage trails, meeting areas, seating, an outdoor gym and free Wifi for those who visit. The existing swing park was regenerated and new trees were planted alongside raised planters. 

The park is now home to many events throughout the year, attracting up to 3,000 people to some. Events include Easter Egg Hunts, Pumpking Patches, and park ‘safaris’ that families can undertake by bike. 

The regeneration of Inchyra Park has brought together the wider Grangemouth community, including schools, local council, and businesses. What was a local hotspot for antisocial behaviour is now a safe space and well-used asset that benefits the mental and physical health of the wider community. 

Gateway to Strathclyde Country Park, Bellshill

Working with key and community partners, North Lanarkshire Council created a brand new Gateway to Strathclyde Country Park on an unmaintained space on the border of Bellshill. The new facility includes a Pump Track and beginners area with sports lighting, Mountain Bike Skills Loop, Mountain Bike Trials area, Mountain Bike Trails, a Nature Trail, natural play and waymarked routes to Bellshill, Motherwell and Strathclyde Country Park. 

The new Gateway provides a number of new facilities to previously underserved communities in Bellshill and North Motherwell, encouraging recreation in the local area rather than using cars to travel further afield, and supporting the 20-minute  neighbourhood concept. Provision of cycling facilities and activity is proven to encourage modal shift to active travel options, particularly engaging with young people to develop cycling skills and make active travel the default option before they become car “dependant”. The facilities were developed and designed in close consultation with local cyclists and residents to ensure their needs were met, for example including a natural play area and nature trail to entertain younger children while their older siblings were using cycling facilities, supporting parents and carers to bring the whole family together to enjoy the facility.

Cycling activities have been delivered in the park since launch by local cycling clubs and the pump track was recently the proud host of a UCI Race the Worlds qualifying event. The project has received lots of positive feedback and has been incredibly well used since launch in October 2022, with over 160,000 visits to the end of July.

Many thanks to the sponsors of this category: