Water Row Masterplan Wins Royal Town Planning Institute Award

The Water Row Masterplan has been announced as the winner of Best Project by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) for Scotland.

Supported by funding from the Glasgow City Region Deal, the Water Row Masterplan was identified as a strategically important site that would form part of a multi-million-pound, multi-phase mixed-use regeneration in Govan, south Glasgow.

The Masterplan first began to be developed in 2017. Led by Collective Architecture on behalf of Glasgow City Council, and in collaboration with the Central Govan Action Plan, proposals sought to reinvigorate the connection between the town centre and the River Clyde, and creating high-quality public realm around the southern approach to the Govan-Partick Bridge which has had over 1 million crossings since opening in summer 2024.

New affordable homes formed part of the design philosophy from the outset. Proposals were developed collaboratively with Govan Housing Association and local community groups, with the final design delivering 92, two-bedroom mid-market rent apartments alongside 700 sqm of commercial space (6 premises), each designed to serve and enhance Govan’s busy town centre.

The design approach prioritises connectivity and place-making, with staggered blocks that create dynamic views both within the site and towards the surrounding areas and a defining edge to the new public square at the bridge’s landing point, reinforcing Govan’s urban identity.

CCG led the construction of the landmark development, undertaking final handovers in May 2024.

The project recently won the Homes for Scotland Affordable Housing Development of the Year Award (Medium), and will go on to the RTPI UK Award finals, which will take place later this year.