GCV Green Network
Connecting Our Quality Spaces

The area around Rashielee Quay in Renfrewshire was identified n the Clyde Waterfront Green Network Strategy as a priority area for further analysis and design work to ensure it delivers its full Green Network potential.

It was apparent from initial analysis and discussion with Renfrewshire Council that in order to realise a full range of Green Network benefits a more holistic approach was required.  The study area was enlarged to include Erskine Town Centre and Craigends giving a much more comprehensive picture of how people were able to move through the area on foot and by bike and how connected or disconnected areas of habitat were to each other.

The analysis focussed of the existing urban structure of Erskine, the current green network (routes and spaces) and the underlying landscape structure and highlighted a number of issues:

- there is an issue of disconnection between the water front, town centre and residential neighbourhoods, key pedestrian routes are not legible

- the existing route network is focused on ‘leisure’ access and does not effectively form some of the key linkages required to make the network function as a core part of the community’s day to day lives

- the existing green network routes and spaces lack a strong identity and appear as generic areas of municipal green open space

- there is a need for a maintenance / management strategy for the existing network of routes, spaces and woodlands

The study develops a strategy and set of specific interventions that:

- creates a hierarchy of routes, structured around a core pedestrian spine / linear park that connects the water front, town centre and the new secondary school campus

- focuses developed park facilities and maintenance activity within key routes and spaces

- identifies 3 significant areas focused on habitat creation and management

- generates a clear and focused approach to management and maintenance of the Green Network

- describes an urban strategy for the redevelopment and expansion of the town centre

Renfrewshire Council are actively seeking to implement some of the recommendations in this financial year.  The Partnership is also working with the council to identify potential delivery mechanisms for a range of other actions.