Introduction and History
This small play park and Green Space was supported by NLC, but they withdrew their support after over 60 years when it was discovered the land belonged to Tata Steel (through various takeovers and mergers from the original British Steel).
Much could be said about this decision, but Gartcosh Development Trust would like to concentrate on the present and future care and use of this green space.
The park has been left in disrepair and the play equipment was condemned and removed. Many residents have expressed great concern in social media and in questionnaire issued by the GTRA. There is also a genuine feeling by residents to retain as much green space in the area as possible again evident by social media and questionnaires issued by Gartcosh Tenants & Residents Association (GTRA).
Sometime ago, GTRA tracked down the title deed and contacted Tata Steel legal representatives and first asked for the land to be transferred to NLC through our councillor, but NLC refused to take on the land. GTRA then expressed an interest in purchasing the land for the community - but as the Development Trust was in the process of being set up, it was felt the ownership would be best served as a community asset within the Trust, and we have been working since August 2023 to transfer the land. We hope that this transfer should conclude by February 2024.
We would like to thank the GTRA for their assistance in this process.
The Mission and Vision
Our mission was to secure the land as a priority for our community - the vision we believe should be a collective community vision such as for example a restored play park. We plan to consult the community ensuring the space is adequately supported for and by the community as to its use.
Finance
We now need to finance the purchase, upkeep and development of the area according to the community consensus, but in the first instance we need your community support.
Updates
October 2024
Great news - we have acquired the park. Please see our Newsletter for more details.