Figure Ground Plan - Historical Growth

Govan c.1863
A strong grid pattern is developing in the East as Glasgow's city develops.
The bridge shown here is now where the Central Station railway bridge is.
A Cluster development can be seen opposite the mouth to the River Kelvin
and is now the location of Govan Cross.
There is a sign of a path between Govan Cross and the grid pattern in the East.
There is also signs of another path developing on the South side of Govan.
This path is obviously linking Glasgow with the town of Paisley.

Govan c.1897
The introduction of shipbuilding and Docks have generated rapid development in
Greater Govan with Shipyards lining the Clyde and adjacent housing to the South.
Glasgow’s city grid has continued to develop west into Greater Govan but the
orientation and size of the grid has greatly altered.
Paisley Road West has now become more defined as a linear development.
Govan Cross has developed but its pattern is not a strong grid.
The Railway (passenger and freight) is now servicing Govan
The Parks (Elder and Kinning) have now been built.

Govan c.1938
Greater Govan has further developed, especially in the west where it continues to expand.
On the whole, the street and block pattern is now highly defined.
While now obviously an urban region it still holds unto its rural past with the existence
of a farm in the Drumoyne area.
The Stadium for Rangers Football Club, located in Ibrox can now be seen.
The shipbuilding industry is at its peak at this period and is summed up with the
completion of the Docks.
An important development now seen in the West is Govan’s first hospital.

Govan c.1999
Many changes have taken place in Greater Govan since the war.
The west side of the Farm has now been developed into housing with the remainder
being taken over by the school as recreational grounds.
The motorway has now been built, destroying much of the buildings and urban
fabric especially in the Kinning Park and Kingston area. Also note the Clyde Tunnel.
The decline of the shipyards has resulted in just the one left and the Docks filled in.
Some left over land from the closed shipyards have been used for new housing.
Many of the tenements in Govan have been demolished and replaced with modern
housing schemes of high rise and cul-de-sac developments.
The Freight Railway line is long gone and Govan Train Station has closed down.