5-9 Water Row is an impressive B-listed, red sandstone tenement building that occupies a prominent site in the heart of Govan Conservation Area. It was built for the YMCA in 1897 and comprises two shops on ground floor level and a central entrance door to the tenement close, which gives access to four storeys above.

Although the building has been patch repaired and kept wind and watertight by the present owner, it now requires more comprehensive repair and overhauling. Its current run-down appearance detracts from the character of the building itself, and the conservation area as a whole. Because of this and the prominent location of the building (facing Govan Cross), 5-9 Water Row was targeted as one of the ‘priority’ building repair projects to be complete through Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative.

In simple terms, this project proposes to bring the external fabric of 5-9 Water Row into a good state of repair, in line with best conservation practice. This will involve: roof, stonework and chimney repairs; overhauling of the tower; limited repointing; refurbishment of existing sash and case windows; structural and joinery repairs where necessary.

Strategically, 5-9 Water Row is located at an important site within the Conservation Area. It is both on Govan Cross and across from the subway and bus stance – the point of arrival in Govan for many people. As such improving its appearance through carrying out this building repair will have a high impact – enhancing the character of the Conservation Area, improving the attractiveness of the streetscape, as well as increasing confidence in the regeneration of Govan.

This project is due to go on site in May 2013.

Key Facts

Status: Complete

Estimated Cost: £336,000

Timescale: May – August 2013

Funders: Govan Cross THI (Heritage Lottery Fund & Glasgow City Council), Glasgow City Heritage Trust, Private Owner contribution.

Project Team: ZM Architecture, McLeman QS network, Will Rudd Davidson engineers, John Fulton (Plumbers) Ltd.