New ‘Pigeon Park’ officially opens in Dalmarnock

A new community green space designed with local families and inspired by pupils from Riverbank Primary School has officially opened in Dalmarnock.

The park, named “Pigeon Park,” was selected through a public poll following name suggestions gathered from local primary schools in Clyde Gateway. The winning name was put forward by a pupil at Riverbank Primary School.

The park was officially opened by Team Scotland Commonwealth Games gymnast Pavel Karnejenko, marking the completion of the project and celebrating a new community asset for the area.

Sir Tom Devine, widely regarded as Scotland’s most distinguished historian, also attended the event. The only scholar to be knighted for services to Scottish history and a recipient of the Royal Medal, he delivered remarks celebrating Dalmarnock’s rich heritage and the strong progress being made in its regeneration.

Delivered by Clyde Gateway in partnership with Glasgow City Council, the new green space forms part of ongoing efforts to regenerate and enhance the east end community.

Located beside Dalmarnock Station, the new Pigeon Park transforms a previously vacant site into a vibrant public space for residents and visitors to enjoy. Designed by landscape architects LUC, the pocket park includes a children’s play area, open green space, community growing areas, new pathways, seating, planting, and biodiversity features.

The design also pays homage to the site’s industrial heritage, incorporating references to the area’s former gasometer through its geometric layout and landscaping.

The £1.05 million project was funded through Glasgow City Council’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund alongside investment from Clyde Gateway, supporting the transformation of previously unused land into a valuable community asset.

Pigeon Park forms part of Clyde Gateway’s wider masterplan for Dalmarnock, helping unlock future housing development while creating high-quality public spaces for the growing community. The investment supports the transformation of previously vacant and derelict land into places that improve wellbeing, connectivity and opportunities for local people.

Councillor Ricky Bell, Depute Leader, Glasgow City Council, said:
“The creation of Pigeon Park is the latest development in the ongoing transformation of Dalmarnock.  What was previously an unused and vacant piece of land is now a new public space that will be now enjoyed by local people in a number of ways.  I am delighted that the council helped to fund a project that will become a real asset for Dalmarnock.”

Niki Spence, Head of Sustainable Communities at Clyde Gateway, said: “Pigeon Park is a great example of regeneration creating spaces that people can really connect with, while also celebrating the area’s identity and history.

“This site was previously lying vacant, and it’s now been transformed into an attractive and welcoming green space for the whole community to enjoy. It’s especially nice that local young people helped shape the project, right down to choosing the name, which gives the park a real community feel.”

Pavel Karnejenko, Team Scotland gymnast said:
“It is a real honour to officially open Pigeon Park today and see this fantastic facility come to life in Dalmarnock. As an athlete I never take for granted the opportunity to get outdoors and have spaces to move around and train in. This park is sure to become a hub for kids, families and everyone who needs a place to relax and enjoy nature.”

Rob Booth, Chief Executive at LUC, said:
“We are proud to have supported Clyde Gateway and Glasgow City Council in delivering this important regeneration project. Pigeon Park has been carefully designed to create a welcoming and inclusive space that offers something for everyone. Throughout the design process, it was important to respect and celebrate the site’s unique history, creating a lasting asset that future generations can enjoy.”

The park also supports the delivery of new homes in the area and wider regeneration ambitions for Dalmarnock, creating an important community asset at the heart of the neighbourhood.