A MASTERPLAN is to be drawn up which will result in the regeneration of a historic shipyard site in Govan.

The plan for Water Row opposite Riverside Museum could result in more than 100 new homes as well as commercial and leisure facilities.

Water Row, the site of the Harland and Wolff Shipyard which was closed and demolished 40 years ago, has had little use for decades.

The vision is to create a lively, attractive area taking advantage of its rich history, water front location, historic buildings, existing visitor attractions and the new footbridge and cycle routes which will be funded by the £1.1billion City Deal.

A team from the city council is working with the local community to develop a masterplan for what is regarded as one of the most exciting development sites in the city.

It is being co-ordinated by the local authority, regeneration body Central Govan Action Plan and Govan Housing Association.

One of the aims of the scheme is to boost the Govan area and improve health, employment and community pride.

A council spokesman said: “Water Row will become a lively focal point for Govan reconnecting it back to the waterfront where Govan grew from, offering a unique mix of residential, commercial and leisure uses that places it at the heart of Govan’s community life, making it a magnet for visitors and a key business location.”

Work on the masterplan is expected to begin next month with draft layouts and uses ready by summer next year.

It is expected Govan Housing Association will provide up to 100 mid-market homes to rent and up to 32 for social rent in a scheme estimated to cost £17million. Work is expected to start in September 2019.

Kenny McLean, the council’s spokesman for neighbourhoods, housing and public realm, said: “The redevelopment of this site beside the river at Water Row will play a key part in the regeneration of Govan.

“We can look forward to the development of new houses, businesses, community and leisure spaces on the site as the exciting regeneration of this historic part of the city continues.”

Deirdre Gaughan, chairwoman of Central Govan Action Plan, said it was great to finally see work beginning in the area.

She added: “We now have a huge opportunity to be ambitious and deliver something very special at Water Row.

“We want to grab this opportunity with both hands and ensure it gets done right, for Govan and the city.”