A MAKEOVER which transformed a Glasgow neighbourhood with stunning artwork has scooped a national award.
A MAKEOVER which transformed a Glasgow neighbourhood with stunning artwork has scooped a national award.
The project, inspired by Scotland's greatest architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, saw sculptures erected in Townhead, where Mackintosh was born.
Now, Glasgow Housing Association and its partners behind the innovative scheme have won the Transformation Award at the 2009 Sustainable Housing Awards.
The project saw Townhead improved with a new games court and play park, measures to improve parking, landscaped areas and striking large artworks designed by local school pupils.
Three sculptures, featuring an eye-catching lighting display, were designed in partnership with the Gorbals Art Project - and dedicated to Mackintosh.
Artist Liz Peden, who produced the pieces, said: "The people of Townhead embraced the artwork and felt a sense of ownership of it, but most of all they were proud that Charles Rennie Mackintosh was born in Parson Street in Townhead and that the work was dedicated to him."
The project saw off stiff competition from around Britain to take the top prize at the awards, which were held in London and hosted by Channel 4 newsreader Jon Snow. The awards focus on the UK's best "green" social housing projects.
The artwork was delivered as part of GHA's Neighbourhood Quality Improvement Fund (NQIF) programme, a partnership between GHA and Glasgow City Council's Land and Environmental Services which aims to improve neighbourhoods by revitalising public spaces.
Local councillor Gordon Matheson, who chaired the Townhead Environmental Working Group, said: "Countless Glasgow families feel an affinity with Townhead, either because they or their grandparents at one time or other lived or worked in the area.
"I am thrilled that these improvements have been recognised by this prestigious UK award scheme."
Jim Sneddon, GHA's executive director of regeneration, said: "Winning this award is a terrific achievement for everyone involved."
