Bridgeton and Dalmarnock

Bridgeton and Dalmarnock are two distinct, adjoining communities in the east end of Glasgow.

Although the city has existed for more than 800 years, Bridgeton is a relative newcomer - coming into being in 1775, following the construction of a toll-free bridge across the Clyde linking Glasgow and Rutherglen.

Gradually, Bridgeton became known as a community dominated by weavers; and it was the textile industry, including carpet manufacture, that initially brought wealth to the area. Later, it became famous as an engineering centre and the site of one of Scotland's first car-manufacturing plants.

It's an area blessed with many listed buildings, structures and monuments - most of which were erected when the community was an industrial powerhouse. Glasgow City Council has produced a highly informative Heritage Trail for Bridgeton. Dowload here.

The first recorded use of a variation of "Dalmarnock" dates back to 1174. History records that much of its land originally belonged to the church authorities and was used extensively for growing food, but this changed when the Industrial Revolution began. 

Many of the earliest industrial ventures depended on a nearby river or stream for power. Dalmarnock was particularly attractive because of its extensive river frontage and proximity to Glasgow. By the late 1800s, the community had been transformed from rural to urban. Dalmarnock also boasted a gas supply plant, coal-fired power station, tram depot and a sewage works.

Between 1965 and 1980, Bridgeton and Dalmarnock suffered equally badly from the steep decline in Glasgow's traditional industries: factories and plants (including the gas works, tram depot and power station) closed at an alarming rate. Many residents had to move to find work, and a substantial number of tenements were demolished.

At the end of the 20th century, there were attempts to carry out physical improvements. However, such was the  scale and complexity of the problems caused by the legacy of the old industries - including land condition, pollution and contamination - that the task proved too great.

Much has changed recently - not least because many other parts of Glasgow have been transformed - and, with that, attention has turned to the east end.

We've invested substantially to improve Bridgeton Cross, as well as buying the Olympia  Theatre and bringing it back into use. New developments are also underway at Eastgate and the Red Tree Business Suites.  Dalmarnock is benefiting from its association with the 2014 Commonwealth Games - not least the construction of the National Indoor Sports Arena, the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Athletes' Village. Clyde Gateway has a long-term vision for the area, including transforming remaining derelict land into a a new mixed-use area incorporating residential, civic, transport, retail, business and industry.