The Latest Govanhill News
All the goings on about the neighbourhood..
Every issue of Greater Govanhill, we run a News in Brief section where we round up all the latest talking points in the area. You can find all the News from our last magazine - all with updated info. But first, some recent news as reported by other organisations.
☘️ Glasgow Live reported on The Old Toll Bar taking over the last Irish pub in Govanhill ☘️
🏊♂️ Govanhill Bath's announce that they need a further £6.5 million to finish refurbishments 🏊♂️
🏛️ Architects bid to complete 'Greek' Thomson's Strathbungo masterplan at the old Arnold Clark site 🏛️
Now catch up with all our recently reported news from our latest magazine.
🗑️ Council double fly-tipping fines 🗑️
Glasgow City Council (GCC) has announced they will be increasing fly-tipping fines in hopes that it will discourage people from dumping rubbish in public. The plans are a part of the Scottish Government’s six-year National Litter and Flytipping scheme.
Fly-tipping fines will increase from £200 to £500 and new powers will also allow the council to fine the owner of vehicles found to be fly-tipping.
Incidents of fly-tipping continue in Govanhill with residents complaining of issues of rubbish being dumped in back lanes daily. However, through a Freedom of Information request, we found that last year across the whole Southside Central ward (which Govanhill is part of) only 12 fines were issued.
Chris Mitchell, GMB cleansing convenor had reservations, saying: “The council put out a six-year plan to address issues of fly-tipping, but you need people to do that job and they cut staff by half. You need investment in environmental health and if they don’t invest in it this issue is going to continue.”
🔦 The Scottish Beacon, a collaborative project from Greater Govanhill, launched 🔦
Here at Greater Govanhill, we’re a big proponent of working collaboratively. We do it all the time – working with community members and other local organisations to share the stories from our neighbourhood. We believe that the future of journalism is collaborative too.
That’s why, over the past year or so, we’ve been developing an exciting new project. The Scottish Beacon connects independent, community-based local news organisations all over Scotland. From Shetland in the north to Dumfries and Galloway in the south, we’ve partnered up with nearly 20 other publishers to create a network for sharing skills, resources and story ideas.
We’ve also launched a new website that will bring together the best quality journalism from Scotland’s communities, amplifying stories that too often go unheard and connecting them to better hold power to account. Subscribe to the newsletter to get the best of Scotland’s stories straight to your inbox.
✏️ Govanhill recommended to join Glasgow East constituency ✏️
In a periodic review of UK Parliament constituencies, the Boundary Commission has recommended that Govanhill and Crosshill become part of the Glasgow East constituency after the dissolvement of Glasgow Central. The Glasgow East seat will stretch from Govanhill in its southwest extremity to Bailleston and Springhill in its northeastern corner. The seat in its old boundaries has been held by SNP’s David Linden since 2017. The surrounding areas of Strathbungo and Polmadie, which were also part of Glasgow Central, are now part of Glasgow South.
🚌 New night bus timetable comes into use after uproar 🚌
Last month First Bus, who run the majority of routes across Glasgow, announced they would be scrapping its night bus routes, citing ‘lack of public interest’. Three of the routes (the N38, N57 and N6) serve Govanhill and are a lifeline for many working into the night, as well as a safe option home for late night revellers. After public and political outcry, and fears over community safety, First Bus has kept some of its routes but none that go through Govanhill. McGills have taken over some of the routes First have dropped, including the new N4 which will run down Pollokshaws Road.
🪙 Romano Lav are fundraising for new cultural centre 🪙
Local charity Romano Lav recently announced they will be opening a Roma cultural centre here in the Southside. They are currently crowdfunding for major refurbishments for their new spot on Nithsdale Road.
https://twitter.com/Roma_Voice/status/1692547951803941179
New Openings
Portal Cafe // 66 Govanhill Street
A new Turkish cafe opened this summer next to Govanhill Park (where the lovely Wee Plates used to be). This friendly, family-run business is serving authentic and affordable Turkish treats like simits (sesame coated bagels), poğaça (buns stuffed with white cheese and olives).
Smith’s Vegan Cafe // 459 Victoria Road
Smith’s vegan cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am-5pm. They set up shop in July, serving up a selection of plant-based treats from vegan breakfast, to cakes, hot and cold drinks, soups, bagels and more.
Oxfam Music and Books // 427-429 Victoria Road
This popular charity shop is moving to a bigger premises, finally bringing back one of the large retail premises that have sat empty for a while, back into use.
Charlie Brown’s Cocktail Bar // 441 Victoria Road
Charlie Brown's Cocktail Bar promises cocktails, conversation and community. They’ll be up the stairs, where New Ghandi used to be, sharing the space with Japanese inspired restaurant, Daku.
House Party // 525 Victoria Road
Proudly queer owned, House Party is a friendly and inclusive lifestyle store stocking products from queer and other minority groups alongside other brand names, selling anything from books, music, houseware, accessories and graphic tees. It's one of a number of new openings at the park end of the road.
Loop and Scoop // 515 Victoria Road
Loop and Scoop ice cream and churro bar recently opened up on Victoria Road, replacing the iconic Queen’s Cafe. Taking over a listed building has proved contentious, with many residents objecting to the changes made and the loss of original features. Ginesi’s who previously occupied the space are just up Victoria Road, making the Southside a popular ice cream destination.
Glasgow Zine Library // 32-34 Albert Road
The Glasgow Zine Library, a ‘self-publishing library and community space’ recently relocated from Cathcart Road and officially opened its doors on 29 July. We can’t wait to see what they do in this larger space!