With funding from the ERDF Green Infrastructure Fund (administered by NatureScot), Glasgow City Council (including Vacant and Derelict Land Funding from Scottish Government) and UK walking and cycling charity Sustrans, the new £3.3 million woodland park will be delivered by landscape contractors, Idverde, and is expected to welcome thousands of visitors when complete in summer 2021.

The project will create a mixed-use community park with play areas, a wetland area and a network of paths for walkers and cyclists, further enhancing the Malls Mire Community Woodland local nature reserve. It will surround the community in the Prospecthill Circus area putting in place a key part of the masterplan for the residents and visitors to enjoy.

The park area will boast an outdoor gym, two play areas, open recreational space and a bike pump track. The wetland area, which lies in the centre of the development, will feature a three-metre wide lit path to greatly improve the quality and usability of the path network for cyclists and walkers. The nature reserve area, set within the Malls Mire woods will include an art trail and spaces for outdoor events, learning and performances.

Alison Thewliss MP, chair of Clyde Gateway, said: “Following on from the enormous success of the Cuningar Loop Woodland Park, we are delighted to start work on Malls Mire and breathe new life into the area by creating a thriving woodland retreat for local people and visitors to enjoy. This new investment in green space will provide facilities for outdoor health, wellbeing and natural play and is in addition to the fantastic improvements already secured by the Toryglen community and its partners which are resulting in the transformation of the area.

“The project also forms part of our wider green recovery plan which is currently investing over £20m in projects across Clyde Gateway for green space, building refurbishment and district heating. All of this is providing an important stimulus for the construction industry and protecting jobs at this challenging time.”

Francesca Osowska, NatureScot chief executive, said: “This year has demonstrated as never before how important a nature-rich environment is for everyone. This fantastic new facility will create an urban oasis for people to relax, connect with nature on the doorstep and enjoy all of the physical and mental health benefits of being in the great outdoors.

“In addition to providing a haven for the local and wider community, the creation of this green space will also help to boost biodiversity, increase active travel, reduce flooding, improve climate resilience and contribute to the green recovery that is so vital following the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Councillor Anna Richardson, city convener for sustainability and carbon reduction at Glasgow City Council, said: “This exciting new project will further enhance Malls Mire Community Woodland by connecting new and improved areas to form a dynamic new woodland adventure park which will help local people to get active, encourage outdoor learning and play and build stronger communities.”