Kelvinhaugh, Glasgow

An area of flat land to the east of the mouth of the River Kelvin[4] (this being the translation of haugh, in contrast to the neighbouring Yorkhill which was on high ground), Kelvinhaugh originally developed in the 19th century in connection with Glasgow's industries of shipbuilding and trading - Alexander Stephen and Sons had a yard there for 20 years from 1851 prior to moving across the river to their better-known facility at Linthouse,[5] John Shearer & Sons took it over for another 30 years before moving to Scotstoun,[6] and the yard then became the Yorkhill Quay.[7][8][9][10] The A. & J. Inglis shipyard (in use 1862-1962) was located a short distance to the west at Pointhouse. The collapse of these industries in the latter part of the 20th century led to a decline in the fortunes of the area (and the city), with both residential and commercial premises abandoned and the Kelvinhaugh name being used far less frequently.

Kelvinhaugh slipway on the Clyde looking east towards Meadowside Granary, 1975

The resulting gap sites in the vicinity included the large expanse of the Queen's Dock[11] which was filled in and became the SEC Centre in the mid-1980s, with the Clyde Auditorium being added in the mid to late 1990s and the SSE Hydro following in the early 2010s.[12] The increasing numbers of visitors to these venues led to a marked rise in popularity for Finnieston and neighbouring areas in the early 21st century, with several new cafés, bars, restaurants and specialist stores being established and revitalising the area around Argyle Street.[13][14]

Looking up Kelvinhaugh Street at numerous new developments, 2010

At the same time, due to the proximity of the University of Glasgow and rising prices in 'digs' in traditional areas such as Kelvinbridge, Hillhead and Dowanhill, much of the vacant land in Kelvinhaugh was developed as modern student accommodation,[15][16] although it was noted by locals that, as in other districts experiencing similar rapid change such as Partick,[17] the increase in population has not equated to a noticeable growth in community identity due to so many of the residents living there temporarily and focusing most of their attentions on the University institutions, while the main thoroughfares became dirtier and harder to drive and park in.[18] The local primary school dating from the 1880s[19] became a private college,[20][21] with its playground also being purchased for new flats.[22]

Converted pumphouse, now the Clydeside distillery

The area has become familiar to live music fans for the SWG3 arts venue (converted from disused railway arch workshops, metalwork yards and warehouses)[14][23] which has grown in stature in Glaswegian entertainment circles[24] following the closure of similar venues such as The Arches in the city centre and Soundhaus in Anderston,[25][26] with its patrons also attracting more custom to local businesses. In addition to a number of existing works at SWG3, in 2019 a series of vibrant murals was added to the railway arches facing onto the adjacent Clydeside Expressway dual carriageway in 2019.[27] Two teenagers died on the same night after attending a music event at the venue in August 2023.[28]

On the opposide side of the expressway (accessible via a pedestrian/cycle bridge), in 2017 the landmark pumphouse which once controlled entry to the Queen's Dock, then served as a visitor attraction for Glasgow's maritime heritage featuring the Glenlee (ship),[29] was converted into a new Clydeside distillery.[30][31] In 2011, the maritime heritage centre (and the Glenlee) had moved to the new Riverside Museum located on the site of the Inglis shipyard.[12]

• Media related to Kelvinhaugh at Wikimedia Commons
• Yorkhill & Kelvingrove Community Council
• Kelvinhaugh Street, Glasgow (painting by James Morrison)