Bridgeton Reimagined: A Community Walk for Change

The health of a community is proportional to the availability of places where people can get together such as the iconic Umbrella at Bridgeton

On a rainy late afternoon in Bridgeton, Glasgow, a group of women—members of the Glasgow Women’s Library (GWL) and the local community—zipped up coats, unfurled umbrellas, and set off on a purposeful walk. This wasn’t just any community stroll. It was part of GWL’s commitment to climate action and a net-zero future by 2030, focusing on how green spaces and active travel routes can serve everyone—especially through a gender-sensitive lens.

At the heart of the walk was the concept of regenerative observation—a method that encourages identifying and nurturing the unique strengths of a place. What emerged was a vivid, layered portrait of Bridgeton: a neighbourhood full of potential rooted in its multifaceted character.

Starting at the Glasgow Women’s Library Garden
Once a tarmac-covered forecourt, the Library’s front area is now a small oasis of green – raised beds, climbing vines, and reclaimed benches. It proves that even tiny plots can grow food, cool pavement, and spark conversation. Though it’s only accessible when the Library is open, it represents a quiet but powerful example of how disused spaces can be reimagined as meaningful public places.

Bridgeton Cross: Busy, Open, and Lively
At the Cross, the group observed a unique street layout—open and flowing, unlike the rigid grids in other parts of the city. There's a strong sense of movement and community, anchored by a popular fresh fruit and veg stall that appears twice a week. Despite this vibrancy, participants suggested the addition of seating beneath the large, iconic Umbrella—particularly seats with armrests to support elderly users. Such small changes could invite greater comfort and connection.

London Road to Olympia Street: Green, But Disconnected
Across London Road lies a patch of green space, dotted with trees but rarely used. It feels isolated—perhaps because of the busy road and the absence of seating. Could improved pedestrian crossings help better connect this area to the daily rhythms of Bridgeton Cross?

Moving On: Smooth Pavements, Tricky Crossings
Walking toward Dalmarnock Road, the group appreciated the wide, smooth pavements—spacious and accessible. But frequent buses made crossing the road difficult and unsafe. Accessibility, they noted, goes beyond surface quality. What if zebra crossings were added, signalling that pedestrians really matter here?

Heron Street: Quiet, but Car-Dominated
In the car park between residential blocks on Heron Street, the space felt quiet but dominated by vehicles. Women envisioned more seating and play spaces where children could be seen from nearby windows. Adding more dropped kerbs would also improve accessibility for those using wheels—prams, wheelchairs, or mobility aids.

Queen Mary Street: A Place for Play—with Room to Grow
Tucked off Queen Mary Street, a modest green space offered little more than basic play equipment and an unused bike hangar. The group began to wonder: Could it be more? More seating, skate ramps, or features that appealed to teenagers? They envisioned a welcoming place to sit, socialise, and spend time—open to all ages and free of cost. The conversation expanded beyond play: what if outdated zoning laws were reimagined to support everyday needs? They pictured a neighbourhood where people could walk to buy fresh bread or pick up essentials, creating a space that was not only playful, but practical and alive with community..

Group walkabouts are dynamically multisensory engaging multiple senses of participants - visual, sound, smell, social and cognitive processes.

Old Dalmarnock Road: A Park with Personality
This local play park was well-used, with toddlers and teens sharing the space. A moon-shaped, covered metal bench offered shelter and encouraged sociability. The group imagined a wilder, more inviting space—with picnic tables, wildflower meadows, and adventurous play features for all ages.

A New Woodland Space: Wild and Welcoming
Later in the walk, the group stumbled upon a small woodland area with natural seating, log steps, and a simple obstacle course usable by all ages. It was refreshingly open—not fenced in—and felt inclusive and alive with possibility. Just then, youth workers from PEEK were spotted running a safe, portable barbecue session. Serendipity in action.

The Way Back: Everyday Realities
Winding through Finnart Street, Dale Street, and Reid Street, the group noticed the familiar rhythms of daily life—schools, shoppers, deliveries. But also: broken glass in pend areas, dog mess, and dangerously parked cars. These might seem minor, but they shape how safe and cared-for a place feels—especially for women, children, and older people.

Reflections on Regeneration
This walk wasn’t about grand redevelopment plans or dramatic design solutions. It was about seeing Bridgeton with open eyes and hopeful attention. Through a gender-aware lens, the group highlighted what truly matters: better crossings, repaired pavements, wilder planting, sociable seating, accessibility, and inclusive spaces.

And as the rain gently fell over Bridgeton, a shared sense of purpose began to take root—nurtured by the simple, powerful act of noticing together.