Maryhill
Re-establishing Maryhill’s Spine
Strategy Stage prepared by,
Jakub Fraczek , John Lam, Lim Xian Ying, Lin Hao Peng & Nadin Mahmoud Urban Design Studies Unit University of Strathclyde Glasgow
Booklet No.3
Introduc on In this booklet , a Strategic plan will be proposed to improve Maryhill by taking ac ons and implemen ng projects and interven ons that will contribute to ameni es , connec vity , livability and public spaces. A vision will be formulated and will be realised by implemen ng strategies that will improve Maryhill. The impact of these strategies and how they can be formed into a framework will also be highlighted in this phase. The areas of ac on and appropriate projects involving suitable stakeholders will be iden ďŹ ed. By the end of the booklet, a concept plan based on the strategies iden ďŹ ed in the Strategic Plan will be produced.
Authors Jakub Fraczek
Masters of Architectural Design, University of Strathclyde
John Lam
Masters of Architectural Design, University of Strathclyde
Lim Xian Ying
Masters of Architectural Design, University of Strathclyde
Lin Hao Peng
MSc in Urban Design , University of Strathclyde
Nadin Mahmoud
Masters of Architectural Design, University of Strathclyde
Re-establishing Maryhill’s Spine
Contents 01 02
DeďŹ ning the Problem Current Issues
2
Poten als
5
Conclusion
6
Strategy
03 04
SWOT analysis
8
Vision Theme
15
Vision Statement
16
Ac on Plan Areas
17
List of Figures
22
Reference
24
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Booklet No.3
Defining the Problem Maryhill, a borough that started to prosper due to the development of the Fourth and Clyde Canal in the late 1700s. As a result of this development , residence and businesses started to grow along the Locks of Maryhill, spreading towards Maryhill Road. In 1878, when Maryhill Burgh Hall was opened at the junc on of Garbaird Road and Maryhill Road and the development of the Glasgow - Edinburgh railway which indirectly influenced the decision of choosing Maryhill as the base of the Military barracks . These events has effec vely brought the town centre of Maryhill towards the south of the Canal. However , in the development of the railway has rendered the Canal unnecessary as transporta on with the railway is more me and cost effec ve. With the Canal not in use, it has become a physical and visual barrier in the middle of Maryhill. The end of the Fourth and Clyde Canal era, is a mark where Maryhill has started in a decline. In the 1950s and 1960s where blocks of tenement buildings were knocked down to make way for Tower Blocks has caused a fragment in the urban sprawl. This dras c change has been proven as not as resilient as changes towards this huge blocks would be harder than changes done within smaller plots and has lead to a gap in the urban fabric of Maryhill.
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Current Issues The Fourth and Clyde Canal & the Kelvin River
Re-establishing Maryhill’s Spine
The areas along the Fourth and Clyde Canal in Maryhill used to be a prosperous and busy place in the 1800s. However,a er the Canal has been outphased by the railway, the areas adjacent to the Canal has now falls into poor shape and is not u lized by the community as it may be quite secluded and is not visible from the main roads. Some efforts were made to revive the canal especially in the areas near Bowling , Falkirk and even Port Dundas, in Glasgow.However li le has been done for the locks of Maryhill. Now, the Canal feels as if it is a physical barrier in between the north and south side of Maryhill. The communi ty of Maryhill is now more disconnected towards the Canal and the Kelvin River, which were the first point of nucleus in the first development of the village.
fig. 1 showing the Kelvin dock and its surrounding
fig. 2 an aqueduct of the Canal running above Bisland Drive
fig. 3 Lock 24 with buildings of the original Maryhill Village in the background
fig. 4 only a small part of the Canal in Maryhill has properly paved footpaths
Lack of Connec vity
The Global connec vity by Road Networks of Maryhill between its surrounding areas is not effec ve. Indirectly causing residents of Maryhill to have harder access to its neighbouring districts and vice versa, where people outside of Maryhill would have lower access to Maryhill. Maryhill road is surrounded by development areas that are ineffec vely connected to Maryhill Road itself and also to each other. (refer to figure 7). The Local betweenness analysis done in the area of study shows that there are a small number of main roads for the purpose of outside connec ons marked in red. There is also a lack of inner travel paths in the area as most developments are closed off to transit traffic.Thus causing the residen al in the outer areas of Maryhill very disconnected to Maryhill Road. (refer to figure 8) source : Booklet 5 Network analysis of the streets fig. 5 Global Closeness analysis of greater Glasgow
fig. 6 Local Closeness analysis of greater Glasgow
fig. 7 Global Betweeness analysis on the study area
fig. 8 Local Betweeness analysis on the study area
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Booklet No.3
Current Issues Ameni es and its distance to its users
Maryhill has 4 healthcare centres and the distance of the healthcare, den st, doctor, and pharmacy to the nearest catchment area is within 400 m. However, these facilites are concentrated at the southside of Maryhill, which may be hard for residents on the north side of Maryhill to access. The public leisure facili es that are present in Maryhill are namely a football stadium, bowling club and swimming pool, located in the north, centre and south of Maryhill respec vely. These facili es are located within walking distance to its nearest residen al areas. Maryhill has two green facility that is accessible to the general public , one would be a small and a large park. The distance of this park to the nearest catchment area is 600 m. Which Meanwhile, Maryhill Park to the neareast residen al area takes 12 minutes walk. fig. 10 Loca on of Healtcare services in Maryhill
fig. 11 Loca on of other public and leisure ameni es
fig. 12 Loca on of green facili es in Maryhill
fig. 13 Diverse ameni es of Maryhill
Transporta on
The railway Sta on in Maryhill is located on the North end of Maryhill, 800m meters away from the catchment area of Maryhill, a distance too far to walk as the average distance for a pedestrian is at 400m to 500m.Making it inconvinient to access the rail. The distance of sta on to sta on on the railway line is only. 500 meters apart from Maryhill sta on , which is a distance that is easily walkable. The short distance in between each sta on may prove to be inefficient as the trains may have to stop before arriving at an op mal speed. The closest subway sta on from the Maryhill is the Hillhead Subway Sta on which is 2.5 kilometers away from the catchment area of Maryhill, approximately 25 minutes walk.
fig. 14 loca on of railway sta ons and bus stops
However, there is an abundance of bus stops along Maryhill Road, a major urban road running through Maryhill area from the Glasgow City Centre to the Bearsden.Therefore it is considered as convinient to bus users as there is a bus stop at 200m distance on the main road, with busses of different des na ons serving them
Buildings of significant historical value not in use
Old buildings in Maryhill that has a significant historic value are not in use , and is le empty. The most significant building would be the Maryhill Burgh Hall that fell out of use when Maryhill was annexed into the governance of Glasgow city. Other notable derelict buildings of Maryhill include the Acre House , a circa 1880 house located at the northern edge of Maryhill and the White House Inn , an 18th century stone building and public house at the site of the top of Maryhill Locks. The White House Inn has been turned into a cyclist hub recently.
fig. 15 Maryhill Burgh Hall , a B listed building but is currently not in use
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Current Issues Green public spaces and its reachablility
Re-establishing Maryhill’s Spine
Maryhill Park is an extremely popular local park with residents and the wider community. Improvements to the park have added a wetland area, orchard, signage and upgraded play facility. The highest point of the park bestows fine panoramic views across open countryside to Campsie and Kilpatrick hills. Maryhill Park is an area of the city of Glasgow, Scotland. It is within the Maryhill district, within the North West of the city. Unlike much of the rest of Maryhill, the popula on is predominantly middle-class and the property type in the area consists mainly of Victorian semi-detached town houses. (wikipedia , 2019)V The Maryhill Locks, a steeply-descending series of pools on the Forth & Clyde Canal are nearby.These facili es are very poorly connected to the residen al area which is the main place the users are dwelling in. The other green facility is a Golf range which is not accessible to the general public. fig. 16 Maryhill Park
fig. 17 Lock 21 , the highest lock in Maryhill
fig. 18 Lock 21, looking towards the other direc on
fig. 19 Glasgow Golf Course , within the study area
Depriva on and Poverty
The graph in fig 20 shows relevant income and poverty sta s cs in rela on to Maryhill and Glasgow. The percentages of the graph account for a total popula on of 13,234 from Maryhill. Nevertheless, the graph shows that Maryhill has a higher percentage of people in income depriva on, people of working age in employment depriva on and a higher percentage of children in poverty compared to Glasgow. The Graph in fig 21 shows the percentage of employed and unemployed people in Maryhill and Glasgow. Maryhill has a higher unemployment rate, compared to Glasgow.
fig. 20 Graph comparing income and employment depriva on of Maryhill with Glasgow
fig 21. Graph comparing employment and unemployment of Maryhill with Glasgow.
fig 22 . Map highligh ng depriva on areas in Maryhill
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Booklet No.3
Poten al Exis ng train infrastructure that is not in use
Due to the closure of the Glasgow Central route of the Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire line in 1964 , the infrastructure of the railway is now le unused. Although the original sta on is now occupied by Tesco Extra (originally Maryhill Shopping Centre), space was inten onally le under the structure of the new building to allow the line to be reopened if there is a future need. When the bingo hall built in the way of the tracks was built , the op on was s ll viable as a channel was le for the original line to be re-opened below ground. However, when most of the land was put to sale along the Kirklee and Cleveden sec ons of the tracks, the prospect of reopening the line was put to rest . This has created a network of tunnel underneath the Tesco Extra carpark up to some parts of the Bingo Hall. (wikipedia , 2019) Another infrastructure of this railway line is the Bridge next to the edge of Wyndford Estate where it was supposed to connect the tracks over River Kelvin These infrastructures have a poten al to be repurposed and reused instead of being fenced off and becoming a space that will a ract an -social ac vi es.
Maryhill Locks , River Kelvin and its adjacent spaces
fig 23. The bridge across Kelvin River meant to allow trains to pass through
The Fourth and Clyde canal is an asset to Maryhill , as it was an infrastructure that made Maryhill what it is in the 1800s. Now that it has fall out of use , it s ll is a feature that the older folks of Maryhill are proud of. The areas adjacent to the canal and the Kelvin River is now used as a route where the communi es take to escape from the bustling city life. However, the locks at Maryhill, even though is heavily used , is not properly paved and lit at night. As compared to other parts of the exact same canal , there are lesser efforts done in Maryhill Locks in an effort to transform them into a more vibrant place.
Vacant lands for available for interven on
Due to the mass demolishing works of tenements in the 1950s and 1960s , there are huge parcels of lands in Maryhill that is currently unused. This poses as a threat to the community of Maryhill if they are not u lized as they are huge gaps in the urban sprawl and also allow behaviours that are not frowned upon on by the community to take place at. (Analysis Booklet 2 : Histories and Stories)
fig 24. Lock 23 with the original village of Maryhill behind, although most of the original buildings are no longer there
However , these parcels of land are also a benefit as these places allow easy implementa ons of strategic projects and interven ons that will impact Maryhill in a posi ve way.
fig 25. Google satelite view of Maryhill , where there is an abundance of empty lands , suitable for interven ons and development
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Re-establishing Maryhill’s Spine
Conclusion
Maryhill Road , a high street that used to be the main connec on through Maryhill ,is now suering and businesses are in decline. However, by iden fying the problems and poten als of Maryhill , poten al areas of ac ons and interven ons that can take place are narrowed down.
Issues that is highlighted are that : Some areas of Maryhill are overlooked, Connec vity are not op mal , Ameni es and businesses are mostly concentrated in the Northern side of Maryhill, Sta ons adjacent to Maryhill sta on are to close to each other, as these sta ons are within walking distance, Abundance of Derelict historical buildings in Maryhill, Green facili es that are badly connected to the roads , physically and visually, Depriva on, Poverty and Crime rates However, there are poten al areas in Maryhill as well , such as : Exis ng infrastructure that are no longer in use, Vacant parcels of land available for interven ons, .
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Booklet No.3
Strategy In this chapter, a strategic framework is formed to confront the problems iden ďŹ ed in the previous chapter and come up with poten al solu ons that will correspond with the social , environmental , economy and character of Maryhill. This Strategic Plan will become the basis and direc on of the projects to develop Maryhill as a well a connected, walkable, sustainable and desirable place to be at for its residents . At the same me, Maryhill should also be an interes ng place for visitors to visit . This chapter aims to iden fy : What will Maryhill be in 25 years ? What are the leading factors that will shape this transforma on ? What are the speciďŹ c ac vi es and projects that will need to be implemented to allow this transforma on you envisage to occur and who will be responsible for these changes ? How can we ensure that our work on the space supports, rather than inhibits, self- organizing processes in the local community ?
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SWOT analysis overview
Re-establishing Maryhill’s Spine
ďŹ g 26. Overview of all of the Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats found in Maryhill .
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Booklet No.3
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SWOT analysis
Re-establishing Maryhill’s Spine
ďŹ g 27. Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats found in Maryhill .
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Booklet No.3
SWOT analysis Social and Community analysis
ďŹ g 28 . the social and community analysis of Maryhill
This SWOT analysis focuses on the social layer in the context of maryhill. Design decisions are made be er with the involvement of the community one way or another. By mapping the strengths and weaknesses of maryhill from a societal point of view that is linked with the physical, opportuni es can be visualized in response. In this case, the main theme was the focus on “social sustainability� as a concept. Revitalizing derelict buildings by repurposing them could increase the chances of crea ng jobs in these shops in the smaller scale. In addi on to improving residen al housing in deteriorated places. The main goal is to tackle the employability and homeless sector, through urban planning and architecture design.
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SWOT analysis Connec vity and movement analysis
Re-establishing Maryhill’s Spine
ďŹ g 29 . the connec vity analysis of Maryhill
Maryhill Road is a very busy link between Glasgow city centre and north-west outskirts of the city, which presents an important strength. However residen al areas surrounding it have poor connec vity, and there are rather weak links to other districts west and east. Another weakness is poor public train transport, with Maryhill sta on located far from the centre of district and a number of other sta on in close proximity to each other. Main threats for any development would be high crime rate which is encouraged due to lack of connec vity, dead ends and wastelands. New connec ons should be executed carefully to avoid depriva on spread to less deprived areas. Important opportunity presented by Maryhill area is development of cycling network and infrastructure, as this transport is gaining popularity and analysed area would create a popular link between dierent parts of Glasgow.
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Booklet No.3
SWOT analysis Ac vi es and uses analysis
fig 30 . the ac vity and uses analysis of Maryhill
Maryhill is an area that is filled with different func ons and ac vi es. There is a number of fitness centres and sport facili es where it a racts many visitors and local residents there. Tesco Extra is one of the local des na on that leads a majority of the locals to visit in the area. However, Maryhill is lacking of varie es in retails and restaurants. The present ones in Maryhill are very limited in selec on. With this problems, many people spend most their free mes in the bars/pubs area, leading to violence and an social behaviours when pub goers do not control their intake of alcohol. there are many opportuni es that can help the local enjoy life and stay life or healthy. The canal , the open space (waste land) and the empty shops could provide many small business opportuni es, such as pop up stores, organic market, outdoor cinema and so on. As well as economical opportuni es, all this spots could also connect by bike route and secure walking path, which could unite and connect the local community be er.
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SWOT analysis Character analysis
Re-establishing Maryhill’s Spine
ďŹ g 31. the character analysis of Maryhill
Maryhill is a township that has a rich history , therefore , its Character has been slowly formed since. In the 1950s- 1960s when there were a lot of demolishing works of tenements , Maryhill ended up having large parcels of land that are empty and not in use. Causing a huge gap in the urban sprawl that makes the surrounding plots disconnected to what is beyond this parcel of land. These parcels of land can be seen as a strength as it is a space where future developments that are properly planned can take place at. Besides this , there are railway infrastructure that are not in use now, these became derelict when the Maryhill Central Sta on closed down, a poten al that should be explored in terms of reusing and repurposing these assets. Another unused infrastrucutre is the Fourth and Clyde Canal. However , green facili es and parks of Maryhill are poorly connected visually and physically to the neareast road. Making the canal unknown to many if they were not familiar with Maryhill.
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Booklet No.3
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Vision Theme
Vision Statement
Re-establishing Maryhill’s Spine
Maryhill Road is the high street and “back bone” of Maryhill, ac ng as the main network and connec on to the whole area. Bringing back Maryhill Road as a high street of Maryhill in a fragmented urban landscape by improving the overall experience of Maryhill and establishing a strong dialogue between Maryhill Road with its adjacent spaces.Interven ons and projects proposed are in rela on to improving the businesses , services , connec vity, health, housing, placemaking, educa on and environment of Maryhill. These projects are spread out in the whole of Maryhill, connected throughout Maryhill by Maryhill Road. By ac ng on these plans, we aim to enhance the exis ng community, promote and ac vate Maryhill further at the same me cater to the needs of people of Maryhill.
fig 32. Vision : Maryhill Road as a spine of Maryhill
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Ac on Plan Areas
Booklet No.3
ďŹ g 34. Areas of Ac on in Maryhill
developed centre of Maryhill green spaces ; open green frontage spread of high street ; consistent street frontage closing sta ons bike lanes /paths exis ng connec ons ; new connec ons poten al interven ons
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Ac on Plan Areas
Re-establishing Maryhill’s Spine
THEMES
Reestablishing Maryhill Road as a High Street
Access to Business & Services
Transport & connec vity
2A Introducing bike lanes Healthcare in Maryhill towards the Road , and north of Maryhill as it is its secondary concentrated roads to allow cyclists from on the South side of Maryhill Kelvin Walkway merge into 1B Balancing to Maryhill out the spread seamlessly. of retails and 2B Improving businesses connec ons along Maryhill as it is mostly from west and east concentrated on the south 2C Turning cul side de sacs to connected 1C A rac ng roads people passing 2D Adding by Maryhill to stop by offering more bridges across canal facili es , jobs, and river work places to make Maryhill 2E Closing a des na on adjacent instead of a Sta ons from drive through. Maryhill as they are too close by and are in walking distance, making Maryhill sta on more prominent for its users, increasing pedestrian traffic into Maryhill
ACTION PLANS
1A Spreading
Health & Safety
Housing
Placemaking & Regeneta on
Open Spaces
3A Making
4A Diversify social housings with private housings
5A Replacing
6A Making Green Facil es more accessible and visible from main streets , to encourage users to explore them
sure connec ons, like service lanes more night friendly, decreasing derelict lands
4B Improving social housing situa ons in Maryhill.
scrapyards at canal junc on with boa ng facili es 5B Reintroducing civic squares to Maryhill , at the Borough Halls , and on the south, Tesco.
Educa on & Community
Environment & Resilience
7A Crea ng 8A Creatsocial spaces ing green and buildings networks and as a pla orm green corridors for community 8B Making ac vi es to the overall take place. environment of Maryhill area safe and clean.
5C More developed centre of Maryhill, adding proper facili es 5D Developing empty plots ,as they are a gap in the urban sprawl by Reac va on and interven ons on the large parcels of land 5E Repurposing derelict buildings
fig 35.Flow chart of Ac on Plans and strategies of Maryhill
Ac on Plan Timeline 2020
2025
2A 3A 5A 6A 8A
5B
2030
1A 2B
1B 2C
2D
4B 5C
5D
5E
2040
1C 2E 4A 7A 8B
fig 36. Timeline of Ac on Plans and Strategies to be implemented in Maryhill
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Booklet No.3
List of Figures fig. 1 Showing the Kelvin dock and its surrounding , picture taken by author on the 15th October 2019 ································································································ 2 fig. 2 an aqueduct of the Canal running above Bisland Drive, picture taken by author on the 15th October 2019 ···················································································· 2 fig. 3 Lock 24 with buildings of the original Maryhill Village in the background, Picture taken by author on 15th October 2019 ································································ 2 fig. 4 only a small part of the Canal in Maryhill has properly paved footpaths, picture taken by author on 15th October 2019 ································································ 2 fig. 5 Global Closeness analysis of greater Glasgow, diagram from Analysis Booklet 5 : Network analysis of Streets ··················································································· 2 fig. 6 Local Closeness analysis of greater Glasgow diagram from Analysis Booklet 5 : Network analysis of Streets ·················································································· 2 fig. 7 Global Betweeness analysis on the study area, diagram from Analysis Booklet 5 : Network analysis of Streets ·················································································· 2 fig. 8 Local Betweeness analysis on the study area, diagram from Analysis Booklet 5 : Network analysis of Streets ·················································································· 2 fig. 10 Loca on of Healthcare services in Maryhill, diagram from Analysis Booklet 3 : Network analysis of Streets ·················································································· 3 fig. 11 Loca on of other public and leisure ameni es ···················································· 3 fig. 12 Loca on of other public and leisure ameni es ···················································· 3 fig. 13 Diverse ameni es of Maryhill ··············································································· 3 fig. 14 loca on of railway sta ons and bus stops ···························································· 3 fig. 15 Maryhill Burgh Hall , a B listed building but is currently not in use ······················ 3 fig. 16 Maryhill Park, picture taken from Friends of Maryhill Park (maryhillpark.org , 2019) ···················································································································· 4 fig. 17 Lock 21 , the highest lock in Maryhill, Picture taken by author on 15th October 2019 ······················································································································ 4 fig. 18 Lock 21, looking towards the other direc on , Picture taken on 15th October 2019 ······················································································································ 4 fig. 19 Glasgow Golf Course , within the study area source : Wikipedia ·························· 4 fig. 20 Graph comparing income and employment depriva on of Maryhill with Glasgow, diagram taken from Analysis Booklet 3 : Strategy & framework ·························· 4 fig 21. Graph comparing employment and unemployment of Maryhill with Glasgow, Analysis Booklet : Strategy & Framework ···························································· 4 fig 22 . Map highlig ng depriva on areas in Maryhil, diagram from Analysis Booklet : Network Analaysis of Streets ··············································································· 4 fig 23. The bridge across Kelvin River meant to allow trains to pass through, Picture taken by author 15th October 2019 ····································································· 5
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Re-establishing Maryhill’s Spine
fig 24. Lock 23 with the original village of Maryhill behind, although most of the original buildings are no longer there, picture taken by author on 15th October 2019 ···· 5 fig 25. Google satelite view of Maryhill, where there is an abundance of empty lands , suitable for interven ons and development ··································································· 5 fig 26. Overview of all of the Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats found in Maryhill, produced by author ························································································· 8 fig 27. Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats found in Maryhill, diagram produced by author ········································································································· 9-10 fig 28 . The social and community analysis of Maryhil, diagram produced by author ······· ····························································································································· 11 fig 29 . The connec vity analysis of Maryhill, diagram produced by author ················ 12 fig 30 . The ac vity and uses analysis of Maryhill, diagram produced by author ·········· 13 fig 31. The character analysis of Maryhill, diagram produced by author ······················ 14 fig 32. Vision : Maryhill Road as a spine of Maryhill, illustra on produced by author ······· ····························································································································· 16 fig 34. Areas of Ac on in Maryhill ·················································································· 17 fig 35.Flow chart of Ac on Plans and strategies of Maryhill ·········································· 18 fig 36. Timeline of Ac on Plans and Strategies to be implemented in Maryhill ············ 18
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Reference Analysis Booklet 1: Drawing the Exis ng City Analysis Booklet 2: History and Stories Analysis Booklet 3: Planning Framework Analysis Booklet 4: Experiencing and Comparing Places Analysis Booklet 5: Network Analysis of Streets En.wikipedia.org. (2019). Maryhill Central railway sta on. [online] Available at: h ps:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maryhill_Central_railway_sta on [Accessed 10 Nov. 2019]. En.wikipedia.org. (2019). Maryhill Park. [online] Available at: h ps://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Maryhill_Park [Accessed 10 Nov. 2019]. Maryhill Park. (2019). Maryhill Park. [online] Available at: h p://www.maryhillpark.org/ [Accessed 10 Nov. 2019].
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Re-establishing Maryhill’s Spine
Declaration AB 964 Design Studies 5A 2019/20 MArch/Pg Dip Advanced Architectural Design MArch Architectural Design International
Declaration myself. It contains no unacknowledged text and has not been submitted in any previous context. All quotations have been distinguished by quotation marks and all sources of information, text, illustration, tables, images etc. have been specifically acknowledged. I accept that if having signed this Declaration my work should be found at Examination to show evidence of academic
Name:
_____________________________________________________________ Jakub Fraczek, John Lam, Lim Xian Ying, Lin Hao Peng, Nadin Mahmoud
Signed:
_____________________________________________________________
Date:
19th November 2019 _____________________________________________________________
The place of useful learning The University of Strathclyde is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, number SC015263
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