Dalmarnock

Hidden amidst Glasgow’s vibrant tapestry lies Dalmarnock, a district brimming with untold stories. Was Dalmarnock always a quiet suburb? Absolutely not. Dalmarnock was once a powerhouse of industry. The clang of machinery and the hiss of steam echoed through its streets. Sir William Arrol & Co. established its engineering works here in 1873. This company, starting with humble boiler making, rose to become a giant of structural engineering. Their handiwork can be seen in iconic bridges across Britain, including the Forth Railway Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge, the Humber Bridge, and even London’s Tower Bridge. Dalmarnock also housed a massive coal-fired power station, built in two phases between 1920 and 1926. This power station hummed with energy until its closure in 1977. Dalmarnock’s industrial heart beat strongly. But time, like a relentless river, brought change. The decline of heavy industry left its mark. Many Victorian tenements were demolished in the 1960s and 70s. However, the spirit of Dalmarnock endured. Some tenements were renovated as part of the Glasgow Eastern Area Renewal (GEAR) scheme. Dalmarnock’s fortunes shifted again with the arrival of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The area was chosen to host the athletes’ village. This brought both excitement and upheaval. By 2011, entire streets had disappeared to make way for the Games. The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, a gleaming symbol of the Games, now stands proudly in Dalmarnock. The Legacy Hub, a community facility, opened in 2015 but faced financial challenges. Despite these setbacks, Dalmarnock presses forward. Residential developments are breathing new life into the area, including the Riverside project on the site of the former power station. Dalmarnock, a district forged in industry, transformed by time, and now embracing a new future. This is a place where echoes of the past mingle with the promise of tomorrow.