Once known as “Smack City” Cranhill has transformed. Cranhill is an inner-city district in northeast Glasgow. This area faced significant challenges. Yet, it shows remarkable resilience.
Let’s journey back to the early 1950s. Cranhill emerged from public funding. It aimed to tackle post-war housing shortages. Imagine four-story tenement blocks surrounding open grassland. That grassland became Cranhill Park. Later, three tower blocks rose. Rows of terraced maisonettes completed the scene. These maisonettes were demolished in the late 1990s. More recently semi-detached and detached houses appeared.
Many streets in Cranhill bear lighthouse names. Consider Crowlin Crescent or Gantock Crescent. Lamlash Crescent and Monach Road evoke maritime signals. Skerryvore Road Startpoint Street Strone Road and Toward Road continue the theme. Bellrock Street runs east to west. It serves as the estate’s main thoroughfare.
Most original housing consisted of four-story tenement blocks. These divided into common “closes.” Each close held eight flats. End closes were “T” closes with four flats. Gable-ends were gaps between buildings. They led to communal back areas.
For families moving in, Cranhill was a massive upgrade. Imagine escaping old Glasgow slum tenements. Residents gained access to green fields and nearby farms. Children found paradise compared to rat-infested back courts. A favorite play area was the “Sugarolly Mountains.” These hills were chemical tailings by the canal. Rainwater puddles shimmered green.
As Cranhill grew, amenities followed. Bus routes extended. This eased travel to the city center. People could also reach the shopping areas of Shettleston and Dennistoun. Three local shopping parades met basic needs. Mobile street traders sold everything. Foodstuffs coal paraffin oil sweets and soft drinks arrived. Even ice cream and fish and chips were available.
Cranhill once boasted five primary schools. Lamlash St Giles RC St Elizabeth Seton RC Milncroft and St Modans RC. All five original primary schools are now closed. Two new primary schools emerged. Cranhill Primary and St Maria Goretti’s RC Primary opened in 2005 and 2006.
Two churches served the community. Cranhill Parish Church and St Maria Goretti’s RC Church. Cranhill Park was central to community life. It included an 18-hole pitch-and-putt course. Tennis courts and a bowling green offered recreation. An annual carnival drew crowds.
The Cranhill Water Tower remains a landmark. This square concrete tank stores high volumes of water. At night, it glowed green with white spotlights. Wire sculptures of sirens encircled its base.
Several notable figures hail from Cranhill. Actor Billy Boyd lived here. Footballers Jim and Joe Smith called Cranhill home. Brothers Angus and Malcolm Young formed AC/DC after moving to Australia.
Today, much of the original housing is gone. New homes and a supermarket replaced Cranhill Secondary School. The local park protects water voles. It is their only mainland Scotland location. The Community Centre is now “The Beacon” children’s center.
Cranhill Community Centre welcomes everyone. It offers rooms for hire. The Kerr Suite and Multi-Purpose Room cater to different needs. The Main Hall can host 200 people. All rooms are wheelchair accessible. Cranhill Community Centre is a perfect venue for meetings and small conferences, classes and clubs, all at very competitive rates.
Cranhill’s story reflects Glasgow’s evolution. It demonstrates community spirit. It shows how areas can transform with time.