Deep in the heart of Cranhill stands a unique sentinel. It is the Cranhill DSR water tower. This isn’t just any water tower. Its square concrete tank sets it apart from its cylindrical cousins. Imagine the skyline. Cylindrical water towers dominate. Then you spot Cranhill’s defiant square structure.
The Cranhill DSR is more than just a water storage facility. It’s a landmark etched in the memories of generations. Picture this vibrant green illumination at night. White spotlights shone from the base. They cast an ethereal glow upon the square tank above. The tower became a beacon.
This area of Cranhill has a long and interesting past. Cranhill itself was built in the early 1950s. It was built to ease Glasgow’s post-war housing shortage. Tower blocks, maisonettes, and tenements rose. The Cranhill DSR water tower watched over it all.
The streets below the Cranhill DSR are named after Scottish lighthouses. There is Crowlin Crescent. There is Gantock Crescent. There is Lamlash Crescent. Bellrock Street runs east to west through the estate.
The Cranhill DSR also saw a community thrive. There were shops and mobile street traders. They sold everything from foodstuffs to ice cream. The cry of Dalzeil’s Bakeries van man echoed. He shouted “roells”. Children played near the canal and the “Sugarolly Mountains.”
Even now the Cranhill DSR stands tall. It has witnessed change. Much of the original housing has been replaced. New homes and supermarkets have taken their place. Yet the Cranhill DSR remains.
The Cranhill Development Trust supports New Scots and local residents. They offer help with healthy eating and education. Their office is located on Bellrock Street near the Cranhill DSR. The Cranhill DSR stands as a silent observer.
Today the Cranhill DSR is a landmark. It is a testament to the area’s history and resilience. The wire sculptures of sirens by Andy Scott add an artistic touch. They ground the tower in local culture.
So next time you pass the Cranhill DSR take a moment. Appreciate its unique form. Remember its role in the story of Cranhill. The Cranhill DSR stands as a reminder of the past.