Baby film launches £120m Central Govan plan

Nicla Sturgeon at Baby film launch Nicola Sturgeon met a bunch of SNAPPY dressers recently – a group of local kids in crocodile costumes.
The youngsters donned the green garb and masks to attend the premiere of artist Colin Begg’s short film about Govan, called Where’s Baby?
It was inspired by the missing cherub which was once centrepiece of the Aitken Memorial Fountain – which also had crocodiles incorporated in its design.
The film is part of a six-month long arts project which was launched to involve local people in the Central Govan Action Plan (CGAP) – a 10-year, £120million regeneration programme.
Artist Colin explained: “When I started this project, the sad Victorian drinking fountain in the centre of Govan just seemed to say it all.
“The cherub and basin of the fountain were missing. I began to wonder about other things that were missing in Govan – shipbuilding, industry, housing, jobs, the heart of the community, a sense of civic pride.”
Colin spent six months working with local people to capture their ideas and share an understanding of Govan’s history and potential.
Around 150 local people aged from 10 to 85 took part, including pupils of Hill’s Trust, Copeland Road and St Constantine’s primaries, and Govan High School.
And it culminated in a free showing of Where’s Baby? on a big screen at Govan Cross.
Afterwards, Ms Sturgeon said: “This film premiere is symbolic of the transformation of Govan and I’m delighted to be here to witness it.
“As the film shows, people are at the heart of Govan and will continue to be. This area was
devastated by the demise of shipbuilding and industry, but since the late 1980s, the picture has been gradually changing.
“The Garden Festival, Science Centre, Pacific Quay, ‘Squinty Bridge’, Riverside Museum and new housing – all these developments are helping to bring Govan back to life.
“And I’m delighted to see the regeneration focusing on Govan town centre – not just because of the fantastic potential it offers with its rich heritage, listed buildings and waterfront location but because of the desire from local people to see the town centre returned to its former stature – as the hub of
community life and a significant player in the economy and culture of Glasgow and Scotland.”
Susan Hanlin, CGAP Executive Officer, said: “These celebrations herald a gear change in the area’s renewal process.
“Central Govan Action Plan is a 10-year, £120m project that aims to make the area glorious again.
“With major new housing, improved public realm and environmental improvement projects now underway, this six-month arts project has succeeded in getting local people involved in the regeneration of their public space.
“Their memories, ideas, art and words appear in the film and remind us of what Govan has been and may be in the future.
“We’ve created a real buzz at Govan Cross by getting together on the street to enjoy the film and look forward to the significant changes kicking off here.”
The arts project was funded through Scottish Government’s Fairer Scotland Fund and RSL Wider Role Fund.