The Woodside Making Project
Mackenzie Construction is part of The Woodside Making Project, a £4m improvement project to transform the public spaces around the Cedar high-rise flats at St George’s Cross. The transformational environmental works have commenced to improve the streets, green spaces, play parks and courtyards of the area.
This 56-week project is led on Mackenzie Constructions side by Contracts Manager Robbie Maclean, with support from the site team, Project Manager Craig Waton, Site Engineer Kyle Maclean, New Trainee Kieran Gibson and specialised subcontractors.
The project is being delivered by the Queens Cross Housing Association and supported by additional funding from the Scottish Government. The hope is to create an “attractive”, multi-functional green infrastructure network with integrated cycle routes, biodiverse habitats, sustainable drainage, and vibrant doorstep play and allotment areas. The main focus is on focus on improved pedestrian crossings, construction of new rain gardens, new paving, new trees and street lighting improvements, along with streetscaping, street furniture and new cycle stores.
Patrick Harvie, Minister for Active Travel said on the project, “These works will improve local amenities and create healthier and happier spaces for people to enjoy. We want more organisations, right across Scotland, to be able to realise their ambitions for active travel and make their communities more attractive places to live, work in and visit. This transformation can only happen through sustained investment. That’s why the Scottish Government has committed to investing £320 million, or 10% of the total transport budget, on active travel in 2024-25.”
Head of Programme, Places for Everyone, at Sustrans Scotland, Simon Strain, added, “Making Places will take these changes right to the heart of the community, delivering a functional network of paths and enriched greenspace, transforming the area and ensuring residents can feel the benefit of the wider investment. The local community have been vital in the development of this project, and we hope that when complete it will be a well-loved space that makes it easier and safer for everyone to make healthier, happier and more sustainable choices for their everyday journeys.”