The deteriorating quay wall has already led to the closure of the designated core riverside path, directly contradicting Glasgow City Council’s vision for accessible riverside spaces.

The 278 homeowners of The Waterfront Development adjacent to Windmillcroft Quay, which was formerly owned by Glasgow City Council, are now trapped, unable to sell their homes and are deeply concerned. This has been an ongoing problem since August 2014.

“This is an urgent crisis,” said Kenny McFarland, chairman of The Waterfront Residents Owners Association, who has lived there since September 2013. “The essential rebuild is needed to prevent the wall’s collapse, which would put homes and part of the Clyde waterfront at risk. We have been campaigning for years, and our lives are effectively on hold.”

The residents have tirelessly sought funding from Glasgow City Council, including through the City Region Deal, which originally extended to £1 billion of funding, but these efforts have been unsuccessful. 

The project to fix the quay wall was originally part of plans to redevelop the Clyde with funding from the Glasgow City Region Deal and from owners’ own pockets. However, the council later pulled out of the project due to costs. Even a more cost-effective solution proposed by the residents was rejected by the council.

The residents have said they feel unfairly burdened, especially since the ownership of the quay wall and adjacent land is disputed and was never properly conveyed to them.

“The lack of action is not only impacting our homes but also Glasgow’s wider development goals for the riverside,” added Kenny. “We are calling on local and national government to step in and provide the necessary funding to resolve this crisis. The longer this issue remains unresolved, the greater the risk and the higher the cost.”

The residents are urging Glasgow City Council to reconsider its position and are seeking cross-party political support to secure the necessary funding and finally resolve this longstanding issue.

Local MP, Dr Zubir Ahmed, and Glasgow MSP, Paul Sweeney, recently visited the properties to meet with the residents and hear about the situation.

Paul Sweeney MSP said: “These residents bought their flats in good faith and have been forced to put their lives on hold. Many of them are unable to move and are financially tethered to their home whilst the quay wall remains unrepaired.

“None of these residents are in this situation by choice and it is only fair that they get support in resolving this. Zubir and I are supporting the residents in making a case for the repairs and will be engaging with Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government to see what can be done.”

Dr Zubir Ahmed MP added: “Meeting the residents really made it clear to us the severe impact this is having on them. Many of them can’t afford to move or have had to become landlords when they just want to be able to buy a home that fits their needs now.

“I believe there can be a solution here that is in the interests of the residents but would also greatly improve the amenity of the area, opening up another part of the Clyde for people to be able to use. This could work really well, especially next to the recently developed Barclays campus.”

Erin, who owns a property at the development, only went ahead with buying her flat after she was advised that the wall was going to be fixed by the local council.

Last year, when trying to sell her property, her sale fell through after a lender refused to give the buyer a mortgage because of the quay wall, stopping her from buying a new home elsewhere with her partner.

“My life is on hold and my entire life savings are all wrapped up in my flat. This full episode has caused me a huge amount of stress and upset - I just want to move on with my life”, said Erin.

Another resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, is unable to buy a new home. “My money is tied up in this property and I have absolutely no desire to become a landlord given all of the costs and challenges associated. I just want to be able to sell my property at a fair price to someone looking to get on the property ladder in Glasgow. Given the housing crisis this should not be that hard. To be honest, I just feel like a prisoner in my own home.”

One resident had to leave their flat after an abusive relationship came to an end as they felt unsafe living there. However, they too have been unable to sell their home and have been given no option but to rent out the property to try to cover some of the costs of their variable mortgage which has shot up in recent years.

The situation has significant implications beyond Windmillcroft Quay. A fully redeveloped quay wall would enhance the waterfront, enabling a continuous 3-mile walk along the Clyde from Springfield Quay to Shawfield Footbridge with little deviation from the river, boosting active travel and connecting key developments like the Barclays campus (Buchanan Wharf).