This award was received for the transformation of Cuningar Loop, a previously abandoned wasteland, into a thriving urban woodland park connecting the communities of Rutherglen, Dalmarnock and Parkhead in South Lanarkshire and Glasgow’s East End.

• The project has transformed 15 hectares of derelict, unused land, the size of 15 large football pitches, into an attractive community greenspace.
• Since opening the park has been visited by more than 175,000 visitors and has surpassed its initial target of 100,000 visitors by 2021.
• Features Scotland’s first outdoor bouldering park
• The facility is now regarded as an active destination that is used by local communities and visitors.

This £5.7 million project has resulted in the development of a safe public space, which has helped to improve public health and wellbeing in an area where life expectancy is seven years below the UK average.

The project has given local communities much needed access to a high-quality green space that offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities, such as an extensive path network, Scotland’s first outdoor bouldering park, a bike skills area and adventure play facilities.

It has also been an opportunity to provide training and work experience to local residents. This has included the development of work placements, local school and university projects and apprenticeship employment opportunities.
The Loop has become a destination for visitors from elsewhere who are now attracted to an area of the city they may not have previously sought to visit, positively contributing to the local economy.