Glasgow is continuing its long-term trend of reducing vacant and derelict land, with the city's total dropping to 781 hectares in 2024, down from 834 hectares in 2023.

This reduction, equivalent to 72 full-sized football pitches, was reported at a council committee meeting on June 5, 2025, which also confirmed the acceptance of a £1.907 million award from the Scottish Government's Vacant and Derelict Land Fund (VDLF) for the 2025/26 financial year. The decrease is primarily attributed to new housing developments, which utilised 25 hectares of previously vacant or derelict land.

The presence of vacant and derelict land is recognised as a significant barrier to development and a blight on communities. The VDLF aims to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, promote environmental justice, improve quality of life, and support communities. Glasgow City Council received 24 applications for this funding, totalling over £5m in requests, and has recommended a number of projects to the Scottish Government for support.


Further progress in tackling this issue comes from the Scottish Government's Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP), which provides support for projects focusing on sustainable place-based approaches, urban green spaces, community-led regeneration, and low-carbon developments. Two Glasgow projects have been granted VDLIP funding: the Tureen Street School Residential Conversion in Calton and the Milton Discovery Wood.

Thenue Housing Association will deliver the Tureen Street School Residential Conversion, receiving £1.978m in VDLIP support. This funding will facilitate the retention of the façade of the B-listed former school building, which has been derelict for 18 years and was a known site for anti-social behaviour. The project will create 42 social housing homes, with construction anticipated to begin in early 2026.

The Milton Discovery Wood project, managed by the charity Green Action Trust, has been awarded £655,000 from the VDLIP. This initiative will transform a vacant woodland site adjacent to Birsay Road in Milton, which has been derelict for at least 45 years and was prone to fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour. The project aims to convert the area into parkland by removing waste, improving entrance ways and sightlines, and creating new paths and outdoor classroom spaces. Construction for Milton Discovery Wood is scheduled to take place between February and June 2026.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Housing and Development at Glasgow City Council, remarked: "The decrease in vacant and derelict land is more than just a figure - it means more homes, more jobs, better facilities and an improved environment for communities all across Glasgow as we bring these sites back to life. The funding streams from the Scottish Government are very welcome as we continue this work, with projects that will bring new homes and improved spaces to sites that have been vacant or derelict for many years."