Clyde Gateway has completed construction at Cuningar Loop Woodland Park, capping more than a decade of regeneration with a ceremonial final tree planting led by Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey.

The event signalled the conclusion of Phase 3 of the masterplan — a £1.25 million programme that converted a further four hectares of vacant, derelict land into high-quality green space. The last phase delivers new woodland paths, biodiverse habitats and substantial planting, bringing the overall vision for the site to fruition.

Phase 3 was delivered by Robertson Construction Central West, which has served as principal contractor across the park for over ten years. Working alongside Clyde Gateway and Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), the formerly neglected riverside has been reinvented as a thriving woodland park that drew nearly 400,000 visitors in its first year. FLS played a pivotal role in the concept, development and management of Cuningar Loop, creating a tangible legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Earlier stages overseen by FLS introduced a wide range of attractions, including an extensive network of paths, Scotland's first outdoor bouldering park, adventure play areas, a bike skills zone, meadows, picnic spots, an outdoor classroom and the landmark pedestrian bridge connecting the park to the Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village.

Phase 2 expanded the park by 9.1 hectares, adding new footpaths and boardwalks, public art, 167 specimen trees and an 11,000m² wildflower meadow. It also delivered an £800,000 upgrade to the car park and entrance to accommodate rising visitor numbers.

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The completed Phase 3 provides around 1,000m² of additional paths, 8,000m² of wildflower meadow and urban woodland, and approximately 50 native trees. Complementary East Greening works across the river have added 200 native trees and 800 shrubs along the Clyde Walkway.

Sustainability was central to delivery, with more than 3,500 cubic metres of cleaned and remediated soil reused from nearby Manscroft Place to cut environmental impact and support wider regeneration. This approach contributed to Robertson diverting 100% of waste from landfill.

Completion of Phase 3 — supported by Clyde Gateway and funding from the Scottish Government's Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme — will see the final part of the site removed from Scotland's Vacant and Derelict Land Register, a major milestone for regeneration in the East End and South Lanarkshire.

Clare Haughey, MSP for Rutherglen (Constituency), said: "Cuningar Loop has become a hugely valued local asset, enjoyed daily by families, schools and visitors from across Scotland. This final phase completes the story and helps ensure the park continues to thrive for generations to come.

"The transformation of this site over the past decade has been remarkable, turning an area of derelict land into a vibrant, accessible green space that promotes wellbeing, biodiversity and community connection. It is a fantastic example of what long-term regeneration and partnership working can deliver, and I am delighted to see the masterplan reach its conclusion with such a positive legacy for the people of Rutherglen and Glasgow's East End."

Martin McKay, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway, said: "This final tree planting represents much more than the end of construction. It symbolises years of partnership working to transform former industrial and landfill land into one of Scotland's most loved woodland parks. Completing the masterplan is a proud moment for the area and everyone involved."

Andy McLinden, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central West, said: "It has been immensely satisfying for Robertson to be involved in the decade-long journey at Cuningar Loop from start to finish, and to have been called on time and again by Clyde Gateway as a trusted partner of choice to realise their bold vision for the site. In planting the final tree today, we reflect on the many high-quality projects that we have delivered for Clyde Gateway and how that relationship continues to grow and flourish."

Andrew Clark, Regional Visitor Services Manager at Forestry and Land Scotland said: "Seeing the final tree planted is a significant milestone — a moment that reflects the hard work, creativity and commitment that have gone into creating a welcoming, biodiverse space that will continue to benefit people and nature for many years to come."