Arden, Glasgow

Arden is the location of a medium sized housing estate south west of Glasgow city centre and on the very edge of the city.It was built by the S.S.H.A (Scottish Special Housing Association) to rehouse families from the old overcrowded inner city tenements.Arden was constructed between the years 1953 until 1957 and boasts two primary schools (Arden Primary and St.Louise's). Arden became the first housing scheme to have a public house (The Cuillins) privately built in 1964-5 which then became a brewery pub in 1968.Historically, "Arden" was a farm and formed part of Sir John Maxwell's land. One of approximately 7 adjoining holdings. Situated on ancient Stuart land granted to Walter the "Steward" by Robert the Bruce King of Scotland when he married Marjorie Bruce the daughter of the King. Arden is near Thornliebank a village formed on the river to manufacture cloth and a specialized printing of cloth known as beetling. Thornliebank linen was quite famous in the 1800s until the closure of the facility in or around 1920. The building adjoining part of what is now Arden was used as a prisoner of war camp during the second world war. The nearest Railway Station is Kennishead named after another of Sir John's farms.

Arden became very rundown during the 1970s and 80s and grants were made for its refurbishment. It is not quite completed but is much improved. The shopping area containing around six businesses is in immediate need of investment and refurbishment. In 1999 the estate was bought by Glen Oaks Housing Association for 6 million dollars, but the association has since realised that they paid too much for it, and that they have struggled to make necessary repairs as they are funded only by rents.

Arden was featured in the T.V Programme "Colin and Justin on the Estate" which looked at their efforts to improve the area. Some of the residents of Arden, and also some former residents were concerned about the slant of the show, and were particularly annoyed by the fact that the producers of the show concentrated their attention on housing units that were scheduled for demolition and not on housing that has seen extensive and successful renovation. Alasdair McKee, Glen Oaks chief executive, concluded however, that the program was a success and "the improvements have helped to convince people that we can make a difference" and contributed to a waiting list of people wanting to get into the estate. [http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/interiors/article1295865.ece]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0943617/