A former burial ground in Calton could be developed into a new housing estate as Glasgow City Council prepare to enter discussions with Home Group Scotland.
The organisation is looking for a long-term lease of the land at Orr Street and to create 80 new social housing units and a permanent memorial of the former graveyard.
A report to transform the overgrown land, which was subsequently used as a football pitch, was brought before the contracts and property committee on Thursday.
Council officer Craig Maxwell said: “AS Homes [who represent Home Group] have approached the council to acquire the land. They are proposing to develop 80 new social housing units over two phases of 40 units.
“This report is seeking authority to enter negotiations with Home Group and AS Homes with a view to coming back to committee to approve any terms.”
Members asked council officers if they had more information about the site and if the council had records of any surviving family members from the burial ground.
Green group councillor Jon Molyneux said: “I am curious about the history of the land and when it ceased to be a burial ground. I would like to know if there are any records kept or if any effort has been made to contact any surviving relatives.
“I am supportive of the idea of a memorial, but I am interested in the history if that is known.”
Labour councillor James Scanlon added: “I had concerns regarding that issue as well and hope we can get it checked out. I think removal of anything from the burial grounds would have been done before it became a football pitch but I would like to see that checked out.”
Both councillors were informed that this information could be brought back before the next committee as officers didn’t have the answer to hand.
