In 1897 William Beardmore and Company became famous with the production of high grade steel and castings at the local Parkhead Forge, founded about 1837 and extended between 1884 and 1914.

After years of decline, the massive plant was closed in 1976, and in 1986 the construction of the first phase of The Forge Shopping Centre began on the site.

The junction, which also incorporates the northern termination of the major Springfield Road thoroughfare, can become very busy due to traffic for football games at nearby Celtic Park.

[4][5] In recent times, with the general closure of infectious disease hospitals, care of elderly people became its main function before closing in 1999.

[9] Parkhead also has one of Glasgow's original Carnegie libraries, deftly designed in the Edwardian Baroque style by James Robert Rhind.

Two other strong teams of the time, Bridgeton Waverley and Strathclyde also had their grounds in close proximity (New Barrowfield and Springfield Park respectively); none of the three clubs survived into the late 20th century.

There are also two bowling clubs and a derelict sports ground (Helenvale Park, formerly used by the Glasgow Corporation Transport department which had a large bus and tram depot nearby)[17][18][19] in the vicinity – Crownpoint Sports Complex, a replacement modern outdoor athletics track, is located beyond the western border of the district adjacent to St Mungo's Academy.