A small district of Central Glasgow, Tradeston lies on the south bank of the River Clyde, opposite Glasgow Central Station. Kingston, with its motorway bridge and the junction between the M8 and M74 motorways lie to west, while Laurieston and the Gorbals are located to the east. Once an industrial area, with factories and warehouses associated with Tradeston Quay, many of these buildings have been demolished, although several have been redeveloped as commercial premises. Tradeston Footbridge dates from 2009 and connects with the Broomielaw on the north bank of the Clyde.
The area was once part of the Gorbals, but Glasgow Town Council gave it to the Trades' House in 1790, so that it could be feued for development. King Street was laid out in 1793, taking its name from King George III.