Glasgow residents 'disappointed' over decision to axe feature

Glasgow Times

30-04-2025

Those living in the city centre say there has 'always been a desire' to have a water feature in the square and it was a popular feature of initial plans, causing frustration over the decision to remove it at the Merchant City and Trongate Community Council meeting on Tuesday, April 29.
The Glasgow Times reported last week that the water feature has been axed from plans due to a lack of budget.
One person said: "It is extremely disappointing we have allowed that to disappear."
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(Image: GCC) They said a water feature is 'expected' in the civic square of cities in other countries, and including one would have given George Square the "wow factor".
Another resident said the way Glasgow City Council had handled the decision to axe the plan made him "uncomfortable".
He told the meeting: "I find it disturbing a decision has been made without going back to the public."
Residents also asked attending councillors if it would be possible to have money diverted from the Avenues projects taking place elsewhere across the city and putting those on pause.
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George Square project final design (Image: Glasgow City Council) Cllr Angus Millar said the feature could be delivered in the future but it was not possible with the current budget, despite it's popularity in initial plans.
A resident said it "will never get done in the future" and said the current redesign is a 'once in a generation' opportunity to add a water feature to the square.
A resident also asked if the council had made the effort to find out if residents would be happy to have money that has been set aside for the Avenues Programme diverted towards George Square.
Cllr Millar highlighted the water feature has not been featured in mock ups of the redesign issued by the council since Autumn, but agreed the change in plans could have been better communicated to residents.
The Glasgow Times previously reported in June last year the council issued an update on the plans which stated: "The works in George Square will deliver high-quality stone throughout the Square; informal 'play' areas for children in sensory gardens in the eastern areas; a water feature; a raised lawn platform; bespoke sheltered seating; and feature lighting."
A new update to go before the contracts and property committee this week states: "The work on George Square will deliver high-quality stone throughout; informal 'play' areas for children in sensory gardens in the eastern areas; a raised lawn platform; new trees species will be planted to add to the existing Norway Maple and Cherry trees in the Square; new seating to add to the remembrance benches; and feature lighting."
The paper, which will be discussed to approve the £20m contract, states: "Whilst there was an aspiration in early design stages to include a water feature as part of the redevelopment plans, this was removed from the tender documents to ensure that there was sufficient project budget to undertake the core works.
"Given the value of the landed tender for the Block C project, there is insufficient project budget remaining to include the water feature and it no longer forms part of the project scope."
Last week, wooden posts were erected around George Square in preparation of hoardings being put up.