logo
Hoardings go up around Glasgow's George Square as revamp gets underway

Hoardings go up around Glasgow's George Square as revamp gets underway

Glasgow Times02-05-2025

Pictures show wooden hoardings going up on Wednesday, April 30 with Glasgow's civic square now being completely closed off to the public.
Images showing what the new square will look like have also been placed on top of the boards.
It has been confirmed 11 bronze statues in the square will be removed for conservation and restoration between May 12 and 23 as work gets underway.
READ NEXT: Residents 'extremely disappointed' over decision to axe George Square feature
(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) They will be returned to the square some time in 2026.
The Glasgow Times previously reported the £20.499m contract for the construction work has been signed after it was awarded to Rainton Constructions.
It covers not only the George Square works, but also the creation of Avenues at North Hanover Street (between Cathedral Street and George Square); George Street (between Montrose Street and George Square); West George Street (between Nelson Mandela Place and George Square); Cochrane Street and St Vincent Place.
The plans put before the contracts and property committee this week state: "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."
READ NEXT: Date revealed for removal of historic George Square statues
(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) A water feature, which was previously included in plans, has been axed due to a lack of budget leaving some residents 'extremely disappointed'.
The paper said: "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."
George Square is expected to reopen in autumn 2026, with work on the surrounding avenues being completed up until April 2027.
(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Mackintosh building to be sold by council for use as museum
Mackintosh building to be sold by council for use as museum

The Herald Scotland

time3 days ago

  • The Herald Scotland

Mackintosh building to be sold by council for use as museum

The sale is due to be approved by the council's Contracts & Property committee next week. The Herald understands that the category A-listed building will be sensitively refurbished through a £1.75 million works programme, funded by the Bishops' Conference of Scotland, who will pay £250,000 in the sale. In addition to becoming a public museum, The Martyrs' School will also feature office space - meaning the vacant heritage building will become fully occupied once more. READ MORE: Council will seek Martyrs' School condition assurances from buyer The three-storey former board school is located on Parson Street in Townhead, on the same street where Mackintosh was born in 1868. It was designed by Mackintosh for the School Board of Glasgow when he was an assistant at Honeyman and Keppie architectural firm. Completed in 1898, The Martyrs' School is one of a group of important buildings by Honeyman and Keppie dating from the mid 1890s - others are the Glasgow Herald buildings and Queen's Cross Church - in which Mackintosh's distinctive contribution to the work of the firm can first be clearly seen. The design includes some unorthodox features, particularly the roof timbers, which suggest that Mackintosh took a leading role in the project. The Martyrs' School was given statutory protection as a listed building in December 1970. The threat of demolition in 1973–4, for a road scheme, galvanised opposition, not least from the newly-founded Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, a pressure group established to raise awareness of the Mackintosh legacy and campaign for its preservation. Interior of Martyrs' School in Glasgow's Townhead (Image: Colin Mearns) After closing as a school in 1973, it has since served as a museum, offices for staff displaced during the restoration of Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, and, latterly, the home of Glasgow City Council's Social Work Leaving Care Services. In June last year it was declared surplus by the council, who said it could find no use for the building. A marketing exercise for the disposal of the building was then carried out between October 2024 and March 2025. The Herald understands that three bids for The Martyrs' School met the necessary criteria, with the other two bids being for commercial letting of workshop space with some public exhibition space. The Bishops' Conference of Scotland also owns property on the opposite side of Parson Street – St Mungo's Church and retreat. Commenting on the news, director of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society (CRMS) told The Herald: "On paper this sale looks a good fit for Martyrs' School and being used as a Public Museum of Scottish Catholic archive, housing artworks and artefacts, there might be an opportunity for some public access to the building. "I am delighted to see that it will be sensitively refurbished through a £1.75million works programme, funded by the purchaser. It would be good to see more details of this and the planned timescale." In February, the council revealed that negotiations were set to begin over the use of another Mackintosh building - the Lighthouse - as a location to help climate tech firms grow after a committee gave the green light to the proposal. The council said it was to begin talks with Sustainable Ventures (Scotland) Limited on a long-term lease for the 88% (5,424 sq ft) of the floorspace in the building that the council owns. Sustainable Ventures (Scotland) Limited have 130 climate tech startups co-located at their HQ workspace in London, and support over 700 climate tech SMEs across the UK. The Lighthouse – which was home to The Herald for 112 years - is one of Mackintosh's most celebrated architectural gems, and was formerly Scotland's centre for architecture, design and the city. However, it closed temporarily at the start of the pandemic and never fully reopened. A council review of the use of the building failed to find a long-term, sustainable use of the building for council purposes. Speaking at the time, Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Built Heritage and Development at Glasgow City Council, said: "I'm delighted that negotiations on bringing the Lighthouse back to full life have been given the go-ahead. This is a Charles Rennie Mackintosh classic which has been seeking a new purpose over a number of years. Plans to use this architectural gem to provide space for hi-tech start-ups is exactly the type of project which can revitalise this great building."

Greggs fans gutted as best menu item axed after 9 years
Greggs fans gutted as best menu item axed after 9 years

Western Telegraph

time3 days ago

  • Western Telegraph

Greggs fans gutted as best menu item axed after 9 years

Many have been struggling to find the Chargrill Chicken Oval Bite in their local stores, which was first launched in 2016. It comes as multiple eagle-eyed customers posted on Reddit sharing their concerns that the sandwich had been removed. As someone wrote on the subreddit r/greggsappreciation: 'Chargrill chicken oval bite been taken off the menu? There's a new icon in town 💙 — Greggs (@GreggsOfficial) May 30, 2025 'I've literally checked 5 different greggs locations in the past week and they haven't had the chargrill chicken oval bite in stock. 'They don't even have the little name tag on shelves, are they axing this? It was my favourite since I was wee and i'd be devastated lol.' Social media users were quick to respond as one replied: 'Ye they've got this rubbish roast chick sub instead, sorry to break it to you OP.' To which another commented: 'aw gutted.' This person shared: 'Yes it's been removed from the menu.' 'It's gone,' a third implied. Discontinued UK Sweets/Chocolates This customer joked: 'F*s that was my idea of a healthy option. 2 sausage rolls it is then.' Meanwhile Greggs fans have noticed the Chargrill Chicken Oval Bite has been replaced with the Roast Chicken Salad Roll, which launched in May – a move which has now been confirmed by Greggs to Newsquest. What is Greggs' new Roast Chicken Salad Roll? On the bakery's website it explains: 'Succulent slices of sliced roast chicken breast topped with tomato, cucumber, mixed leaf salad and seasoned mayonnaise in a white and wholemeal roll. 'That's it. That's the whole roll. It's understated, but it packs a punch when it matters the most.' On Reddit, one commented under the original post: 'It's now called roast chicken. It's basically exactly the same. Give it a go!' A second profile said: 'They have replaced it with the roast chicken oval.' Elsewhere on social media, one person even hailed it 'the best sandwich they had'. 'Another one gone that I liked after the beef and Veg pasty what next,' a person said. Someone else who wasn't too happy about the news joined in: 'I'll have to switch up to something else, things will never be the same though. I liked that particular roll.' Yet others didn't seem as bothered as someone posted: 'As long as I can still get me cheese and onion pasty Im Happy.' Also in agreement, this user shared: 'As long as it's not da chicken bake.' Greggs customers demand return of Ham and Cheese Pastry But the axing of the Greggs Chargrill Chicken Oval Bite has prompted customers to debate the menu items they would like to see return, including the Ham and Cheese Pastry. Discussing on social media, one person stated: 'I liked the ham and cheese pastry from years ago.' 'Bring back the ham and cheese pasty! Those were the best,' a second demanded. Recommended reading: Additionally, an account put: 'They need to bring the steak & cheese roll back.' While a profile said: 'Bring back the Jaffa Cake Doughnut…' A Greggs spokesperson said: 'The Chargrill Chicken Oval Bite is taking a well-deserved rest to make room for our brand-new Roast Chicken Salad Roll, which has recently landed in shops.'

MINISO hosting grand opening at Braehead shopping centre
MINISO hosting grand opening at Braehead shopping centre

Glasgow Times

time3 days ago

  • Glasgow Times

MINISO hosting grand opening at Braehead shopping centre

The Glasgow Times reported earlier this week that the highly anticipated launch, set for noon today, June 6, marks the brand's second store in Scotland. Known worldwide for its fun, affordable, and trend-focused products, MINISO is inviting shoppers to join in the festivities. As part of the celebration, customers will have the chance to claim a free goody bag worth over £25 with a qualifying purchase, adding a special incentive for those attending the launch event. READ MORE: When is MINISO opening at Braehead shopping centre? The new location will feature a wide variety of MINISO's signature offerings, including trending beauty products, high-quality toys, home accessories, and a range of snacks. Fans of pop culture will also be pleased to find limited-edition items from globally popular franchises such as Hello Kitty and Friends, Harry Potter, Disney, Stitch, Pokémon, and Care Bears—all available in-store from launch day. In a statement, MINISO expressed its excitement about bringing its playful and budget-friendly shopping experience to Braehead. "Get ready to have some fun! MINISO is your affordable one-stop shop for playful finds that elevate the ordinary. "We bring you an exciting mix of must-have blind boxes, adorable plushies, trending beauty essentials, high-quality toys, and tasty snacks—all at prices that won't break the bank." The Glasgow Times first reported on the retailer's plans to open at Braehead last week, with the confirmed date generating buzz among local shoppers. READ MORE: More details of 'global sensation' store opening soon in Breahead Rob Jewell, managing director, Asset Management at Pradera Lateral, said: 'MINISO is a highly anticipated addition to our retail mix and reinforces Braehead's position as a leading retail and leisure destination in Scotland. "As a globally recognised brand with a unique and engaging offering, MINISO brings a dynamic new product range to the centre, combining affordability with quality, resonating across generations. "The launch of its first store in Glasgow at Braehead is a clear endorsement of the centre's continued appeal amongst international brands seeking a high-performing and vibrant location.' Saad Usman, chief operations officer at MINISO, said: 'We are excited to be opening at Braehead – our second location in Scotland. "Braehead is a well-known retail and leisure destination with a fantastic mix of brands and a loyal customer base. "We look forward to introducing our colourful and unique collections to the Braehead community and welcoming shoppers into an immersive and engaging store environment.' As the countdown to noon begins, anticipation is building among local shoppers eager to experience what MINISO promises will be a bright and joyful addition to the Glasgow retail scene.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store