£20m contract for George Square renovation awarded
The project is part of the wider Avenues programme, which is making the city centre "more attractive, greener, better connected and a great place to stay and do business".
The Avenues programme is funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal, with funding provided by the Scottish and UK Governments, and Glasgow City Council. Each Government is contributing funding of £8.815million towards the main contract for the George Square and surrounding Avenues project.
The contract award - worth £20.499million - 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.
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The works will be done in two phases, with George Square, St Vincent Place and West George Street due for completion in August 2026, and Cochrane Street and the sections of George Street and North Hanover Street to be complete in the Spring of 2027.
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".
According to the council, the final design of George Square, Glasgow's foremost civic space, was informed by "significant" public engagement and stakeholder consultation - the new design for the eastern part of the Square responds to the formal uses connected with the City Chambers and the Cenotaph; and a further raised green area will be created in front of the Cenotaph. The western part of the Square will support more informal uses with space for cafes to spill out on to, and a generous paved area for events.
The installation of hoarding around the Square is ongoing, with panels showcasing Glasgow's achievements and qualities along with the future vision for both George Square and the city soon to appear.
West George Street Avenue image (Image: Glasgow City Council)
Between May 12-23, the 11 bronze statues in the Square will be removed - for conservation and restoration - before their return to the Square in 2026.
The new tree species to be planted in George Square and the surrounding Avenues through the project include 'Robin Hill' Pink Juneberry; 'Frans Fontaine' Hornbeam; 'Forest Pansy' Redbud; Oleaster; 'Autumn Gold' Gingko; Burgundy Sweetgum; a couple of Rowan species; a number of Flowering Cherry species; and Pin Oak.
Councillor Angus Millar, Convener for City Centre Recovery at Glasgow City Council, said: 'This is a huge milestone in the transformation of George Square. The appointment of Rainton means the main construction works are now just weeks away, adding real momentum and a sense of excitement to this historic project.
"Glaswegians will already have seen the construction site starting to take shape but the appointment of this contractor is the last major piece of the jigsaw.
"Over the 16 or so months from June, we will see a new and significantly improved public space take shape – a new square on a par with many of our international peers, one Glaswegians can be proud of, and which is fitting of a city of our standing.'
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