Inside the redesign of Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street

Glasgow Times

3 days ago

'Sauchiehall Street's had a bit of flak recently,' it's a statement that comes as no surprise as the Glasgow Times meets Glasgow City Council representatives on the city centre street.
Still, it has remained one of the main avenues in the city, stretching over one-and-a-half miles, and is associated with shopping and nightlife, and even features in a few songs.
The section between Charing Cross and its connection with Buchanan Street has recently been given a facelift, too.
It's part of the £1billion investment funded by the Glasgow City Region City Deal, which includes contributions from both the Scottish and UK Governments. This project is part of the £123million Avenues programme.
The Glasgow Times was invited out by the team behind the design of the street as they talked us through the 'new and improved' layout.
Inside the redesign of Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street (Image: Colin Mearns)READ MORE: 9 pictures which tell story of famous Glasgow department store
Meeting at the brow of the hill, we look down the newly paved road from Rose Street's crossing all the way down to West Nile Street – our focus for this stage of the street's rejuvenation.
'It's unavoidable to admit that it's needed a renovation,' say the representatives.
The tail-end of the works is being completed as we wander down through the lush greenery of the 40 new street trees, people fill the impressive 77 new benches, and we talk through the intricacies of the vision for the street.
They explain: 'The goal of this program is to introduce greener spaces into the city centre, provide more space for people and pedestrians, spaces to rest, and, where appropriate, segregated cycling infrastructure.
'Sauchiehall Street was already a pedestrianised precinct, which was a key thing to be maintained.
'The design's principle involves treating the central section as a place to gather and rest with greenery and lighting, while the two side flanks form the 'motorways' for pedestrians around the benches and trees.'
The benches have been arranged to form 'living room'-like spaces (Image: Colin Mearns) It aims to promote free access between shops and allow people walking and cycling to share the space, with an emphasis on consideration of other users.
The trees will form a canopy of shelter over the benches and area, and have been planted with growth in mind, something that was missing from the previous foliage.
They explain: 'The trees that were originally on the street were in danger of dying, because they hadn't been planted properly.
'Their roots were coming up through the pavement, and they weren't growing, which was because they weren't planted in 'tree boxes'.'
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They go on to show us the boxes into which the new foliage has been sunk—they'll allow the variety of tree species to flourish on the street.
That variety is a consideration that's been made to ensure that no disease spreads through the leafy canopy.
While the question of rats invading the new drainage system has to be asked, after the issue was reported in March, the council say they have seen no such problems arise.
Under the surface is where the 'real magic' has happened for the street, improved drainage and infrastructure will allow for further developments and investments in the area to 'unlock the street's full potential.'
Fiona McLeod, 65, enjoying a new bench (Image: Colin Mearns) Above ground, the 77 benches have been warmly greeted by people we spoke to as we passed, including 65-year-old Fiona McLeod, who said: 'I think it's a brilliant thing for somebody that's given a wee bit of mobility problems.
'It's brilliant to be able to just sit and just rest, I love them here. I think it's a great idea.'
She's sitting facing another bench in one of the many different layouts seen across the street. These benches have been placed specifically in a bit of urban Feng Shui—they form almost 'living room'-like spaces.
'It's to allow for people to gather in different ways that suit them, to rest, chat, eat or simply sit and enjoy the view,' explained the council representatives.
Cambridge Street with the new plant beds and cycle lane. (Image: Colin Mearns) We look at the wildflower 'rain gardens' on Cambridge Street, which help with drainage and benefit bees and other flora and fauna.
Cycle lanes have been added, and the crossings have also been widened, which should help the large footfall on the street cross safely.
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Additional lighting is being added, and service units have been installed to allow for future events, including a vision for market stalls.
We pass a few 'to let' signs, a sign of the times as an unavoidable hangover from Covid and a turbulent time for the high street.