Major update on transformation of Glasgow city centre
There will be a range of new features at the iconic site
NEW LOOK Major update on transformation of Glasgow city centre
GLASGOW City Council has given a major update on the transformation of George Square.
A revamp project is underway as part of the local authority's Avenues programme, which aims to make the city centre more attractive, greener and better connected.
4
Works are underway to transform Glasgow's iconic George Square
Credit: Tom Farmer
4
The main contract has been awarded to Rainton Construction
Credit: Tom Farmer
4
New features include a water feature, raised lawn, and feature lighting
Credit: Glasgow City Council
4
The revamp forms part of the local authority's Avenues programme
Credit: Glasgow City Council
The main contract for the works has been awarded to Rainton Construction after a Glasgow City Council committee decision.
The work on the contract will begin in June, with George Square scheduled to be completed by August 2026.
The contract award - worth more than £20million - 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.
These 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 completed in the Spring of 2027.
The works include informal play areas for children in sensory gardens, a raised lawn platform, new tree species in the square, new seating to add to the remembrance benches, and feature lighting.
Between May 12 and 23, the 11 bronze statues will be removed for conservation and restoration before their return to the Square in 2026.
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."
Meanwhile, plans for a £5.6million revamp of decaying Sauchiehall Street were rocked by a series of setbacks.
Glasgow's Sauchiehall St revamp facing more delays as workers 'axed' days before Christmas
Upgrading works were due to be completed by Christmas, but weren't finished until last month.
In January, it emerged Sauchiehall Street had been tipped to be named Scotland's ugliest place at the Carbuncle Awards, which names and shames the country's biggest eyesores.
And it has recently emerged that a multi-million-pound drainage upgrade on the street is now a haven for disease-ridden rats.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
5 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Calls to save historic Renfrew-Yoker Ferry after closure
The Renfrew to Yoker Ferry officially ceased operating on May 31 after a decline in passenger numbers following the opening of the new Renfrew Bridge. The vessel was one of the country's oldest river crossings and was said to have relied solely on passenger fares. Following the announcement, there was an outpouring of sadness from commuters who depended on the link between the north and south banks of the River Clyde. Now, Councillor Malcolm Mitchell has written to transport bosses SPT and First Bus, local authorities surrounding the bridge, and Glasgow's convenor for transport, calling to save the ferry. Cllr Mitchell, who represents the Garscadden/Scotstounhill ward, told the Glasgow Times that the loss had 'exposed a wider lack of transport' across the river and that action must be taken. READ NEXT: Renfrew to Yoker ferry closes with 'immediate effect' He said: 'The Renfrew-Yoker Ferry has been an institution in the local area for generations. All options to preserve it must be considered. 'Just a few weeks ago, Glasgow City Council (GCC) unanimously backed my motion about the River Clyde, acknowledging the importance of North-South connections. 'What the potential loss of the ferry exposes is a wider lack of public transport across the river. 'Public transport is so important for opening up work, education and training opportunities. "Providing an enhanced public transport offering that connects Yoker and the wider area with Glasgow Airport, Braehead and the QEUH would be hugely beneficial." In his letter, Councillor Mitchell highlighted that the ferry had been the only public transport crossing the Clyde in this area. Its loss now means there is 'no public transport crossing' on the Clyde for a seven-mile stretch between the Clyde Tunnel and the Erskine Bridge. READ NEXT: 'Outrage' at plans to install bin hubs in Glasgow community As such, he is urging SPT to engage with the ferry operator, Glasgow City Council, Renfrewshire Council, and West Dunbartonshire Council to investigate the possibility of allowing the service to continue 'in some form' – possibly a heavily subsidised form. Councillor Mitchell further called for engagement with bus operators and the aforementioned local authorities to look at whether there is a viable timetabled bus service that could run across the bridge. If not, then exploring the possibility of a shuttle service or the re-routing/expansion of current bus services south of the river to take in the new road network around Meadowside Street/Fishers Road. An SPT spokesperson commented: 'The Renfrew–Yoker ferry operated on a commercial basis. "SPT has received correspondence from Councillor Mitchell and will respond in due course.' A petition has also been launched on to save the vessel and has so far gathered more than 1200 signatures. READ NEXT: Teams crowned winners at Glasgow's Govan Fair Cup A statement published to the page reads: 'We fully recognise this wasn't an easy decision, and we thank those who kept the service running as long as they could. 'The impact on local people has been immediate and significant. School pupils, elderly residents and commuters now face much longer, more complex journeys and the bridge, while welcome, doesn't fully replace the ferry, especially when it lifts for river traffic. 'And crucially: the new Renfrew Bridge isn't always open. As a swing bridge, it regularly closes for river traffic, sometimes for hours at a time. 'During those periods, pedestrians, cyclists, and road users are left with no quick or easy alternative. The ferry offered a consistent route regardless of ship traffic, something the bridge can't match. 'We're calling on Renfrewshire Council, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government to explore all options and keep this historic route alive, before it's lost for good.' A GCC spokesperson commented: 'We will consider the details on any proposals around the Ferry service, and will respond in due course.' Renfrewshire Council declined to comment. First Bus and West Dunbartonshire Council have been contacted for comment.
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Glasgow Times
'Delighted': Glasgow primary school praised by inspectors
Pupils and teachers at St Clare's Primary in Drumchapel are celebrating following the positive report from Education Scotland after a recent visit. The team also found that across the school, pupils achieve above both Glasgow and national comparator schools in literacy and numeracy. The report praised the school's young leaders, adding: 'Children in 'class councils' have been responsible for identifying and ordering a range of resources for the school … including playground equipment and class furniture' which 'helps children understand better that they have unique gifts and talents that can be used to influence positive change.' The inspectors also praised the school's headteacher Maryann McGuinness, senior leaders and teachers, adding: 'They have worked effectively to develop a culture where raising attainment is a key focus for improvement. 'Staff have a deep understanding of the children and context of the school. They have a strong focus on supporting children's wellbeing. This is helping children to feel more confident, secure and be ready to learn.' The report said: 'Children are welcoming, friendly, polite and proud of their school. They are keen to share and celebrate their successes and achievements. 'The positive opportunities for children to achieve success and develop a wide range of skills through a variety of clubs, committees and groups … is supporting successfully children's understanding of leadership and developing their skills for learning life and work.' As areas for improvement, the inspectors said the headteacher and senior leaders 'now need to develop more effective approaches to seek and respond to the views of all stakeholders.' They added: 'This includes parents and staff to inform improved decision-making. 'Staff should continue to develop consistently high-quality approaches to learning, teaching and assessment.' The report also noted that senior leaders and teachers should 'develop plans to help parents understand how best to support their children's learning and wellbeing' and 'continue to raise attainment of all children, particularly in writing by providing sustained opportunities for children to write independently.' Councillor Christina Cannon, Glasgow City Council's education and early years convener, said: 'This is a lovely report for the school, and I think what shines throughout it is how valued pupil voice is in St Clare's. 'I love the idea of the 'class councils' where the children get to influence decisions in their school and get to pick resources that will ultimately impact their learning. 'The school's motto is 'believe and you will achieve' which is something we want every child and young person in the city to do. 'Well done to everyone in the school community for such a good inspection.' Ms McGuinness said: 'It makes us so proud to know that the inspectors recognised our deeply embedded Catholic values across the school. 'We are also absolutely delighted that the inspection team recognised our effective work in developing a culture where raising attainment is a key driver for improvement. 'Children are achieving above both their Glasgow and national comparator schools in literacy and numeracy.'
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow couple honoured for 40 years of service to community
The city's Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, the Lord Lieutenant, said Anne and Stuart McKenzie had made 'such an incredible difference to the lives of so many whilst remaining humble, passionate, inspirational and compassionate.' Anne and Stuart were awarded the BEM in the King's New Year's Honours List for 'four decades of selfless service and commitment to improve the lives and life chances of generations of Glaswegians.' The couple are part of the Nan McKay Hall management committee, and have run an assortment of activities and events over the years, while both working full-time and raising a family. Stuart and Anne McKenzie (Image: Newsquest) At the time of the announcement, Anne told the Glasgow Times she was 'in shock' but added: 'This is a huge honour. I'd do anything for the people of Pollokshields, I'd fight for them, and I have fought for them - for funding, for support, whatever they need.' The couple, who have two sons, Greig and Mark, and three grandchildren – Caitlyn, 25, Oliver 20, and Elliot, 17 - helped to ensure the centre remained open during the pandemic. Over the years have run everything from dances and daily lunch clubs to youth clubs and health and wellbeing services. Anne trained as a personal foot care clinician, and Stuart as a footcare volunteer, to fill gaps in local provision, and their groundbreaking clinic has supported more than 1000 local people.
