Council to approve George Square traffic changes

Plans to pedestrianise part of George Square will be considered by a Glasgow City Council committee today.

The committee will be considering the findings of the recent public engagement on the future use and design of George Square.

The Public Conversation focused on how people use the square and what they think about it, as well as what it means to the city and the ambitions people have for it – and received over 2,200 submissions by the end of last year. It confirmed the public wish for change but want the history to stay intact.

The proposed plan would make the full east and west sides of the square pedestrianised, keeping the north and south sides accessible for public transport and cyclists before the 2020 UEFA European Football Championships in June by removing parking and reconfiguring the traffic layout.

It’s set to cost around £8-10 million for the regeneration of the square, with works on Hanover Street and Miller Street will cost between £2-3 million.

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "The consultation findings echo what our citizens routinely tell us, that something clearly has to change with George Square. I’m really encouraged that there is consensus on many key elements.

"The public conversations we have facilitated tell us our people want a greener square with less traffic, a space of high design quality and which continues to function as it traditionally has done, as a space for Glaswegians to gather. Our task now is to respond to that, respecting the Square’s history and place in Glasgow life whilst delivering a civic space which is both attractive and cherished and reflects our status as a European city."

If approved, the recommendations from the report will go the council’s City Administration Committee on 6 February where consideration will be given for approval to proceed.

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• Glasgow
• glasgow city council
• george square