Plans to transform Glasgow City Centre

Ambitious proposals for the regeneration of the centre of Glasgow over the next decade will soon go out to public consultation.

A ten-year regeneration plan has been drawn up which includes taking cars away from the city centre, the redesign of George Square and revamping the Hielanman’s Umbrella.

It could also see more trees, a ‘green’ pedestrian loop linking George Square and Blythswood Square with the planned riverside park and work to preserve historic buildings.

Ideas include new canopies on city centre streets to keep people out of the rain, more art in public spaces and improving the nightlife and cultural offering, with suggestions such as a night cinema and opening up a rooftop for parties.

The future of the ‘heart of the city’, which includes the two major rail stations, Buchanan Street, George Square and parts of Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street, has been laid out in the draft Central District Regeneration Framework.

It is one of nine frameworks being produced for city centre districts. Councillors are expected to back the launch of a 10-week consultation, starting on December 6, at a meeting on Thursday.

Delivering the framework will require a “truly collaborative partnership between all stakeholders”, the council says.

The plan outlines how the number of cars in the city centre will be reduced. The M8 could become an inner city ring relief road, with no through-traffic in the city centre.

‘Edge of city centre’ parking would be introduced, with ideas including park and rides, park and walks and bike and rides to link with public transport.

“The upgraded M74-M73 is the ideal loop around the city centre to replace the M8 as a national thoroughfare. The M8 can be downgraded to become part of a local city centre ring that accommodates displaced through-traffic from the city centre”

Streets would prioritise either pedestrians, bikes or buses, with all regional buses “concentrated in dedicated bus corridors”. The draft strategy states there is scope for multi-storey car parking at the end of Sauchiehall Street and at a redeveloped Blythswood Court.

There is also a need to improve the pedestrian link between Central and Queen Street station, the strategy says. The route should “drive footfall and promote retail and food and drink outlets”. A tunnel between the two has been ruled out.

Improvements could be made at Buchanan Bus Station, including an upgrade to the public square at the main entrance. Ideas to boost Buchanan Street, Sauchiehall Street, Argyle Street include an improved maintenance regime and restricting deliveries to outside shop opening times.

More streets, squares and lanes will be covered, with canopies protecting people from the rain “so Glaswegians can enjoy being outside more often”.

Hielanman’s Umbrella could become a “light and attractive” station lobby, with plans to widen footways and engage with shop owners between Hope Street and Union Street to upgrade properties.

Bothwell Street is “currently benefitting from significant private developer investment increasing footfall” and should be improved through the introduction of trees and more lighting, the report states.

Historic buildings require “extra attention”, with the framework area including a number of buildings at risk, such as the Egyptian Halls on Union Street, Lion Chambers, Hope Street, Castle Chambers, West Regent Street, and the former Odeon Cinema, Renfield Street.

A new Central Community Council could also be formed.

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