Business leaders back city centre’s ‘biggest transformation in 50 years’

Glasgow’s city centre is poised for its ‘most significant transformation in 50 years’ as 11 projects are set to commence in early 2025 – and city business leaders have given their backing to the ambitious plans.The city council has announced that the planned overhaul of the city’s public realm, under the Avenues programme, will be the most substantial change since Buchanan Street was pedestrianised in the 1970s.George Square is scheduled to close early next year to facilitate the commencement of work, with Cllr Ruairi Kelly, SNP, reassuring Glaswegians that the “hassle will be worth it”.Funded by the City Deal – a £1bn infrastructure programme – and other government sources, major routes including Argyle Street, the Broomielaw and Clyde Street, along with George Square, are set for a makeover.A timeline for the programme has been released, indicating that work on several projects will continue until late 2027, meaning some schemes will be in progress during the 2026 Commonwealth Games, reports Glasgow Live.The Avenues projects may encompass cycle lanes, expanded footpaths, street trees, planting and new lighting. Glasgow City Council is optimistic that the expansion of the programme will stimulate economic growth and boost the population of the city centre.The initiative is also viewed as crucial to the city’s net zero goals, providing more space for pedestrians and active travel, creating additional green spaces and planting hundreds of new trees to enhance drainage.Cllr Angus Millar, SNP city convener for city centre recovery, acknowledged a multiplicity of “multiple and overlapping challenges” the city has faced, ranging from “the legacy of the pandemic, fires, and absentee property owners to the shift to online retail and cost-of-living and inflation crises”.Nevertheless, he reflected a positive outlook for the city’s core, noting it as “increasingly a focal point for major investment” and experiencing “population growth”. He said: “We have a responsibility to nurture that and create the cosmopolitan feel Glasgow deserves.”Millar recalled past urban triumphs, citing historical developments: “We know from our own past that when we make these changes, Glasgow has flourished. The pedestrianisation of Buchanan Street in the 1970s was the catalyst for it becoming one of the most successful streets on these islands. But it also signalled the transformation of Glasgow away from its post-industrial past.”We’re experiencing a similar period of transition just now and the Avenues can be the foundation for a city centre which gives people more reasons to visit, to invest in Glasgow and to make the city centre their home.”To facilitate communication during ongoing renovations, he noted that the Get Ready Glasgow information portal will remain operational, providing crucial updates and support for locals and businesses.With progress underway, Cllr Millar confirmed nearing completion of works on Sauchiehall, Pitt and Cambridge Streets, all part of the transformative Avenues programme.Cllr Kelly, city convener for neighbourhood services and assets, commented: “The Avenues roll-out has already been delayed by the pandemic so it’s critical that we push on with the transformation of the city centre.”There will of course be some disruption but we’re putting in place the foundations for the next century and can assure Glaswegians that the hassle will be worth it.”And right throughout the process we’ll ensure residents and businesses are kept informed of progress and disruption is kept to a minimum.”Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, expressed support for the initiative, stating that the next phase is “crucial for repositioning Glasgow to meet modern economic needs”.He continued: “While some disruption is inevitable, we are working with Get Ready Glasgow to keep businesses fully informed,” and encouraged engagement, saying: “We encourage all businesses to engage with the programme to minimise any impact and ensure a smooth transition.”Mark Napier, managing director at JPMorgan Chase’s Glasgow technology centre, which opened on Argyle street in April, shared that the firm had collaborated closely with the council on plans for the hub, describing it as a “key part of the wider Avenues project”.He added: “The end result is a world-class experience for our employees, and a development that provides additional green space, an upgraded bicycle path and improved bus facilities on Argyle Street.”Moda Group, the property development firm behind the recently unveiled 430 build-to-rent apartments named Holland Park, has invested £360,000 into the progressive Avenues project covering Holland Street and Pitt Street.James Blakey, Planning and Engagement Director at Moda Group, described the venture as “a brilliant example of the long-term benefits that come from public and private organisations working collaboratively”.Wasps Studios is also contributing to the reinvigoration of the Briggait Clydeside Market Halls, planning their revival as vibrant market and event spaces. The organisation’s CEO Audrey Carlin shared that the Avenues initiative “aligns with our ambitions by fostering a more sustainable, accessible and attractive city centre, encouraging people to explore and spend more time by the river”.She added: “Through reanimating our section of Clyde Street with markets, cafes and events, we aim to make a significant contribution to Glasgow’s goal of a more pedestrian-friendly, vibrant city centre.”The ambitious Avenues scheme is supported by significant funding, with £115m coming from City Deal resources, complemented by £21.3m courtesy of active travel supporter Sustrans Scotland.The refurbishment of George Square is projected to conclude in late 2026, with the redevelopment of High Street and Broomielaw/Clyde Street continuing until the end of 2027. The work on the stretch from George Street to Duke Street Avenue is set to be completed in 2028.Additional projects are centred on Duke Street/John Knox Street, Dobbie’s Loan, South Portland Street, Cowcaddens Road, North Hanover Street and Kyle Street, Stockwell Street and St Vincent Place.Don’t miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter – sign up here for free