Glasgow to be transformed into one of the leading destinations in Europe

A new high powered group is to look at ways of transforming the city centre to cement its role as one of the leading destinations in Europe (November 24th).The independent body, which will be known as the ‘Connectivity Commission’, will rethink the area as a destination for business, shopping and leisure.The group will be spearheaded by renowned former government transport advisor Professor David Begg and will include leaders from business, transport, academia and charities.They will be asked to come up with bold new ideas to transform Scotland’s largest city, making it more attractive to visitors, businesses and local people.Over the next year, the commission will explore challenges and opportunities including the city centre’s public realm, congestion and pollution levels and public transport use.Its findings will be presented to the city council with the aim of ensuring the city centre remains an attractive global destination in the decades ahead.Commission members will include Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, Transform Scotland, Glasgow University and the City Centre Retail Association.The new commission was launched at the State of the City Economy conference which is attended by 700 members of the business, government and academic sectors.Other issues raised at a conference today include the council’s plan to commission research on the likely economic picture for Glasgow as a result of ‘Brexit’.