Plans for regeneration of Sauchiehall and Garnethill reach the next stage

The next stage of plans for a major regeneration of the Sauchiehall and Garnethill area of central Glasgow has been approved by Glasgow City Council.

The Sauchiehall and Garnethill District Regeneration Framework will now go to a public consultation.

The framework features 80 proposed projects including building a park over the M8 at Charing Cross, creating a park in front of the Mitchell Library, tree-lined sections of Sauchiehall Street, and cycle paths on Bath Street and Sauchiehall Street.

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Also proposed is an upgrade to Garnethill Park, the redevelopment of Renfrew Street as an "avenue for the arts", a new car and cycle parking strategy, the creation of a ‘green street’ at Blythswood Street and Rose Street, and closing Scott Street to traffic.

Councillor Frank McAveety, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “This radical plan outlines an exciting new vision for the Sauchiehall and Garnethill District and a taste of what the city centre could look like in the future, setting the benchmark for modern, vibrant cities across Europe.

"These proposals will lead to improved public spaces and a better connected centre of Glasgow, fully able to capitalise on its unique assets and diversity. I look forward to the results of the forthcoming public consultation.”

The regeneration framework for the district has four themes: ‘Living District’ focuses on safe neighbourhoods, local services, housing and healthy lifestyles; ‘Local Distinctiveness’ looks at the public space, community assets and culture; ‘Connected & Mobile’ considers the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, connections across the M8 and public transport; while ‘Vibrant District’ looks at business and activities that will bring footfall to the area.

The public consultation on the plans will begin on 20 November and run for nine weeks, with a final report brought back to the council’s executive committee for formal approval in February 2016.

Sauchiehall and Garnethill District is the first of nine areas for regeneration identified in the council’s City Centre Strategy. Each has its own regeneration framework and ‘avenues’ programme to improve the public space.