Plans show redesign of Glasgow's George Square

An artist's impression of what the redesign could look like

Glasgow City Council has released new plans to redesign George Square, the main civic space in the centre of the city.

The council said the redesign would cost £10m and is funded by the Glasgow City Region deal - a £1bn investment from the UK and Scottish governments.

The new plans would include a water feature, cafes, sheltered seating, a play area for children and an events space.

If planning applications are approved, the council hope to start work in spring 2025 and finish in 2027.

It is expected that Glasgow residents will be able to give further feedback on the plans over the next two months.

The historic square named after King George III was first laid out in 1776.

It holds statues of famous Scots like Robert Burns, James Watt, Sir Robert Peel, Sir Walter Scott and Sir John Moore.

The designs show all statues removed from the square, except for the Sir Walter Scott monument and the war memorial.

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said the statues would be taken away while redevelopment work was carried out, cleaned and returned once the project is completed.

There have been previous attempts to upgrade the square

John McAslan and partners, who worked on the recent Burrell Collection redesign, received the George Square design contract from the council.

The firm previously won the contract in 2013 to redesign the square but plans were stopped by former council leader Gordon Matheson.

An international design competition has been held and six shortlisted proposals went on display.

But when the expert panel - chaired by Mr Matheson - reached a decision, he announced the radical redevelopment would not go ahead.

He said it had become clear there was no public appetite for such a change.

The proposed redesign had drawn fierce criticism from opponents who said it was a waste of money, would see much-loved monuments removed and force through an unpopular design without proper consultation.

Instead a modest revamp of the square took place over the summer of 2013.

The red tarmac was removed and more green spaces were created.

The new plans could see a raised lawn in front of the war memorial

Planners will check the proposal complies with local and national policies and, as the square has “major heritage and historical significance”, the application will also be reviewed by Historic Environment Scotland.

Public and stakeholder engagement took place last year, with the design sketches altered in response to feedback.

The plans are likely to be submitted on Monday 30 October but the final decision on development is expected in early 2024.