NEW images show how the council plans to transform the way people travel between the city centre and the West End.

Glasgow councillors have agreed to the principle of leasing land from Glasgow School of Art to support the delivery of the Underline Avenue.

Work on part of the former Stow College site will allow a link between St Georges Cross and Cowcaddens for pedestrians and cyclists.

Terms have been agreed for a 25-year lease at £1 per annum if asked.

READ MORE: Bid to transform land owned by Glasgow School of Art into cycle path and walkway

Council leader Susan Aitken said the project will create a “far more attractive environment”.

It is part of the £115m Avenues programme which is funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

The Underline Avenue project will see improvements along Cambridge Street to St Georges Road, passing Cowcaddens subway and New City Road, the council has said.

Ms Aitken, who is also chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, said: “A core benefit of the Avenues programme is how it will improve connections across the city centre, with the Underline transforming how people can travel to and from the city centre and the West End.

Glasgow Times:

“This is the next step in the delivery of the Underline, which will create a far more attractive environment for everyone who uses this route or lives, studies or works on it.”

Work on the scheme is proposed to begin in January 2022, with completion in the summer of 2023.

Council officers approached the Glasgow School of Art about the land on the instruction of the Glasgow City Region.

Penny Macbeth, director of The Glasgow School of Art, said: “Connectivity and sustainability are now widely recognised as central to making cities vibrant and attractive places in which to live, work and study. 

Glasgow Times:

“It is incredibly important for the GSA to be able to work in partnership with Glasgow City Council, helping deliver their strategies and realise some of their major projects which benefit the whole city.

“We are delighted to be able to work together on the Underline.”

City Deal funding – a more than £1 billion investment by both the UK and Scottish Governments in the region – will be used for the scheme, which is estimated to cost £3.8 million.

Overall, the Avenues project is expected to transform 17 key streets in Glasgow’s city centre, with some work, such as on Sauchiehall Street, already completed.