Revealed: New images of George Square show statues relocation

The second of four design phases have now been completed and a Glasgow City Council committee will consider the design statements at a meeting next week.

The features include high-quality stone throughout the Square; informal 'play’ areas for children in sensory gardens in the eastern areas; a proposed water feature; a raised lawn platform; bespoke sheltered seating; and feature lighting.

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The main image shows the famous George Square statues relocated, but no final decisions have yet been made.

The design for the eastern part of the Square responds to the formality of the City Chambers and of the Cenotaph, and a further raised green area has been proposed in front of the Cenotaph.

Aerial view of how a revamped George Square could look (Image: Glasgow City Council)

The design for the western part of the Square suggests an area for cafes to spill out along with paved areas for events and may include a water feature.

Future elements of the design will protect and extend greenery, including raingardens; respond to the institutional character of the eastern area of the Square in front of the City Chambers, and respect the central east west axis in the Square - City Chambers - Cenotaph - Sir Walter Scott Memorial Column.

The redesign of George Square is being delivered alongside with the surrounding Avenues over two phases. The first phase will see George Square, John Street, Hanover and Miller Street, a section of North Hanover Street and Cochrane Street commencing construction in 2024 with completion due in 2026. The second phase of construction - at St Vincent Street, George Street, Dundas Street and Dundas Lane - will be completed in 2028.

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The scheme is part of the wider £115 million Avenues project - a network of new, attractive, accessible, safe, sustainable and easily maintained routes throughout the city centre that are people-focused, encourage active travel and are more attractive to residents, workers, visitors and investors.  The project is funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

Previous redesign images of George Square were released last year (Image: Glasgow City Council)

Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The latest stage of the design process for George Square and the surrounding Avenues shows the proposals for the Square.  These proposals include more details on proposals for key features that will reflect the character and uses of the Square, Glasgow’s greatest civic space."

Celia Guerreiro, associate at John McAslan and Partners, said: "Sustainability and response to climate change were strong drivers of our brief, alongside a fundamental commitment to community engagement and dialogue, informing the process of design and involving extended public consultation. We are looking forward to seeing the benefits that this will bring to Glasgow.”  

Business minister Ivan McKee said: “The Avenues programme is redesigning the city’s streets to make them more inviting for people while prioritising space for cyclists, pedestrians and public transport. 

“George Square is a gathering place for visitors, workers and residents of Glasgow to admire its architecture, relax and take in its history or make use of local businesses. It is right that George Square is a part of this transformation. I welcome this progress towards the sensitive redevelopment of one of the city’s focal points as part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal.” 

UK minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said it was exciting to hear that plans to transform George Square and the surrounding streets are progressing and incorporating the views of local businesses.

Mr Offord said: "This will help to revitalise the city centre by creating eco-friendly travel routes and building attractive public spaces to bring visitors, businesses and investment to the area. The UK Government is investing £50m in Glasgow's most iconic public spaces as part of our £523m support for the Glasgow City Region Deal."