A ROAD in the city centre has been reopened almost 10 years after it was first closed. 

A section of Renfrew Street in Garnethill was closed following the first Glasgow School of Art fire on May 23, 2014. 

To allow work to take place on the Mackintosh building following the blaze and then a second fire on June 14, 2018, the road has been closed between Scott Street and Dalhousie Street to both pedestrians and cars.

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(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) However, following calls from the community supported by councillor Philip Braat and MSP Pauline McNeill the street has been reopened to pedestrians and a single lane of traffic. 

Due to scaffolding on the art school building and the layout of the site, there is a right turn ban from Renfrew Street into Dalhousie Street. 

Bill Beckett, head of Garnethill Neighbourhood Watch, says he is "overjoyed" that the street has finally been reopened. 

He said: "It had become very inconvenient. 

"It's going to make a huge difference in the community. 

"It's been nearly 10 years so it's about time the community got this opened back up."

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(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

MSP Pauline McNeill says she is "delighted" the road has been reopened.

She said: "It is scandalous that the road was closed for six years [after the second fire]. It had a huge impact on the local community.

"I worked closely with councillor Phil Braat and Glasgow City Council roads on this matter.

"I contacted Glasgow City Council and was delighted to hear that the carriageway has opened as planned today with pedestrian access."

The Splash previously reported that residents at a Garnethill Community Council meeting earlier this year also said they believed the closure of Renfrew Street was playing a part in the number of car accidents and drivers going the wrong way due to confusion over the area's one way system. 

They argued that reopening Renfrew Street to vehicles could help solve the problem and reduce the risk of further accidents.

A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: "Renfrew Street is reopening following closure for the Glasgow School of Art fire, but due to the existing scaffolding and layout of the site  it will be necessary to install a right turn ban from Renfrew Street into Dalhousie Street. 

"These restrictions will come into effect on October 31, 2024, until April 30, 2026.

"Further works are required to take place for this site and there will be further road closures of Renfrew Street, as required, and these will be communicated as and when they are approved."