Date revealed for removal of George Square statues
The council said: 'Between 12-23 May, the 11 bronze statues in the Square will be removed - for conservation and restoration - before their return to the Square in 2026.'
The 11 statues are of famous and renowned people for their achievements across politics, arts, science and military.
They are poets, Robert Burns, and Thomas Campbell, engineer, James Watt, chemist, Thomas Graham, politicians, Robert Peel, William Gladstone and James Oswald, military figures, Field Marshall Lord Clyde and John Moore and two horseback statues of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
The contract for the construction work has now been signed.
The contract, worth £20.499million awarded to Rainton Constructions.
It covers not only the George Square works, but also the creation of Avenues at North Hanover Street (between Cathedral Street and George Square); George Street (between Montrose Street and George Square); West George Street (between Nelson Mandela Place and George Square); Cochrane Street and St Vincent Place.
'These works will be done in two phases, with George Square, St Vincent Place and West George Street due for completion in August 2026, and Cochrane Street and the sections of George Street and North Hanover Street to be complete in the Spring of 2027.
The new tree species to be planted in George Square and the surrounding Avenues through the project include 'Robin Hill' Pink Juneberry; 'Frans Fontaine' Hornbeam; 'Forest Pansy' Redbud; Oleaster; 'Autumn Gold' Gingko; Burgundy Sweetgum; a couple of Rowan species; a number of Flowering Cherry species; and Pin Oak.
Councillor Angus Millar, Convener for City Centre Recovery at Glasgow City Council, said: 'This is a huge milestone in the transformation of George Square.
"The appointment of Rainton means the main construction works are now just weeks away, adding real momentum and a sense of excitement to this historic project.
"Glaswegians will already have seen the construction site starting to take shape but the appointment of this contractor is the last major piece of the jigsaw.
"Over the 16 or so months from June, we will see a new and significantly improved public space take shape – a new square on a par with many of our international peers, one Glaswegians can be proud of, and which is fitting of a city of our standing.'
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STV News
3 days ago
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