Explained: the latest plans for Glasgow city centre streets

Glasgow Times

5 days ago

The latest plans for the City Centre Avenues project involve changes to key streets, including public transport routes and around city centre train stations.
Which Streets are changing?
Argyle Street
(Image: GCC)
The street from Queen Street to Stockwell Street/Glassford Street has been pedestrian-only since the 1970s.
The new Argyle Street East Avenue project will run from Union Street/ Jamaica Street to Glasgow Cross.
A one-way west-to-east bus route will pass through the pedestrianised section of the street, aimed at creating much shorter journey times and better public transport connections.
The pedestrian zone is to be opened up and as well a the bus lane down the centre, a cycle lane will be created to the south of the busy street.
Queen Street and Ingram Street
Plans in the area will include a newly designed Queen Street and Ingram Street to make the area outside the Gallery of Modern Art more pedestrian-friendly.
(Image: GCC)
Permitting buses to travel east along Argyle Street will take traffic away from Queen Street and Ingram Street allowing changes to be made.
New surfacing and wider 'level crossings' outside GoMA will give pedestrians more priority.
More greenery and planters are planned to improve the appearance.
(Image: GCC)
The work will link into the redevelopment of George Square due to be completed in the second half of next year.
(Image: GCC) (Image: GCC)
Why are the changes being made?
Angus Millar, Convener for City Centre Recovery and Transport, said: 'The Argyle Street East Avenue is about readying these famous streets for the century ahead.
'Recent decades have been tough for this part of town but we're seeing new turnaround developments on Trongate, major new retail offerings on Argyle Street and global employers investing in new headquarters just further west. That's real confidence in our city centre.
'The Argyle Street East Avenue is about creating the conditions for more of that. But also, giving Glaswegians a greener, more attractive city centre with an international look and feel they can be proud of.'
When will work start?
Contractors are being invited to bid for contracts and work is expected to start next year.
How much will it cost?
No specific costs have been publicly revealed but the work is part of the wider £120m Avenues Project.
Who is paying for it?
The funding for the Avenues projects is from the Glasgow City Region Deal, which was jointly funded by the UK and Scottish Governments with half a billion pounds each.
Will there be cycle lanes?
There will be a cycle lane along the current stretch of Argyle Street that is pedestrian only.
What do people think?
The Glasgow Times asked people on Argyle Street this week about the plan.
Victoria Wilson was in town with her two year-old son Ollie.
(Image: Newsquest)
She said: 'There is plenty of room for a bus lane and for people to walk. I think it would be fine.
'The street is not as busy as it was years ago. If it makes it easier to get the bus, that's good.'
Chris Seton, from Larbert, is a regular visitor.
(Image: Newsquest)
He said: I used to do a lot of driving in Glasgow. It has become difficult to get around.
If buses can go right along the street it's a good idea.
Improvement always helps.'
Another man in town with his granddaughter who wished to be anonymous, said: ' I suppose if it's going to help people get around its not too bad.
'If it helps the buses move quicker, that's good.'
Opinion online was less than favourable.
Comments included: 'This is another reduction in space for pedestrians!'
'Don't allow vehicles through Argyle Street.'
'A road on Argyle Street, why are we going back the way? What a waste of money and public spaces.'
What do you think? Let us know in the comments and at www.glasgowtimes.co.uk