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STV News
5 days ago
- Business
- STV News
New images of Argyle Street revamp released as part of £120m project
New images show how part of Glasgow's Argyle Street could be transformed under plans to make the key thoroughfare 'more attractive' to residents, visitors and investors. Glasgow City Council is working on the Argyle Street East Avenue project, which will see the revamp of a stretch from Glasgow Cross to Central Station. Under the scheme, pavements will be widened, new green areas developed and a new west-to-east bus route created. Work is set to begin in early 2026. It is part of the wider £120m-plus Avenues programme under way across the city centre, which is funded by the Scottish and UK Governments through the Glasgow City Region City Deal. Cllr Angus Millar, SNP, the council's 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 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.' LDRS A pedestrian-friendly zone is planned on Ingram Street. Image from Glasgow City Council The council has published a prior information notice to gauge interests from firms who may wish to bid for the project contract. This project will link in with ongoing work at the western end of Argyle Street, and when completed will 'help transform the look and feel of the street from the M8 to the Gallowgate', the council has said. Stuart Patrick, chief executive of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: 'The move to significantly enhance both the functionality and appeal of a key part of Glasgow city centre is a welcomed development. 'Creating a more attractive environment for businesses, residents and visitors, while improving connectivity between our transport hubs, is essential to Glasgow's long-term economic recovery. 'Although the Avenues programme is complex, using a combination of lessons learned from previous phases alongside continued engagement with business, it is hoped there will be limited impact on the trading environment.' LDRS A pedestrian-friendly zone is planned on Ingram Street. Image from Glasgow City Council The project is set to include a new bus route through the pedestrianised section of the street, which the council has said will create much shorter journey times and better public transport connections. It will also 'create the conditions to accelerate work to create more pedestrian-priority spaces and reduce traffic' around Queen Street, Ingram Street and Candeleriggs. Engagement with the local community around these streets is planned in the coming weeks. The council's plans have been welcomed by some transport operators and passenger groups. Dr George Hazel OBE, chair of the Glasgow City Region Bus Partnership, said they would deliver faster, more reliable journey times. He added: 'This makes public transport a more attractive and convenient option, encouraging people to make fewer car journeys which reduces congestion and contributes towards a more equitable and sustainable transportation system for all. 'It also supports the economy of the city centre improving access for workers and the retail and leisure sectors.' Greig Mackay, director for Scotland at Bus Users UK, a charity dedicated to promoting accessible public transport, said: 'A new west-to-east bus route in the city centre will help reduce journey times and increase service reliability which is good news for those who rely on public transport, and for the wider environment. 'Interventions which make journeying by bus a more viable and appealing option can attract new bus passengers and encourage existing users to travel more frequently.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Inspiring awards set to celebrate the City's leading lights
From a small settlement that stretched the length of the High Street and the Saltmarket, from the River Clyde to the great Medieval cathedral that had been built on the site of St Mungo's original church, Glasgow began to grow rapidly in size and stature to become the city it is today. From trade with the New World to fostering the inventions that would launch the Industrial Age and through shipbuilding, architecture and education, Glasgow has made its mark on the world stage. Now, in recognition of its rich history, the city's vibrant present and the emerging talent that will forge a path into the future, The Herald, in collaboration with Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, is relaunching the Inspiring City Awards with the aim of celebrating those whose efforts continue to enhance the standing of the city today. There will be nine awards in total, each one recognising a different element of the life of the city and all of them recognising the hard work and vision of those who continue to carry forward Glasgow's long and proud legacy. The Art & Culture Award, which will embrace all art forms, including architecture, performance and events, will single out an individual or organisation that has enhanced the city's cultural ambitions on the global stage. The Economic Impact Award will focus on those businesses or initiatives that have made a significant contribution to Glasgow's economic growth and development, while the Environmental Award will focus on initiatives that have contributed to Glasgow's environment, by combating climate change and helping to address the Glasgow Pacts agreed by global leaders when the city hosted COP26. For the Outstanding Contribution by a Business Leader Award, the judges will be looking for someone who has made an indelible mark on the commercial life of the city, while the Sport Award will look at the development of sport in the city and at individuals or organisations which have inspired others to become more active, been a role model or who have helped to secure facilities and funding. For a city to thrive, all of its residents must feel that they have a stake in its future and the Community Impact Award will celebrate initiatives that have improved quality of life, community cohesion or social equity, while the Youth Empowerment Project Award will highlight projects that have been designed to engage and empower the youth of Glasgow, ensuring that that they are equipped to shape its future. The Heritage Champion Award will honour projects or individuals that have played a significant role in preserving Glasgow's history and heritage while for the final accolade, the 850 Legacy Award, the judges will assess how projects, businesses, individuals and communities have created lasting change across Glasgow. Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, who are partnering with The Herald in organising these awards, says: "As part of the momentous 850th anniversary of Glasgow, the return of the Inspiring City Awards is a fitting tribute to the city's enduring legacy and forward-looking spirit. These awards celebrate the remarkable individuals and organisations that make Glasgow such a vibrant and exceptional place. "With two of the city's most respected institutions, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and The Herald, joining forces to deliver this event, it presents a perfect platform to showcase the very best of our city." Meanwhile, Billy Hammond, managing director, GTG training, sponsors of the Youth Empowerment Project Award, says: 'We're delighted to support this year's Inspiring City Awards and help shine a light on the individuals, businesses and communities that continually strive to make a positive and lasting impact on Glasgow and its people and we are particularly proud to sponsor the Youth Empowerment Project Award, which will celebrate the projects that engage and empower young people across the city. 'At GTG Training, we strive to inspire young people through our apprenticeship programmes. We offer alternative career paths, train the future workforce and give young people the skills to succeed. We're therefore looking forward to celebrating those who are making a real difference to all young people across Glasgow and helping to shape the future of the city.' The award ceremony will take place on Monday, 8 September at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow and the closing date for entries is Monday, 28 July. Full information and entry details are available at and sponsorship opportunities for the awards are now available. For more information contact Alana Massie, Events Manager, Newsquest Events Scotland & Northern Ireland, Telephone: 07702807008
The National
26-06-2025
- Business
- The National
New campaign to promote Glasgow city centre as a destination
Highlighting work going on to transform the city centre, including the redesign of George Square and the Avenues project, the campaign aims to promote what the city centre has to offer. The new marketing slogan "Get You in Town" aims to encourage people from outside the centre to get together for social and leisure activities in the city centre. Since the Covid pandemic, the city centre has suffered with more people staying in their local areas, fewer city centre office workers and a decline in retail. A media advertising campaign will promote the new slogan, which will be used together with the long-established People Make Glasgow. The aim is to promote the city centre as the number one destination to meet friends focusing on concepts like 'authenticity, and personality' of the city centre. The city centre's bars, cafes, restaurants, culture and architecture will be key to the campaign. A tandem campaign, Visit Glasgow, will be launched in key markets abroad, particularly the USA to bring visitors to the city. It wants to promote the city as the Gateway to Scotland and play on its 'unique' identity, character and personality. The new campaign is the effort of the City Centre Taskforce, a partnership between businesses and the council. Stuart Patrick, chief executive of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: 'Our city centre is pivotal to our future success; it's our economic heart and our cultural home. 'We are seeing improvements in visitor numbers and consumer spend with millions already invested and billions more in the pipeline. We are also deliberately designing our city centre for people by creating welcoming spaces where people want to live, visit and invest. 'There is a compelling vision for the city centre. If we all work together as Team Glasgow we will get the results that we want.' Councillor Angus Millar, city convener for City Centre Recovery, said: 'No-one should be in any doubt the city centre is a top priority for the council. 'As difficult as it's been in recent years, I genuinely believe that a corner has been turned. "Transformation of the city centre is taking shape and improvements are gathering pace. Our major investment in cleansing services will also make a big difference in the months ahead. 'It's in all our interests to get behind Glasgow city centre and I'm certain Glaswegians will respond positively to our call to Get You in Town.' READ MORE: Glasgow City Council hit by cyber attack as warning issued At a launch event for businesses, Ruairi Kelly, council convener for development, said "momentum is building' highlighting the M&S Sauchiehall Street site, Holland Park, JP Morgan and the Social Hub at Candleriggs, as some examples. He added that "on-street retail is more resilient than previously expected' and said talks with Princes Square, St Enoch were ongoing as well as Buchanan Galleries announcement of its plans. He added: 'The council needs to be more agile in processing planning applications.' He said the campaign would 'bolster the vision for the city we are striving to become'.
The Herald Scotland
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow city centre 'on path to recovery' as sales and footfall rise
March also saw an increase of 7.3% in footfall compared to March 2024, with Glasgow's main pedestrianised shopping area, Buchanan Street, experiencing a 10% rise in footfall. Additionally, night-time footfall (between 6pm and 6am) rose 9.8% in the first quarter of the year, showing an uptick in visitors to the city centre as summer approaches. Meanwhile, for the fourth consecutive month, Glasgow's city centre retail sales performance was ahead of Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester and the UK average. READ MORE: Major new projects raise hopes for Glasgow 'transformation' Boost for Sauchiehall Street as former showroom to become workspace Average Transaction Value (ATV) increased by 4.4% in March 2025 compared to March 2024, with the Average Revenue per Customer (ARPC) increasing by 3.4% in March 2025 compared to March 2024. Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "The latest footfall figures are an encouraging sign that Glasgow city centre is on the path to recovery. A solid year-on-year increase in the first four months of 2025 is a clear signal that people are returning in greater numbers and crucially, they are spending. The rise in general retail sales and strength in health and beauty also reflects growing consumer confidence. 'It's testament to the resilience of our city centre and to the coordinated efforts of businesses, public sector partners, and the Council. As we build momentum, it's vital we maintain this focus, ensuring the city centre remains vibrant, accessible and competitive for Glaswegians and visitors alike.' Councillor Angus Millar, Convener for City Centre Recovery at Glasgow City Council, said: 'These figures are welcome news for Glasgow's city centre economy, showing an increase in the number of people visiting our city centre and continued growth in retail sales. "From the changes to how we shop and rise of online retail to the impact of the pandemic years and the cost-of-living crisis on incomes, recent years have been really challenging for the city centre. So it's hugely encouraging to see an emerging trend of growing footfall across key city centre streets in the early part of this year. Glasgow (Image: NQ/Colin Mearns) "Growth in city centre retail sales is currently outstripping our comparator cities - and the investment Glaswegians are seeing in our city centre, with new developments and new retailers, shows the confidence there is in our economic recovery and the city centre's future. Our job at the council is to work with our partners to help shape a city centre for the decades ahead.' News of the rise in retail sales and footfall in Glasgow city centre comes after the city ranked in the top 30 in a list of Europe's Best Cities in 2025. The report, compiled by Resonance Consultancy, which specialises in destination, economic, and urban development, analysed the principal cities of metropolitan statistical areas with populations of more than 500,000. The report noted that "creative celebration and a pursuit of affordable opportunity keep Glasgow real, even as its reputation soars". It added: "Glasgow powers to its Top 100 ranking on the strength of education, with the planet's #6 spot for educated citizenry and a world renowned university founded in 1451, the fourth oldest in the English-speaking world (ranked #14 in Europe). The University of Glasgow counts economist Adam Smith and U.S. Founding Father James Wilson as alumni. And the world is taking notice. "Tech start-ups hungry for cheap space and talent are drawn to the city's working-class authenticity over pricier European capitals, even though the business investment metrics have yet to reflect the influx. Glasgow ranks #42 in our Large Companies subcategory and a middling #94 for GPD Per Capita. "Still, the city is among the UK's fastest-rising property markets and new hotels are planned for the rest of the decade, with the recently opened The Address Glasgow now welcoming guests. "But it's not like Glasgow has gone corporate. This is the home of Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and the National Theatre of Scotland, and Glasgow is still buzzing from its 2020 designation as the U.K.'s top cultural and creative city by the European Commission. Its Top 25 ranking in our Culture subcategory will rise in the coming years."
Glasgow Times
04-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Major climate change event set to return to Glasgow
The Congress of Business (COB), a key event from COP26, will be held for the third consecutive year on May 13, 2025. The event, part of Glasgow Climate Week, will take place at SWG3 and be broadcast online. Read more: Glasgow holidaymakers heading to popular EU country warned Building on the Glasgow Climate Pacts established at COP26, COB aims to drive meaningful change by turning sustainable strategies into tangible action. It brings together some of the UK's most influential businesses, leading academics, and policymakers. The event will take place at SWG3 (Image: Supplied) The event serves to create a bridge between international UN climate gatherings. Speakers at the event will include Baroness Martha Lane Fox CBE, president of the British Chambers of Commerce, Jennifer Jordan-Saifi MVO, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, and Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, principal and vice chancellor of the University of Glasgow. Other speakers include Gerard Gallagher, global sustainability leader at Ernst & Young, and Will Attenborough, climate finance strategist and co-founder of Green Rider. The Congress of Business is supported by the University of Glasgow, Barclays, and It is hosted by the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the Chambers network. On top of the main conference, two additional events have been added to the programme. COB Futures, hosted by DYW Glasgow in partnership with DYW West and DYW LED, hopes to inspire young people to choose careers which will support a sustainable future. Meanwhile, COB Inspires is focused on students and recent graduates looking to enter the sustainability sector. It will feature talks, panel discussions, and interactive networking, exploring career opportunities and sustainability challenges. Alison McRae, senior director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "Congress of Business is an action-driven global event that reinforces Glasgow's legacy as a COP host city. "This year, we anticipate welcoming over 500 delegates from around the world to hear from business leaders, academics, and government officials about how we can collectively achieve the growth and innovation opportunities that a sustainable future offers." Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli said: "Congress of Business captures the collaborative spirit essential for meaningful change, uniting academia, industry, and government to co-create solutions for a sustainable future. "The University of Glasgow is proud to support the event, reflecting our commitment to driving innovation, building partnerships, and advancing economic growth." Read more: Special trees planted in first of its kind Bishopbriggs park Chris Norbury, chief executive officer at UK, said: 'Reaching net-zero requires more than ambition – it demands collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on making energy more affordable and sustainable. Glasgow's net-zero determination is so aligned to that our partnership for COB25 made perfect sense. "This is a city that shares our commitment to innovative solutions and making new energy work for everyone. Together, I am confident we can accelerate progress, inspire change, and build a cleaner, more resilient future for all.' The Congress of Business is free to attend, with tickets available via the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce website.
