GLASGOW City Council has confirmed that work to transform the city’s George Square will begin in the coming weeks.
The hoardings which will surround the perimeter of the civic space during its 18-month redevelopment will start going up from 14 April. Panels on them will showcase Glasgow’s past and present, while displaying the future vision for both George Square and the city.
Following this, George Square’s bronze statues will be removed for restoration and storage. The square will then be handed over to the public realm contractors, which are due to be appointed in early May, and who will begin carrying out the main restoration works from the start of June.
Councillor Angus Millar, convener for city centre recovery at Glasgow City Council, said, “George Square’s restoration is a huge and historic project and so much work has already gone into its planning and design. Once complete next year, Glasgow will have a modern square with more greenery, improved lighting and drainage infrastructure and a high-quality stone finish to replace the current tarmac.
“This will be a momentous month for the city, with the erection of the hoardings in less than a fortnight’s time firing the starting pistol on a real acceleration of the works. George Square is built into the DNA of this city, and Glaswegians have wanted to see its restoration for decades. In just a couple of weeks, they’ll see that start to happen.”
The hoardings will be put in place by EVM, whose other work in Glasgow has included the 2014 Commonwealth Games, COP26, and the 2023 UCI World Cycling Championships. Almost 500 metres in length and over two metres high, they will extend several metres from the kerb, requiring the closure of a road lane.
Pedestrian access around the square will be maintained around its outer pavements, while viewing spaces on the east and west sides of the hoarding will give the opportunity to watch the development of the works.
