Skip to content

Glasgow's George Square to go behind hoardings as revamp begins

Getty Images people sit on grass in front of buildingsGetty Images
George Square is beginning an 18-month revamp

The long-awaited renovation of one of Glasgow's best-known public spaces has begun.

George Square is set for an 18-month revamp that has been years in the planning.

The first stage of the project will cover the perimeter of George Square with hoardings to allow work to start inside.

Panels on the hoardings will be decorated to showcase the city's past and present as well as displaying the future vision for Glasgow.

The finished project will include a raised lawn, sheltered seating and feature lighting. There will also be informal play areas for children.

The landmark's transformation will continue in May with the removal of the Square's bronze statues for restoration and storage.

The location will then be handed over to contractors who will begin the main restoration works from the start of June.

However, it will leave the city in a state of disarray.

The city's traditional ticketed Christmas lights switch-on in the square - which is usually followed by a fairground, ice rink and market stalls being present during the festive period - will not go ahead.

Organisers Glasgow Life have said a Christmas lights trail will illuminate Argyle Street, Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street instead.

Current work to improve the condition of nearby Sauchiehall Street has been taking longer than planned.

GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL artist impression of the new george squareGLASGOW CITY COUNCIL
An artist's impression of what the redesign should look like at the end of the 18-month project

Councillor Angus Millar, convener for City Centre Recovery at Glasgow City Council, said the completed project would deliver a civic space Glaswegians and Scotland could be proud of.

He 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."

The new-look George Square will be ready by autumn 2027, meaning its use will be ruled out for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Funding is being provided through the City Deal programme, a £1bn infrastructure scheme funded by both the UK and Scottish governments.