A FINAL public engagement exercise with the people of Glasgow on the future design of George Square and the surrounding avenues begins on Monday.

This final stage will ask what people think about an initial sketch for George Square that has been developed following earlier engagement on what needed improving in terms of use and design.

This will inform the eventual final design of both the square and the 2.5km of the surrounding streets in what is the George Square Area Project funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

Leader of Glasgow City Council Susan Aitken said: “Glasgow deserves a civic heart that reflects the great, welcoming, vibrant city that it is – and I’m pleased people from all over the city have taken their opportunity to tell us what George Square means to them and what they would like to see it become.

The National: Some sketches have been produced to give people an idea of what George Square could look likeSome sketches have been produced to give people an idea of what George Square could look like

“This final engagement will not only see their thoughts on our city’s most historic and loved public space take shape; but also give Glaswegians a final chance to influence the final design.”

There will be a pop-up display in George Square, a series of sessions with stakeholder groups as well as online engagement which is available here.

The initial sketch is intended to encourage conversation rather than representing a final option and a variety of diverse views will be considered.

The redesign is being delivered alongside the surrounding Avenues over two phases.

The first will see George Square, John Street, Hanover and Miller Street, a section for North Hanover Street and Cochrane Street commencing construction in 2024 with completion due in 2026.

The second phase of construction – at St Vincent Street, George Street, Dundas Street and Dundas Lane will be completed in 2028.

The scheme is part of the wider £115 million Avenues project - a network of new, attractive, accessible, safe, sustainable and easily-maintained routes throughout the city centre that are people-focused, encourage active travel and are more attractive to residents, workers, visitors and investors.

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John McAslan + Partners were awarded the design contract for the project, and were recently responsible for the refurbishment of the Burrell Collection and the National Galleries of Scotland’s new Collection Facility in Edinburgh.