Work is set to begin to transform the appearance of Glasgow city centre with the Avenues project. The £1.8 million urban redevelopment plan will focus on seven city centre roads – aiming to improve connectivity and introduce green space alongside better access for cyclists and pedestrians.
Civic Engineers, who recently opened a studio in Glasgow, has been awarded the contract to help deliver the development, which is part of the £1.13 billion Glasgow City Region Deal.
Key areas for work are Argyle Street west, Argyle Street east, St Enoch’s Square, the Underline (a pedestrian and cycle route linking Great Western Road with the city centre), Sauchiehall Precinct, Cathedral Street and North Hanover Street.
The project gets underway this month, starting with Argyle Street, and it is planned for completion in 2022.
Civic Engineers Founding Director, Stephen O’Malley said, “The ‘Avenues’ project is an ambitious, forward thinking initiative which will transform the streetscapes of the city centre and how those who live, work and visit Glasgow experience them. We are proud to have been appointed to lead the team delivering the project. Our considerable experience, working alongside companies such as Urban Movement and Social Value Consultancy, means we have the experience to deliver public realm improvements that bring real economic, social and environmental benefits and ultimately help to deliver a healthier city centre for Glasgow.”
Councillor Kenny McLean, City Convener for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Public Realm at Glasgow City Council, said: “This project will play a key role in our plans for the further development of Glasgow city centre. The ‘Avenues’ will become an attractive feature for everyone who uses the area, whether for work, study, shopping, eating and dining, clubbing and theatre-going, or as a resident, and we look forward to working with partner organisations to deliver this project which will change the face of the city centre for the better.”
The EIIPR commission is commonly referred to as the Avenues project due to its aspiration for both green infrastructure and avenues of trees in Glasgow city centre.