Views to be sought on Glasgow city centre plans
THE public is being invited to soon review plans to regenerate four parts of Glasgow’s city centre.
The four districts (Cowcaddens, the ‘Learning Quarter’, the Merchant City and Townhead) join five others (Blythswood, Broomielaw, Central, Sauchiehall/Garnethill and St Enoch) where regeneration plans have already been agreed and are “being delivered”.
Says Glasgow City Council. here: “These [proposals] are ten-year regeneration plans with a series of short, medium and long-term actions that combine strategic planning and placemaking with shorter-term operational and environmental improvements.
“The frameworks are developed over an 18-month period with the construction of a sound evidence base, tested throughout the process by community and stakeholder engagement. Almost 11,000 people have participated in [regeneration plans] engagement so far.”
The announcement continues: “The final four [regeneration frameworks] have been developed by the council in collaboration with [architecture practice] Austin-Smith Lord and [urban designers] Studio for New Realities, who have already engaged with the local community, stakeholders and organisations in these districts.”
Public consultation begins on the 20th and closes March 3.
Adds the announcement: “Through the earlier engagement in these four [regeneration framework], it was found that this part of the city centre is very different to the other five districts in terms of make-up and character. With regard to the individual districts, the engagement found the following:
“Cowcaddens: There is the potential to develop as a district with a distinct identity and to contribute to the local economy, with opportunities to provide the accommodation needed to increase the city centre population. It has the space for change and the talent to make it happen. Its existing communities, under-occupied buildings and land, its array of cultural and educational institutions point to a positive future.
“Learning Quarter: Its identity is defined by the cluster of cultural and built heritage, on the one hand, and the presence or renowned knowledge and innovation institutions, on the other. The dual character offers clear starting points from which to strengthen its positions as an inspiring, historic innovation hub.
“Merchant City: This is where the city centre meets the East End. It acts as a gateway between the two: a great local neighbourhood of international renown, that is well connected to the future river park and Glasgow Green. Enhancing the Merchant City district’s position as a bustling artistic centre of creativity and entrepreneurship forms the basis of the suggested future developments.
“Townhead: A residential area, at heart, Townhead has long been home to many city centre residents. It holds great potential to develop into a green and enjoyable residential urban neighbourhood with spaces for production at the fringes, connected to productive areas in the west, historic landmarks in the east and innovation in the south.”
Pictured: A Merchant City institution, Babbity Bowster, Picture credit: Place Design Scotland