Avenues and George Square

George Square, first laid out in the 1780s with the monument to writer Sir Walter Scott at its centre, is Glasgow's prime civic space and home to the monumental City Chambers. As a place where Glaswegians come to relax, celebrate – and sometimes protest – the square holds deep civic, ceremonial, and cultural significance. However, it is equally a tired space in need of rejuvenation to meet the needs of the twenty-first-century city.

John McAslan + Partners (JMP) was selected to lead an international design team to transform the square and nearly 2.6 kilometres of surrounding streets as part of Glasgow’s £115 million Avenues programme. This ambitious initiative will reshape the city’s landscape with new cycle lanes, green infrastructure, and widened pavements, prioritising pedestrians over vehicles. George Square forms the focal point of the programme, which seeks to broaden Glasgow’s appeal as a place to live, work, and invest, while addressing the decline in city centres exacerbated by online shopping.

George Square and adjacent Vincent Street will be revitalised with tree planting, rain gardens, and widened pavements, reconnecting the square to the pedestrianised Buchanan Street – Glasgow’s prime shopping destination. JMP’s vision is to create a vibrant destination that reflects the city’s dynamism, making it a compelling place for both locals and visitors. The project represents a long-term commitment, with JMP’s initial (unrealised) proposals dating back to 2012. Its delivery signals the city’s confidence in its future, positioning George Square at the heart of Glasgow’s regeneration.

The project aligns with Glasgow’s commitment to sustainability following the 2021 COP26 summit, embedding sustainability and climate change response into every stage of the design alongside extensive public consultation. A community-driven engagement strategy involving multiple rounds of consultation was built on ‘honesty’ and ‘openness,’ fostering widespread community participation which helped to shape and form the design proposals. Diverse engagement activities ensured inclusive participation from underrepresented groups, including advocates for neurodiversity, disability, and minority communities. Accessibility needs were addressed at every stage, creating a balanced design that promotes inclusivity, sustainability, and active travel.

In January 2025, JMP and the engagement consultant delivered a temporary exhibition in the square, offering a glimpse of what’s to come. The transformation is set to begin later this year, with the aim of reinventing George Square as a vibrant, inclusive civic heart for the twenty-first century.