Plan to transform Glasgow city centre into '24 hour night life destination'

A new major plan to transform Glasgow city centre into a 24-hour night life destination is under way with actions including improving lighting and features at the riverside.

Drawing on the examples of Berlin, Amsterdam and Philadelphia, a new expert group is being set up to create a “bespoke model for Glasgow’s own after-dark industry” according to the council.

A vision for the city centre includes improving walking routes and late-night transport, ensuring George Square is a world-class civic space after dark as well as during the day and the introduction of new safety initiatives.

Enhancing public space and lighting at the riverside also form part of ideas being put forward.

An independent Night-Time Economy Commission is being established to include prominent industry figures with a dedicated council officer to be hired.

Councillors were updated on the night-time economy vision at the city administration committee yesterday.

Councillor Angus Millar said: “Glasgow’s night-time offer is a huge part of our culture and identity, as well as our economy.

“But our hospitality sector has faced unprecedented pressures over recent years, from the pandemic, the rise in the costs of doing business, major shifts in consumer behaviour and the growth of much more localised night time activity.”

The convenor for climate, transport and city centre recovery added: “This city has a really strong track record in working across the public and private sectors to overcome challenges and there’s much we can do together to deliver significant benefits to the Glasgow’s evening economy – and to improve the experiences of the public.

“We want more people to come into town and from our music scene to our restaurants and great bars, we’ve much to build on. The new night-time leadership arrangements we’re putting in place can help the sector deliver on its potential and enhance Glasgow’s reputation for its hospitality and welcome.”

Speaking at the committee, Labour leader councillor Rashid Hussain asked what commitments SPT or other transport operators have made to run later subway services or night time bus expansion.

In response councillor Millar said there has been ongoing dialogue with SPT and extending night time hours has been a key ask of the city centre taskforce.

He confirmed it is an “aspiration” of SPT.

The new Night Time Economy (NTE) commission will build on the work of the cross-sectoral City Centre Task Force.

Mike Grieve, chair of the Scottish Nighttime Industry Association and managing director of the Sub Club, has led the City Centre Taskforce work on the night-time economy.

He said: “The collaboration between the City Centre Task Force, nightlife operators and music venues, cultural and arts organisations, private sector partners in transport, and other public institutions including Glasgow Life and Police Scotland is vital to the wellbeing of the city’s after-dark experience.

“The formation of the new NTE Commission is a product of the collective commitment to delivering a safer, more diverse and more vibrant 6pm till 6am experience, positioning Glasgow as a leading future-focused and inclusive 24 hour city.

“Appointing a full time NTE Officer, funded by the city council, to manage the objectives outlined in the forthcoming action plan is a corner stone of the recommendations outlined by the NTE Subgroup, and we look forward to establishing the new NTE Commission to oversee this ongoing work.”

In upcoming months the commission is to finalise its membership and propose wider priorities and actions.