Work begins on 'key entrance point' to city centre as part of Glasgow Avenues project

Work has begun on a “key entrance point” to Glasgow city centre as part of a project to rejuvenate parts of the city.

The project, part of the £21m Avenues Plus scheme, is the latest in a series of major public works in and around Glasgow and is funded through the Scottish Government via Sustrans’ Places For Everyone programme.

City council chiefs say the programme will see the most significant change in the city since the pedestrianisation of Buchanan Street in the 1970s.

The first stage of the operation will see Duke Street and John Knox Street redesigned, with work commencing on Monday.

Footpaths will be extended and new kerbs will be installed, with segregated cycle paths and larger pedestrian areas forming part of the plans. Trees, rain gardens and cycle storage will also be constructed.

The work is expected to take 15 months and be completed in the spring of 2026.

Duke Street is one of four Avenues Plus projects, alongside Cowcaddens Road, from Cambridge Street to North Hanover Street, Dobbie’s Loan, from North Hanover Street to Canal Street and South Portland Street, from Carlton Place suspension bridge to Norfolk Street.

Councillor Angus Millar, convener for climate, transport and city centre recovery at Glasgow City Council, said: “The public realm improvement work now begun at Duke Street and John Knox Street will improve the appearance of what is a key entrance point to the city centre.

“Equally importantly, the new features that will be delivered by the project will make it easier for everyone to travel to, from and through the area, reduce the risk of local flooding and improve the local environment.”

Cabinet secretary for transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: “I welcome the start of the next phase of the Glasgow Avenues Plus project which the Scottish Government is supporting with £21m of funding.

“This phase is supported through the Places for Everyone programme, funded by the Scottish Government through Transport Scotland and administered through Sustrans.

“This phase will assist in revitalising Glasgow city centre, making the area safer, more attractive and accessible for everyone living in and travelling it.

“Over £155m has already been allocated to Active Travel in the past year by the Scottish Government, which continues to bring real change to communities across Scotland. The Scottish Government’s continued investment in these projects enable people to leave their cars at home and embrace a more active lifestyle for our health, wellbeing and climate.”

Karen McGregor, Scotland director at Sustrans, said: “Every time we choose to walk, wheel or cycle for a short trip, it’s a choice which makes a difference – and these small decisions all add up to something big for our health, our wellbeing, and the money we save.

“But we know from talking to communities across the city that many people don’t feel confident enough to make these choices. This isn’t fair. And this is why it’s so important to invest in safer and more inclusive connections which support more Glaswegians in getting around the way they want to.

“This phase of Avenues Plus will do exactly that, and we’re delighted to support the commitment of Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government in making this positive vision a reality.”