Work to transform Hielanman’s Umbrella at Glasgow Central set to begin

Work to transform Hielanman’s Umbrella at Central Station is due to start in August with a new look on the way, harking back to the 1950s.

The historic area under the railway bridge on Argyle Street will see shopfronts being improved, new lighting and possible neon art installations inspired by signs displayed during that decade.

The Central Station sign is also to be replaced with a new font and additionally the Gaelic word for umbrella ‘An Sgàilean’ may be displayed or instead Scotland’s Railway’.

The font would possibly resemble that seen in 1950.

The Hielanman's Umbrella refurbishment — The Hielanman’s Umbrella refurbishment LDRS

A statement on the plans said the designs would also be sympathetic to homeless people who use the space after feedback during a consultation.

Network Rail is to deliver the project after a contractor is hired with the council to make a financial contribution.

Councillors were given an update on the revamp at a committee last week as part of a report on the city centre strategy.

Councillor Anthony Carroll asked how the work would tie in with the Argyle Street Avenues project at last week’s economy, housing, transport and regeneration city policy committee

An official said: “Work on the Hielanman’s Umbrella are due to begin around August this year. The work on the Avenues are due to finish around the same time. We are cognisant of the dependences of both projects. ”

The committee was given a progress report on the city centre strategy – laying out work taking place.