Plans for revamp of city’s historic heart get go-ahead
THE ‘long-overdue’ regeneration of Glasgow’s historic heart has been brought one step closer after the approval of plans to breathe new life into the area.
Glasgow City Council approved a new High Street Area Strategy yesterday to kick-off the redevelopment of the area around the High Street and Saltmarket.
The plan was put together following a public consultation launched in March, with local residents, businesses and other organisations hoping for action to better promote the area’s rich history and built heritage.
The strategy, which runs between 2019 and 2023, will also help support small businesses and the local economy with an expansion of the Independent Retail Fund to support shopfront improvements.
In response to concerns raised by local traders during the consultation process, City Property will also implement a moratorium on rent increases for its tenants in the upper High Street and Saltmarket areas, as well as improving its tenant engagement with local businesses.
The strategy will be overseen by the High Street Reference Group, comprising all the councillors representing the area.
Councillor Angus Millar, depute city convener for economic growth and chair of the reference group, said: “The High Street Area Strategy will guide the long-overdue regeneration of Glasgow’s historic heart, making a clear commitment to the area’s future with a range of initiatives to take the High Street forward.
“The strong level of engagement from the public in our consultation earlier this year underlines the importance of the High Street to so many Glaswegians.”
The area is home to around 6,000 people and features a host of attractions such as the Barras, Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Green and the Necropolis.
To promote these visitor hotspots, the strategy contains plans to establish a ‘heritage trail’ to link the area’s visitor attractions and highlight historical points.
Councillor Millar added: “By doing more to promote the area’s rich heritage and support the local economy, we can help make the High Street area the vibrant, celebrated district of the city it deserves to be.
“I look forward to working with local residents, businesses and council partners in delivering the city’s ambitious plans for this important quarter of Glasgow.”