What would you do? Chance to shape future of George Square
IN a hall in Glasgow’s South Side, a small number of people gathered to give their views on George Square.
They were taking part in one of a series of workshops to seek views on the future of the Square that are taking place in the city.
Consultants for Glasgow City Council are asking people to tell them what they think of the Square at present and what they would like it to be used for in the future.
The workshops have been taking place in communities and in the city centre.
All the comments and suggestions will be fed back to the council before any decisions are taken.
At the Couper Institute in Clarkston Road, Cathcart, people took part in the 90-minute session in the middle of the afternoon.
Led by the consultants, the workshops allowed people to offer any suggestions, “nothing was off limits” the participants were told.
People were asked what George Square means to them, how often and why do they visit.
Their opinions on the current use and condition of the Square were sought before getting on to what they would like George Square to be.
People were told not to worry about design challenges or potential barriers to their ideas but leave that to designers and planners to discuss.
Topics raised by those taking part were the possible pedestrianisation of the area around the Square, the role of events large- or smallscale and the Square’s purpose simply as a meeting point and open space to relax.
People present wanted to see the Square becoming larger, taking over at least some of the road space around it.
Some spoke fondly of historic events such as Nelson Mandela visiting Glasgow to receive the Freedom of the City in 1993 and the desire to ensure it was still capable of those.
Others mentioned the importance of being
letters@ eveningtimes. co.uk accessible for demonstrations and protest. The position of the statues, Scott Monument, trees and grassed areas were all mentioned, as well as the condition of the surface.
The next workshop is at 231 George Street, in the city centre, on Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7pm.
The activities are also available at george-square. com, where people can contribute to the debate.