£7.2million transformation of Sauchiehall Street to begin in the New Year

Plans to revamp one of Glasgow's most famous streets into a tree-lined avenue will begin on January 8.

The scheme will result in a two-way cycle lane on the north side of the street and wider pavements to allow al fresco eating and drinking.

Around 30 trees will be planted and there will be new bus shelters, cycle stands, seating and improved street lighting.

Work on the project, which runs from Charing Cross to Rose Street, will begin on January 8 and is expected to be finished by summer 2019.

The Sauchiehall Street avenue will be the first of 16 similar avenues which will be created in the city centre in the coming years.

City council leader Susan Aitken said: “The Sauchiehall Street avenue project will play a key role in the regeneration of one of Glasgow's most famous streets which has been a leading destination for shoppers, workers, students, theatre and concert goers as well as people visiting bars and restaurants.

“This project will make the Charing Cross to Rose Street stretch of Sauchiehall Street an even more attractive location and a welcoming gateway to the city centre.”

Brian Fulton, chairman of the Sauchiehall Street Business Improvement District, said the project would breathe new life into a key area of the city.

He added: “This £7.2m investment will give it the boost it really needs to make it into a distinguished entertainment destination.”

Businesses in the area will continue to trade while the work is being carried out.

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said the stretch of Sauchiehall Street is one of the main destinations for Glasgow's night-time economy.

He added: “It has its challenges – pavements are ragged, waste bins proliferate, there is too much street clutter and it has to cope with being a primary gateway for traffic into the city centre.

“With this investment that will change and the avenues is an important project in Glasgow's new city centre strategy.”