AMBITIOUS plans to ­transform the banks of Glasgow’s River Clyde in a bid to connect key parts of the city will be unveiled this week.

A £900,000 public consultation on the future of the St Enoch district which starts at the junction between Saltmarket and Clyde Street near Glasgow Green and includes the cross-roads between Argyle Street and Buchanan street in the city centre, is expected to launch this Friday and run for eight weeks.

The St Enoch district has been described as a dynamic area of Glasgow which connects the city centre, the areas benefiting from regeneration south of the river as well as Merchant City.

Council leader Susan Aitken said the area had a central role to play in the regeneration of both the city and riverside.

Ms Aitken said in a report: “The [St Enoch] district is a dynamic city quarter with a diverse and distinctive amenity and community.

“The riverside location is also a clearly under-utilised asset that must be redefined and reconfigured to attract footfall and investment.

“The regeneration of Glasgow City Centre and the River Clyde Corridor should both be considered national priority projects. The St Enoch district has a central role in both.”

Construction work on a nine-screen cinema complex with nine new restaurants which is part of a £40million leisure development is already under way at St Enoch Shopping Centre and will add 30,000 sq ft to the building.

The enhanced offer at the shopping mall is expected to attract an additional two million people per year and, once completed, St Enoch will have the largest consolidated catering offer in the city.

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The council is now looking to increase the level of public transport making public spaces along the under-utilised river more accessible. It is hoped steps taken to attract footfall and investment in that part of the city will be successful.

Glasgow’s City Centre original five-year strategy went live in April 2014 with 55 ambitious plans announced for nine city centre districts.

Work throughout the first district Sauchiehall and Garnethill is underway while public consultation on the second district – Broomielaw is complete and a report expected to be presented to the city administration committee on Thursday.

The St Enoch district is the third of nine regeneration plans for the city centre to be brought forward following discussions with the local community and stakeholders.

A new consultation period will offer further opportunities for residents to have their say on the proposals and an action plan produced following the public meetings.

Six Strategic themes have been developed to improve the area. Objectives must be met if Glasgow it to compete as a leading European city.

Ms Aitken continued: “The St Enoch development framework has been prepared in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders and consultees.

“Engagement and consultation has been conducted on-street, online, in public exhibitions, design workshops and via social media.

“Participants have included residents, businesses, land and building owners, developers and investors, local and national agencies, elected members, charities and tourists.

“These ideas have shaped the recommendations for the St Enoch projects.”

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The public will be encouraged to give fresh feedback on the proposed river park which aims to create a world-class linear public space along both banks of the River Clyde.

The continuous urban park would transform the river, kick-start development and become a key destination and attraction within the city centre while creating a quality public space with cultural activities for all ages.

New development in the area will be required to respect Glasgow’s historic built heritage and incorporate the characteristics of important buildings. An official planning application to transform Custom House Quay, which is part of the St Enoch District, is expected to be made to the council in due course.

Steps will be taken to address the shortage of quality green and public spaces while enhancing the city centre’s public transport and active travel networks to create a sustainable and walkable city.

It is hoped proposals will encourage more people to live in that part of the city boosting the night-time economy as a result.

Glasgow City Council has confirmed it will engage with stakeholders and partners to develop a masterplan strategy for both sides of the river.

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The final four city centre regeneration frameworks – Cowcaddens, Merchant City, Townhead and the Learning Quarter are expected to be commissioned late 2019 early 2020.