Glasgow public realm to boost business district viability

Glasgow skyline (image courtesy www.euansguide.com)

Post Covid-19 are councils looking to put investment into public realm to improve the viability of business districts and city centres? Many offices remain empty due to the increased number of employees working from home due to the outbreak.

Over a million pounds in developers' contribution funding has been approved by Glasgow City Council to deliver public realm improvements in Cadogan Street, which is located in Glasgow's International Financial Services District.

The street suffered from the 2008 financial crash with reduced demand for office space as a result. Despite a number of office refurbishment projects and new developments there in recent years, the poor condition of the public realm on Cadogan Street is limiting investor interest and further regeneration according to the council.

It says the investment in the public realm will complete an attractive, high-quality, well functioning environment and is expected to increase the marketability of the Anderston Centre - owned by Glasgow City Council - on the street. It adds that the works will encourage active travel for pedestrians. Completion is expected in the summer of 2021.

Councillor Kenny McLean, City Convener for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Public Realm at Glasgow City Council, said:

'The creation of this new high quality public realm will attract investment and jobs to Cadogan Street itself, as well as the wider district. In addition, the street will be greener, better connected to the surrounding area, more sustainable and able to adapt to current and future challenges.'