The winning plan for the redesign of George Square will not be proceeding, following a decision by Glasgow City Council.

The Council says the famous square will now undergo a "facelift rather than a radical redesign".

Details of the facelift have yet to be announced, but are thought to include retaining the statues and grassed areas and replacing the red tarmac.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of the Council, made the announcement after the panel had chosen the winning entry for the international design contest.

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Design number 2, by John McAslan & Partners, had been selected.

But Councillor Matheson said: "The people of Glasgow have made it clear that they do not want a radical redesign of the square.

"They want the square to look better and be a place of which they can be proud - a place they can while away a sunny afternoon or get together and celebrate the big occasions in the life of the city.

"They also want us to keep the statues where they are, and they like the grass. However, they clearly want rid of the red tarmac.

"I am proud to say that I am listening to them.

"We will carry out this refurbishment work in time for the Commonwealth Games and only if there is public demand thereafter, will we consider a radical change.

"The companies which were asked to produce designs gave us stunning plans, any one of which would have looked fantastic, and I would like to thank the architectural firms involved for their time and hard work. I also want to thank the members of the jury."

(IT)