Rainton Construction has been awarded the main contract, valued at £20.499 million, for the transformation of Glasgow's George Square and surrounding city centre streets. The decision was made by a Glasgow City Council committee yesterday (1 May), with main construction works scheduled to commence in June 2025.

The project is a significant component of the wider Avenues programme, aimed at enhancing the city centre's appeal, green infrastructure, and connectivity. Funding for the Avenues programme comes via the Glasgow City Region City Deal, with the Scottish and UK Governments each contributing £8.815 million towards this specific contract, alongside funding from Glasgow City Council.

The contract awarded to Rainton covers not only the redevelopment of George Square itself but also the creation of Avenues on sections of North Hanover Street, George Street, West George Street, Cochrane Street, and St Vincent Place. The works will be delivered in two phases: George Square, St Vincent Place, and West George Street are scheduled for completion by August 2026, while Cochrane Street and the relevant sections of George Street and North Hanover Street are expected to be finished by Spring 2027.

-- Advertisement --

The transformation of George Square will involve installing high-quality stone paving throughout, creating informal children's play areas within sensory gardens on the eastern side, establishing a raised lawn platform, planting a variety of new tree species to complement existing trees, and adding new seating and feature lighting. The design, informed by public consultation, caters to formal uses near the City Chambers and Cenotaph, while the western area will accommodate more informal activities, including space for cafes and events.

Site preparations are already visible, with hoarding installation ongoing. Panels showcasing Glasgow's achievements and the future vision for the Square and city are expected soon. A key upcoming activity is the removal of the Square's 11 bronze statues between 12-23 May 2025 for conservation and restoration, ahead of their return in 2026.

New tree species planned for the Square and surrounding Avenues include Pink Juneberry, Hornbeam, Redbud, Oleaster, Gingko, Sweetgum, Rowan species, Flowering Cherry species, and Pin Oak.

Councillor Angus Millar, Convener for City Centre Recovery at Glasgow City Council, said: "This is a huge milestone in the transformation of George Square. The appointment of Rainton means the main construction works are now just weeks away, adding real momentum and a sense of excitement to this historic project. Glaswegians will already have seen the construction site starting to take shape but the appointment of this contractor is the last major piece of the jigsaw. Over the 16 or so months from June, we will see a new and significantly improved public space take shape - a new square on a par with many of our international peers, one Glaswegians can be proud of, and which is fitting of a city of our standing."

During the construction period, the council has committed to keeping local businesses and residents informed about any significant disruption. The overall Glasgow City Region City Deal involves £500 million of infrastructure funding from both the Scottish and UK Governments.