A significant new phase in the redevelopment of George Square is set to begin on Monday, marking the halfway point for the high-profile project.

As part of a "visible escalation" of works, contractors will start installing new granite surfaces on the northern side of the Square, moving the "world-class" aesthetic of the new plaza out into the surrounding road network.

To facilitate the transformation, the road between Queen Street and North Frederick Street will be closed to all traffic for approximately three months. Once this northern section is finished, work is scheduled to shift to the southern road in April.

The project is a central component of Glasgow's £123 million Avenues Programme, the most substantial upgrade to the city's urban fabric since Buchanan Street was pedestrianised in the 1970s. Inside the Square itself, statue plinths have already been repositioned, and the specialist restoration of the city's historic monuments—including the Sir Walter Scott column—is ongoing.

Councillor Angus Millar, City Centre Convener, said: "This is the year when Glaswegians are going to see major changes to the city centre and the emergence of the international-quality public spaces they deserve. By summer, 10 of the 16 Avenues making up the programme will have been completed, including several key routes into town and the western section of Argyle Street. Take a walk to the most recently completed Avenues around Pitt Street and Holland Street and you'll already see how they're creating a more European-style environment. That's more attractive to residents and visitors but also creates much better conditions for the investment which is coming into the city."

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The first half of 2026 will see the completion of several major Avenues projects. The western section of Argyle Street is expected to be finished by March, followed by the Duke Street, John Knox Street, Cowcaddens Road, and Dobbies Loan projects in April. South Portland Street is slated for completion in May.

Councillor Millar added: "And crucially, we're now only eight months from the completion of the new George Square, with a visible escalation of works getting underway on Monday. Glaswegians can already get a taster of the look and quality of what's to come with the new granite footways along the north, east and west of the square which are already open to the public."

While construction is expected to conclude on the Square itself by August 2026, work on further Avenues including High Street and Stockwell Street is scheduled to begin later this year. The council has committed to ongoing engagement with local businesses to manage the inevitable disruption caused by the works.

Councillor Millar concluded: "Creating the city centre for the next century will inevitably involve a level of disruption and contractors and council staff will continue to engage with businesses and residents where they may be affected. But as this year progresses and that transformation becomes clear I'm sure our citizens will agree it'll have been worth it."

The Avenues programme is funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal, with financial backing from both the Scottish and UK Governments.