A six-week public consultation has been launched on Connecting Anderston, a scheme to redesign the area around Anderston Station as a greener gateway and close a key gap in the protected cycle network between the city centre and the West End.

Glasgow City Council's proposals focus on creating safer, more accessible walking and wheeling routes under the M8, alongside a new two-way protected cycle track running to the east and west of Anderston Station. This would join the almost-complete Avenues route on Argyle Street with existing segregated infrastructure on Elderslie Street, delivering a continuous active travel corridor linking the city centre and the West End.

At the heart of the plans is a transformed station forecourt, reshaped as a public plaza with new paving, planting and rain gardens, seating, cycle parking and opportunities for public art. Surface treatments inspired by Anderston's weaving heritage are intended to strengthen the area's identity, while additional landscaping aims to soften the motorway setting and improve surface water management.

To simplify and shorten journeys, the underused stepped footbridge over North Street would be removed and replaced with upgraded, at-grade crossings. The design also includes step-free routes, tactile paving, improved lighting, clearer wayfinding and upgraded traffic signals to enhance safety and accessibility for everyone moving through the area.

The project seeks to address longstanding barriers created by the M8, North Street and surrounding slip roads, which currently deter people who walk, wheel or cycle from using the route.

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Cllr Angus Millar, City Convener for Transport and Climate, said: "Major roads and motorway infrastructure have long made the area around Anderston Station unpleasant and difficult to navigate." "These proposals would create a safer, greener and more accessible public space at Anderston Cross and create a more pleasant link between Anderston and the newly improved Argyle Street West Avenue in the city centre." "The plans would also close a key gap in the active travel network, creating a more joined-up pedestrian and cycle link from the city centre to the West End through the area around Anderston Station and beneath the M8 to help people get around the city more conveniently and safely." "We want residents, businesses and everyone who travels through Anderston to look at the proposals and tell us what would make the biggest difference to the area."

To help raise awareness, Cllr Millar met teachers and pupils from nearby St Patrick's and Anderston primary schools for an early look at the proposals and what they could mean for the local community.

Allan Lynn, Headteacher of Anderston Primary School, said: "As a school located beside the M8 motorway and Clydeside Expressway, we know the impact that busy roads can have on our local environment. These proposals offer an exciting opportunity to create a greener, safer and more welcoming space for our community. Improved walking, scooting and cycling routes will help connect Anderston more effectively with public transport and neighbouring areas, encouraging healthier and more sustainable ways to travel. We want our children to grow up in a community that prioritises people, not just traffic, and these plans represent a positive investment in the future of Anderston."

Mary Moore, Headteacher of St Patrick's Primary School, said: "It was great for our pupils and staff to get an early look at the proposals and see what is being considered for an area they know well. Safe, accessible and welcoming public spaces matter to everyone, and we would encourage local people to look at the plans and share their views."

Residents, businesses and anyone who travels through Anderston are encouraged to take part in the consultation. An online survey is open now and will run until Sunday 22 November 2026, with feedback helping to shape community features and the next stage of design.

A public drop-in event will also be held on Wednesday 21 October, from 3.30pm until 7pm, at The Pyramid at Anderston on 759 Argyle Street.

Paper copies of the survey will be available at Exchange House, 231 George Street, The Pyramid at Anderston and the National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall.

Design and consultation work for Connecting Anderston is being funded through Transport Scotland's Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF). The council recently secured £9.3 million from ATIF to progress a range of projects that will make walking, wheeling and cycling for everyday journeys easier and safer across Glasgow.

Visualisations released by the council illustrate the proposed public realm around Anderston Station and the protected cycle route at Argyle Street/Shaftesbury Street and Argyle Street/Elderslie Street.