George Square to be reopened in time for Remembrance Sunday
Glasgow City Council says the square will be used to host Armistice events
Armistice commemorations will still take place in George Square this year, despite concerns its south side will remain closed until the end of November.
Langside councillor Stephen Docherty says he received an email saying that George Square South would not reopen until November 29 and it would be disappointing for veterans and members of the public if the Square was not finished in time for the event.
Glasgow City Council says it is working to reopen the Square to the public by the end of October or start of November but the road closure to the south will remain in place to allow the roadway’s new stone surface to cure.
"Disappointing"
Councillor Docherty said: “George Square reopening needs to happen in preparation for Armistice Sunday. This year it will fall on Sunday 8th November.
“With Thursday the 11th also marking Armistice Day, the 11 day and 11 hour with an event marking this National Day in our Civic Square.
“This event draws hundreds of veterans and members of the public. It would be disappointing for all attending if the Square and the area around the Cenotaph was not in a finished state for the event.
“It would also be a major embarrassment for Glasgow City Council as there have been numerous finish dates given for the programmed works.”
The transformation of George Square forms the central point of the Avenues network and will be a welcoming space for events, festivals and for people to sit and meet up.
It will have more green spaces, more places for sitting, meeting and enjoying the city centre, improved landscaping, as well as new play and sensory gardens.
A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “The Armistice Day / Remembrance commemorations will take place as planned in George Square this year.
“Please note that the Traffic Information Bulletin issued last week specifically related to the ongoing road closure to the south of George Square, which is required to facilitate completion of works to the roadway.
"Major embarrassment"
“As previously advised, as part of the phased reopening of George Square we are working to reopen public access to the Square by the end of October / start of November, while the road closure to the south will remain in place to allow curing of the roadway’s new stone surface.
“This approach will allow Glaswegians to enjoy the full central public square as soon as possible and for the Square to become the focal point of the city’s Remembrance services in November and Christmas celebrations throughout the winter.”