New Chapter Begins for Duke Street and John Knox Street

Work under way on cycle lane, 30 Trees, Rain Gardens, Wider Pavements And Road Resurfacing

Duke Street and John Knox Street are undergoing a significant transformation to rejuvenate one of Glasgow’s most historic and vibrant corridors.

Work has begun on a project that aims to do more than just improve the streets’ appearance—it will reshape how people live, travel, and connect in the city.

The £21 million initiative is part of the Avenues Plus programme, funded by the Scottish Government through Sustrans' Places for Everyone programme.

Breathing New Life Into Glasgow’s Streets

Running from High Street to Bellgrove Street, the one-kilometre project will deliver several key improvements, including:

• 30 new trees to enhance air quality and drainage.

• Rain gardens to absorb rainwater, reduce flooding, and remove pollutants before water enters the Molendinar Burn and the River Clyde.

• Wider pavements and cycle paths for safer, more accessible travel.

• Resurfaced roads and modern kerbing to update infrastructure.

Revamp: How John Knox Street will look

Revamp: What to Expect

Councillor Angus Millar, Convener for Climate, Transport and City Centre Recovery at Glasgow City Council, said: “The public realm improvement work at Duke Street and John Knox Street will improve the appearance of this key point to the city centre.

“Equally importantly, the new features will make it easier for everyone to travel to, from, and through the area, reduce local flooding risks, and improve the environment.”

A Blend of Heritage and Innovation

The project also incorporates historic preservation alongside modern environmental design.

Central to the improvements is the Molendinar Burn, a historic waterway flowing beneath Glasgow’s streets. Redirecting surface water into rain gardens, rather than the sewer system, will help reduce flooding, improve water quality, and honor Glasgow’s heritage.

The burn, which feeds into the River Clyde, symbolises the city’s enduring connection to its natural environment.

Change: Work is under way to make Duke Street look like this

Building Momentum Across Glasgow

The Duke Street and John Knox Street project is part of the broader £115 million Avenues programme, supported by the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

Next, work will begin on the South Portland Street Avenue project in Laurieston, followed by improvements to Cowcaddens Road and Dobbies Loan in February. All three projects are expected to be completed by spring 2026.

Government and Partner Support

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: “I welcome the start of the next phase of the Glasgow Avenues Plus project which the Scottish Government is supporting with £21 million of funding.

“This phase is supported through the Places for Everyone programme, funded by the Scottish Government through Transport Scotland and administered through Sustrans.

"This phase will assist in revitalising Glasgow city centre, making the area safer, more attractive and accessible for everyone living in and travelling it.

“Over £155 million has already been allocated to Active Travel in the past year by the Scottish Government, which continues to bring real change to communities across Scotland.

“The Scottish Government's continued investment in these projects enable people to leave their cars at home and embrace a more active lifestyle for our health, wellbeing and climate."

Karen McGregor, Scotland Director at Sustrans, said: "Every time we choose to walk, wheel or cycle for a short trip, it's a choice which makes a difference - and these small decisions all add up to something big for our health, our wellbeing, and the money we save. But we know from talking to communities across the city that many people don't feel confident enough to make these choices.

“This isn't fair. And this is why it's so important to invest in safer and more inclusive connections which support more Glaswegians in getting around the way they want to. This phase of Avenues Plus will do exactly that, and we're delighted to support the commitment of Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government in making this positive vision a reality.”