The End Is in Sight: Sauchiehall Street £6m Revamp Nears Completion

The dawn of a new chapter for one of Glasgow’s most iconic streets

By Gary Fanning

After years of disruption and delays, Sauchiehall Street is on the cusp of a dramatic transformation.

Councillor Angus Miller, Glasgow City Council’s convener for Climate, Glasgow Green Deal, Transport and City Centre Recovery offered a promising update to community councillors this week, signalling an end to the construction chaos and the dawn of a new chapter for one of Glasgow’s most iconic streets.

“Cambridge Street up to Hope Street will be complete in the coming weeks,” he told Garnethill Community Council on Monday.

“Most of the site will be clear, but a section outside the Savoy Centre will remain fenced due to ongoing utility issues.

“This is being resolved, but the fence can’t just be left open. The final phase to the end of West Nile Street will be completed by April. It’s been a long time coming, but the end is in sight.”

Progress Praised but Concerns Remain

Residents are already noticing the benefits of the improvements, with one commenting: “Cambridge Street looks really good, and the fences are gone.”

However, not all feedback has been positive. Some concerns remain:

• Pedestrian Safety at Buccleuch Street: A resident raised concerns about cars mistakenly entering a pedestrian area at the junction with Cambridge Street. Councillor Miller suggested planters could be installed to prevent such incidents and assured the issue would be addressed.

• Tree Sizes: Other residents noted that the replacement trees along Sauchiehall Street are smaller than those previously in place and those planted on Cambridge Street.

Despite these issues, the mood remains largely optimistic. One resident praised the transformation, saying, “The bit that is finished in Sauchiehall Street is looking fantastic.”

A Challenging Journey

The western end of the pedestrianised section between Rose Street and Cambridge Street has recently reopened, with fencing removed and construction wrapping up.

This milestone is a welcome relief for locals and businesses, but the journey to this point has not been easy.

Delays have plagued the project, largely due to complications with underground utilities.

Councillor Miller acknowledged these challenges, stating: “The primary issues have been the utilities, and it’s been a huge challenge in the city centre. I’m just looking forward to it being done. The ongoing construction has overshadowed the purpose of the project, but the alternative was to do nothing to improve the street.”

Construction zone Shoppers and businesses had to put up with disruption due to extra utility work

Looking Ahead

The £6 million redevelopment, part of the City Deal infrastructure program funded by the Scottish and UK Governments, is designed to breathe new life into Sauchiehall Street. When complete, it will feature:

• Rain gardens to enhance urban biodiversity,

• Modernised lighting to create a safer and more attractive environment,

• Spacious pedestrian walkways, and

• Newly planted trees for improved aesthetics and air quality.

The final stages of work are as follows:

• Cambridge Street to Hope Street: Completion within weeks, with most fencing removed.

• Hope Street to West Nile Street: Work scheduled to begin in January 2025 and conclude by April.

A Bright Future for Sauchiehall Street

The transformation promises to restore Sauchiehall Street’s reputation as one of Glasgow’s most vibrant thoroughfares. Its redesigned spaces aim to attract both locals and visitors, creating a bustling, welcoming hub in the city centre.

“The disruption has been worth it—the finished sections look amazing,” said one resident. “We can’t wait to see it all come together.”

With the end now in sight, Sauchiehall Street is set to shine brighter than ever, embodying Glasgow’s commitment to modernise while preserving its rich urban character.

Analysis: Has Sauchiehall Street’s Revamp Been Worth the Cost?

After years of upheaval, Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street is nearing the end of a £6 million transformation, promising to rejuvenate one of the city’s most iconic thoroughfares.

But as the fences come down, questions linger: has the disruption been worth it for shoppers, businesses, and disabled people who’ve borne the brunt of years-long construction delays?

For many businesses along Sauchiehall Street, the extensive construction has been a prolonged nightmare. Fenced-off sections and detours have deterred foot traffic, leaving shop owners struggling to attract customers.

Shoppers, too, have felt the pinch. What was once a bustling retail hub became a construction zone, with temporary pathways making access difficult for all and nearly impossible for some. Disabled people in particular faced significant challenges navigating the uneven surfaces, obstructed pavements, and unclear detours. For a city aiming to champion accessibility, these ongoing barriers raised serious concerns.

Despite the hardships, the finished portions of the project have been met with approval. Cambridge Street, now free of fences, has been described as “looking really good” by residents, with wider walkways, fresh planting, and modern lighting drawing praise. Councillor Angus Miller emphasised that the disruption, while difficult, was necessary to achieve long-term improvements.

“The alternative was to do nothing,” Councillor Miller explained.

The project’s vision is undeniably ambitious: rain gardens, better pedestrian spaces, and a greener, more modern aesthetic. Advocates argue these improvements will attract more visitors and boost the local economy, creating a vibrant space where people will want to linger, shop, and socialise.

Yet, not all residents are convinced. The delays—caused largely by complications with underground utilities—have overshadowed the project’s purpose for some. Initially slated for completion in summer 2023, the work’s prolonged timeline has tested patience and budgets alike.

Councillor Miller admitted as much, stating, “The ongoing construction has overshadowed the purpose of the project, but the end is now in sight.”

So, was the revamp worth the disruption and the £6 million price tag? The answer depends on perspective.

• For those prioritising long-term urban improvement, the transformation signals a brighter future for Glasgow’s city centre. The new design aims to strike a balance between sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality, positioning Sauchiehall Street as a modern urban hub.

• For businesses and disabled residents who’ve faced years of challenges, the benefits may feel bittersweet. While the improvements are welcome, many wonder whether more could have been done to minimize disruption or accelerate the timeline.

The Verdict

With the final stages set for completion by April 2025, the full impact of Sauchiehall Street’s transformation remains to be seen. Early reactions to finished sections suggest that the project has potential to redefine the area’s character and economic prospects.

But as the dust settles, the city must reflect on the lessons learned. Future redevelopment projects must prioritise clear communication, realistic timelines, and enhanced accessibility to ensure progress doesn’t come at such a high cost to those most affected.

For now, Sauchiehall Street stands poised to reclaim its place as a centrepiece of Glasgow life. Whether it fully delivers on its promises will only become clear with time.

What is your views. Send them to news@glasgowsplash.com

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