The public is being asked for their views on plans to turn part of Glasgow city centre into an 'urban heart' with much less traffic.
The People First Zone would cover a significant area of the centre to make it a healthier place to live and a more attractive destination for visitors. By reconfiguring the streets, it's hoped that the city centre would become a place 'people want to spend their time in, rather than just pass through'.
Under the plans, the People First Zone would be created as a high-quality public realm that encourages walking, wheeling and cycling while still providing access for disabled drivers, pick up and drop off at key transport hubs and business deliveries.
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It would cover an area bounded by Hope Street, Cowcaddens Road, North Hanover Street, Glassford Street and Howard Street.
The zone would also tie in with the proposed master plans for the Buchanan Galleries and St Enoch Centre and is designed to ensure drivers can still access the multi-storey car parks that circle the city centre.
It would give pedestrians less distance and more time to cross the road and would allow for the growth of civic spaces, pocket parks, parklets and street cafes.
A consultation has now been launched to gather the views of the public over the next six weeks.
Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, believes the CCTP is crucial to the future of Glasgow city centre at a time when cities the world over are still grappling with transformation in shopping habits created by the internet and the impact of the covid pandemic.
Councillor Aitken said: "We want our city centre to reach its true potential as a place where people want to live, work and visit.
"Cities all around the world are still coming to terms with the effects of online shopping and the shock of covid. But cities everywhere are successfully transforming their centres to become more attractive, liveable spaces and Glasgow should be no different.
"We can move away from an area which is car-dominated to one that is healthier for all who use it and which will contribute to our active travel and net-zero targets. Much less traffic, but better connectivity, would deliver real benefits for city businesses, as well as residents and visitors."
"This is a chance for Glaswegians to imagine a centre that is focused on the needs of people and is environmentally-friendly. The city centre would become an urban heart people want to spend time in, rather than just pass through. I urge people to share their views through this consultation as that will help shape our plans for the future of our city centre."
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