A comprehensive report presented to Glasgow City Council’s Neighbourhoods, Housing and Public Realm Committee has detailed the outcomes of a public consultation on ambitious proposals for a major public realm project on Byres Road. Funded by the Glasgow City Region City Deal, the initiative aims to transform one of the city’s most iconic streets into a more accessible, vibrant, and sustainable space.
At the committee meeting held on 2 October, the findings of the consultation were unveiled. These insights will play a critical role in shaping the final designs before construction begins. The project is part of a broader effort to enhance the area’s appeal, particularly its connection to the University of Glasgow, while supporting the economic vitality of Byres Road as a retail and visitor hub.
The funding from the City Deal is set to improve place quality and physical links with the university, complementing the institution’s own campus redevelopment plans. Byres Road, known for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and cultural attractions, is a focal point for both locals and visitors. The proposed changes aim to bolster its economic contribution while creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Initial design proposals were first outlined in the Byres Road Placemaking Report, approved by the council in January 2017. The report set out a vision for a people-focused space that prioritises the pedestrian experience, encourages social interaction, and enhances the street’s cycle-friendliness and environmental performance. Since then, a series of consultation events, design workshops, and in-street shopper surveys have informed the concept design.
Key features of the proposed design include:
- Widening and upgrading footways to create a more relaxed and enjoyable pedestrian experience, with reduced crossing point widths for added safety.
- Introducing step-free crossings to prioritise pedestrian movement at junctions with side streets.
- Enhancing key corners to create inviting spaces for seating and relaxation, fostering a sense of community.
- Incorporating greenery to define spaces and provide seasonal interest, particularly at street corners.
- Implementing a 20mph speed limit to reduce traffic speed and improve safety.
- Narrowing the carriageway to 6m and removing around 50% of on-street car parking spaces to free up additional room for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Introducing a one-way gyratory system at the southern end of the street to discourage through traffic accessing the Clydeside Expressway.
- Adding 1.5m-wide mandatory cycle lanes, including a contraflow lane, to ensure a continuous cycling route between Great Western Road and Partick Cross.
These concept designs were put to the public during a consultation period from 23 May to 27 June 2018, which garnered 550 responses. Key findings from the consultation include:
- Approximately 60% of respondents agreed that the proposals would improve accessibility for elderly individuals, those with visual or physical impairments, and parents with prams.
- Just over half of respondents believed the plans would enhance the quality of life for local residents, with 55% of residents expressing support for the proposals.
- Around 50% of participants felt the design would provide additional civic space for resting, socialising, and hosting events.
- 44% of respondents thought the design would encourage shoppers to spend more time in the area, benefiting local businesses, while 32% disagreed.
- Nearly half (46%) agreed the proposals would boost foot and cycle traffic, though a similar number (44%) were unconvinced.
- Opinions on air quality improvements were divided, with 40% expecting a positive impact and a similar proportion disagreeing.
- An overwhelming 90% of respondents acknowledged that the scheme aligned with the vision outlined in the Byres Road Placemaking Plan.
- While there was strong support for pedestrian improvements, concerns were raised about the quality of cycle infrastructure and the need for further reductions in traffic volumes.
Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction at Glasgow City Council, commented: “Byres Road is a key destination in Glasgow, valued by residents and visitors alike for its mix of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as being a place of work or study. This project offers an opportunity to improve the street for everyone who uses it and enhance its attractiveness to businesses along it. By taking into account the findings of the public consultation, we will be able to create a Byres Road that meets the economic, social, and environmental needs of everyone with a stake in it.”
Council officers are now reviewing the consultation findings and exploring measures to enhance the proposed cycle infrastructure and reduce traffic volumes without compromising the pedestrian environment, which was widely praised. Further engagement with key stakeholders and additional traffic modelling will inform the final design adjustments. As a result of this extended consultation and design process, the project is now expected to begin on-site in late 2019.
This public realm work is part of the wider Clyde Waterfront and West End Innovation Quarter project under the Glasgow City Region City Deal. The initiative aims to regenerate the river corridor into an attractive urban quarter that attracts jobs, investment, and contributes significantly to regional economic growth.
For residents, businesses, and visitors alike, the Byres Road project represents a forward-thinking approach to urban design, balancing the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists while enhancing the area’s unique character. With careful consideration of public feedback and a commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable space, the project promises to leave a lasting legacy for Glasgow’s West End.
