Time To Restore Dignity To George Square?, A decision for the people of Glasgow Options

[GG]

It's been a deeply humiliating few months for Glasgow. Ridicule and scorn from near and far has been heaped on the city because of the continuing George Square debacle. First, following a deeply-flawed survey of less than 50 Glaswegians, Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson informed us that all the statues were to be removed from our beloved civic square. Then, after a hugely costly and controversial international design competition to revamp the square, the council leader announced that a winner had been decided upon... only to take the expensive scheme off the table in favour of what he now calls a "substantial facelift".

The problem remains, though, that the council's latest £15 million facelift, although removing the unpopular red tarmac, is not intended to restore our beloved square to the verdant Victorian splendour which we enjoyed up until 1998. Instead of repairing the damage it inflicted unceremoniously 15 years ago – when flower beds, grassed areas and the square's famous Swedish white beam trees were removed – the council now plans to renovate George Square with a view to dramatically increasing the number of commercial events which can be staged there.

Effectively, Glaswegians are to lose the civic heart of Glasgow – and arguably the heart of Scotland – to a plethora of pop concerts, sports events, product launches, and what some people think is a dire Christmas carnival. On the last point, Glaswegian journalist Kevin McKenna noted in the Observer at the weekend:

"Before the councillors wrecked it, George Square was a magical place to visit at Christmas. On the north side, towards Queen Street station, Mary and Joseph took up residence inside a lovingly constructed glass stable with the saviour of the world, three kings and some shepherds. Christmas decorations garlanded all four sides of the square and it was a happy and tranquil place to be in the season of peace and goodwill.

I couldn't tell you now if the manger has recently featured at Christmas in George Square simply because so much noise, cheap rouge and coconut shy malarkey goes on every December that the entire place should be given an asbo. A dirty, big white wheel becomes the centrepiece instead of a child born in a stable and instead of wise men bearing gifts there is an assortment of tawdry games and stalls. You won't hear carols now, only the implacable grinding of an electric generator. It is a charnel house."

Do you think George Square should be returned to how it was before – reintroducing the flower beds, greenery and trees – restoring the square to the people of Glasgow for a more tranquil usage? Or do you believe that George Square should be prepared for increased commercialisation in order to (according to the council) boost the number of visitors to the city centre who then might spend money in nearby shops and restaurants, thus helping sustain jobs in the city's service sector?

The photo below was taken just after Remembrance Sunday, as preparations were made to transform the square for the Christmas carnival. Four large 'events' refuse bins were, for days, propped up against the Cenotaph, the memorial which honours the many thousands of Glaswegians who gave their lives so that we could be free.

GG.

[campsie]

Change is good but only when it brings improvements, this clearly does not. Shameful that refuse bins should be left next to the war memorial. I for one would like to see George square returned to an oasis where people can sit in a peaceful atmosphere and recharge their batteries or soothe the minds even for a short time. More trees flowers and a water feature where it is pleasant to spend time........an oasis in the centre of Glasgow as it once was is needed again. I have memories of sitting reading a book in George Square in my lunch break, but quite often I would sit and enjoy the flowers as we didn't have a garden then. I say RESTORE GEORGE SQUARE to a GREEN OASIS !

[Jazzsaxman]

Well what can you say about politicians and council leaders that has not already been said. Self centered morons the lot of them.
Somebody should put a statue of Gordon Matheson in George Square. It would be a laugh to see a big stone numpty there.

[*Guest*]

Well what can you say about politicians and council leaders that has not already been said. Self centered morons the lot of them.
Somebody should put a statue of Gordon Matheson in George Square. It would be a laugh to see a big stone numpty there.

There was one and only one politician to enter parliament with genuine good intentions; that was Guido (Guy) Fawkes.

[Kassy]

I loved sitting in George Square when I had my lunch time it was great just watching everything around my quiet time so why not leave things that are not broken and part of our heritage.

I used to get the last bus home from here after clubbing with my mates.

It brings back great memories.


Kassy

[jeani]

George square should be returned to the way it was with its greenery and flowers and a proper survey should be done for Glaswegians to have their say on what's to be done with it , it is our square !! We should be properly consulted and listened to ! ,,, jeani , xx

[zascot]

George Square is the heart of Glasgow (The Dear Green Place) so why not make it again a"Dear Green Place" for all Glaswegians and visitors. I travel a lot on business and what better after a day in town than having a relaxed peaceful place to sit for 10 minutes to rejuvenate.Show the voting above to the council and they may wake up, but I doubt it.

[*Joseph Mc*]

Blackpool has one. Paris has one, Seattle has one. Almost every city of note can be identified by a high structure or tower (eg The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. The Eifel Tower in Paris ). How about investing in a giant tower like the Seattle one which will give Glasgow iconic status and act as both a magnet for tourists and a viewing platform for the citizens.

[Ossie]

Comments above pretty much reflect my own feelings . The Square for me has gone from being a very special place . A place where I always enjoyed having a seat, maybe reading , people -watching , or just relaxing . To now being a place which, at times , is the essence of vulgarity .

Thought it was just me getting on a bit. Reading through the posts reassures me that I'm not alone !

[kenb]

ditto to the above posts ditto

[Millymouse]

I am disgusted on what they have done and are doing to the square.
I left Glasgow 1970 I have many memorys how the sqaure looked at Christmas, walking though hearing the carols being played. What a beautiful place to be held for all the people coming for the games. Let Gladgow Flourish, don't destroy it

Millymouse

[jeani]

Blackpool has one. Paris has one, Seattle has one. Almost every city of note can be identified by a high structure or tower (eg The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. The Eifel Tower in Paris ). How about investing in a giant tower like the Seattle one which will give Glasgow iconic status and act as both a magnet for tourists and a viewing platform for the citizens.

That was the intention of the science tower Joseph , for both tourists and Glaswegians , unfortunately it's spent a lot of time out of action with mechanical problems !! Xx

[chas1937]

I totally agree with the poll results as we need to keep it way it was in all it's glory before some Council idiots decided too wreck Glasgow has plenty places where events can be held ie SECC and others of similar ilk.Hampden and Ibrox parks have also been used too great effect.
So too Glasgow City council aka Mathieson get yourself too hell and let more sensible people in to do job that your lot can't

[**Angus**]

Whilst I no longer live in Glasgow I have had a long association with the great City and still do. So, it will come as no surprise that developments of this nature that totally ignore the history of the City and the popular/majority view and are imposed in an expensive and chaotic manner.

I can only hope that Mr. Gordon Matheson's next job, and hopefully he will be seeking one soon, places him in a less influential position where he is less able to exercise his poor judgement in the manner he has done in the past.

[*Sibbo*]

Would it be possible for the City council to establish & maintain a continental-style cafe and catering facility in the square itself, thus not only generating needed income, but also adding to the tourist appeal of our great city?