A MAJOR makeover of Maryhill aims to transform it into a desirable shopping destination.

The plan is to improve the main street, connect the area with the Forth and Clyde Canal and ensure local businesses can co-exist successfully with a large, two-storey, 24-hour Tesco.

The work involves a one mile stretch of Maryhill Road, which includes the main shopping area and public facilities.

Councillors want to create an attractive main street, to rival Byres Road in the West End, to lure new shoppers.

Attempts to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour are planned for key focal points, including the area around Tesco and McDonald's.

The main street area will be expanded further north to include Maryhill railway station, which is currently under threat of closure in a consultation by Transport Scotland.

The council action plan hopes to build on improvements already made in the area, including the re-opening of Maryhill Burgh Halls, which followed a successful bid to the Scottish Government's Town Centre Regeneration fund. The development cash only became available after a successful campaign by the Evening Times.

The latest action plan will focus on three themes; quality of life, environment and economy.

The Maryhill Town Centre Action Plan includes:

l Creating retail and civic hubs as magnets for activity along Maryhill Road.

l Safer walking and cycling connections to shops.

l Greater use of the Forth and Clyde Canal and Kelvin walkway.

l Fewer neglected buildings and less derelict land.

Shopping will be a key factor, with efforts made to make sure local shops are sustainable.

Tesco recently re-opened a larger 24-hour superstore in the heart of Maryhill.

The plan looks at ways of using the draw of Tesco's presence to benefit smaller shops in the neighbourhood.

A report said, local businesses thrived when Tesco was closed for renovation and efforts to work in partnership with the retail giant will be explored.

Improvements to pavements and public areas away from the shopping centre will be made to make the area more attractive.

A bus lane on Maryhill Road has been criticised by traders who claim it stops motorists popping into their shops.

The plan recognised the need to reconcile the needs of traffic and transport with the needs of a safe pedestrian environment.

Many residents and traders felt the bus lane and parking restrictions were put in place purely to allow commuters from outside the city to get through Maryhill as quickly as possible.

Changes, such as more on- street parking to ensure local shops are able to profit from new housing being built in the Valley, Botany and Gairbraid Avenue areas have also been suggested.

Linking the main street to the canal and improving the access points is proposed to bring the canal towpath back into community use.

ART and music events are also planned for the Burgh Halls and the White House Bar, near Maryhill Locks.

Liz Cameron, Executive Member for Development and Regeneration Services at Glasgow City Council, said: "Maryhill has always been a vital neighbourhood in Glasgow, and the proposed Town Centre Action Plan could help take the regeneration of the area to the next stage.

"Great things are currently taking place in Maryhill, but more needs to be done, and we look forward to working with partner organisations to deliver the Town Centre Action Plan in forthcoming years.

"The plan can help to improve Maryhill economically, environmentally and socially, and is another example of the council's strategy to support town centres within Glasgow."

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk