And planners hope the strategy can breathe new life into the historic community.

They say lack of development over the years has left people in Calton in the East End suffering a sense of detachment from the rest of the city.

Now a blueprint has been drawn up that aims to focus on an area bordered by Duke Street in the north and Glasgow Green in the south, Glasgow Cross in the west and Abercromby Street in the east.

The policy document sets out to provide a 10 to 15-year vision for the regeneration of the area and will provide guidelines on the development of vacant land, the re-use of key buildings and the improvement of streets and open spaces.

It is hoped the result will be an attractive neighbourhood with a vibrant Barras Market at its heart.

A Glasgow City Council report says upgrading the Barras and introducing housing could stimulate interest in an area that has lost much of its vibrancy.

And it suggests the world-famous market could operate seven days a week, instead of just at weekends.

The report says: "The Barras market area is considered as having the potential to become more than a weekend market.

"A key concept is the formation of a central flexible market square, which will provide the opportunity for market stalls to continue while accommodating a range of other activities and events.

"The creation of safe and vibrant pedestrian routes through the market and a network of linked open spaces, together with enhanced lighting, improved signage and public art would ensure the Barras acts as a gateway to Calton rather than a barrier.

"We consider the introduction of a station at Glasgow Green could stimulate development and enhance access to the Barras and to the numerous activities and events that take place in Glasgow Green."

The five main objectives that drive the planning framework are:

l Creating a healthy place to live with a choice of housing, employment, local shopping and recreation facilities.

l Promoting the Barras as a market that attracts new businesses.

l Stimulating the development of vacant land and buildings.

l Improving walkways, linking streets and pushing for improved public transport.

l Making Bain Square the heart of Calton by creating an open space for community use.

To kickstart the project, councillors are to be asked to provide cash for a five-year programme that will improve the look of the area. It is hoped this will attract new businesses and jobs in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games and beyond.

Calton is regarded as a key gateway to the East End and is on the main route from the city centre to Games venues.

But planning bosses say there is a growing concern that the area has missed out on regeneration work in the Merchant City and further east through Clyde Gateway.

Liz Cameron, the council's spokeswoman for jobs and the economy, said: "The area has many assets, particularly in its location close to the city centre and the massive potential being unlocked in the East End will benefit local people and businesses and the economy of Glasgow as a whole."

Calton councillor George Redmond, right, said the blueprint for the area is important to bring about positive change.

He said: "The development framework will give us the opportunity to make sure we get everyone round the table and to make sure we are acting in the best interests of the people who live and work there.

"For a business, time is money and they want one organisation that can fulfil their needs, including shortcuts for the proposals they have, including planning.

"The redevelop-ment of the Barras is critical for the area because Glasgow needs a good market. We have got a market at the Barras that is known around the world and what we have got to do is strengthen it."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk