A CITY architect will be appointed if the SNP wins control of the council this year, the party has said.

The post, inspired by the success of Copenhagen and other cities in Europe, would oversee new developments and promote quality public spaces.

Glasgow, like many cities, historically had a chief architect, but the last in the city was in the 1980’s.

The model for re-introducing the role is Tina Saaby, Chief City Architect in the Danish capital, Copenhagen.

She has championed creating a more pedestrian and cycle friendly city and the creation of more useable public spaces, encouraging people to spend more time in the urban areas and more time in the outdoors.

One of the ideas was a climate district, promoting sustainable environmentally friendly design solutions to urban living

In a magazine interview in Denmark she said “The climate district projects show how, in one fell swoop, we can create beautiful, green streets and urban spaces.”

In a presentation paper she said the goal was to enable “more people to walk more” and for “people to spend more time in urban spaces.”

SNP councillors met with Ms Saaby in December last year and have decided a similar role will be created in Glasgow should they be in charge after May’s election.

Susan Aitken, SNP leader in Glasgow and deputy, David McDonald, met the Danish architect and were impressed with her achievements.

Mr McDonald said: “The concept of a City Architect is one which many cities have introduced, but Copenhagen appears to have mastered.

“We want Glasgow to be a city for people, of people and by people. We want to see better use of buildings and public space to make Glasgow an even more attractive place for people to live, work and play. That is why we will re-introduce the position of City architect for Glasgow.

“For example, we will develop a new plan for the public realm that is distinctly Glaswegian, prioritising high quality design and which promotes liveability. We will improve city streetscapes and give communities a voice in shaping developments locally.”

One of the architects first jobs could be a high profile city centre makeover.

Mr McDonald added: “This includes restoring George Square and developing a new events space for the city centre.”

Neil Baxter of the Royal Incorporation of Architects Scotland, said there are good examples past and present of a City Architect improving the environment for the benefit of people.

He said: “RIAS has long advocated the role of City Architect be re-instated for all of Scotland’s cities.

“Any political party that proposes them demonstrates an understanding of the necessity of having experienced professionals with specific responsibility for the quality of the urban environment.

“This is an internationally important initiative which can only benefit Scotland.”