A PLAN to create a mini-Holland in the centre of the city has scooped £7million of Scottish Government cash.

The £15m scheme, which takes its inspiration from the Netherlands, will turn Woodside into a cycle friendly community.

It will involve a segregated cycle route along St George’s Road from Charing Cross to Possil Road.

The new route will connect to the Sauchiehall Street cycleway which is being delivered as part of the scheme to turn the street into a tree lined avenue.

Mini-Holland will include the expansion of the cycle network into the city centre, Great Western Road, Maryhill, Garscube Road and the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Its aim is to encourage commuters to leave their cars at home and instead take to two wheels.

As well as health benefits, it is hoped the scheme will improve the environment of the area, boost the local economy and improve road safety.

Pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities at St George’s Cross Subway station will also undergo major redesign to improve accessibility to the station and surrounding streets.

It is expected work on the mini-Holland scheme will be completed by summer 2021.

Glasgow was one of four local authorities to be successful in Sustrans Scotland’s Community links Plus competition which this year awarded a total of £22.5m from Transport Scotland.

Run by Sustrans and funded by the Scottish Government, it encourages councils to design better places for people to live, walk and cycle.

Scottish Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Through the Community Links Plus award, people will be able to enjoy new active travel routes and whether it is for commuting or leisure, more people will be able to enjoy the benefits of greener and healthier modes of transport.”

Anna Richardson, the city council sustainability and carbon reduction spokeswoman said: “This is fantastic news.

“Woodside mini-Holland provides far more than just segregated cycle lanes. It is the opportunity to create a neighbourhood that feels safe for everyone to walk and cycle in.

“The project has the potential to transform the area for everyone through improved pedestrian and cycling access, increased cycle parking for residents, schools and businesses along with public realm improvements.

“The project will help get a lot more people out and about whether on bike or foot and that’s what we want.”