WORK on upgrading the streets in the historic Barras Market will begin in January.

The improvements, which will also include resurfacing Mercat Cross, is part of a masterplan to upgrade the Calton Barras area.

It was established five years ago in a bid to regenerate the East End site to create a healthier neighbourhood, improve job prospects, green space, local facilities and services.

The first phase, which was carried out before the 2014 Commonwealth Games, resulted in the creation of Barrowland park - a temporary park on a vacant site at the Gallowgate.

It contains an "album path" created by artist Jim Lambie which details bands which have played at the Barrowlands.

As part of the action plan, 74 shop fronts were improved under a £746,000 grant scheme to upgrade the appearance of the area and environmental improvements have been made to the civic space linking the residential area of Calton to the Barras.

Attention was also paid to vacant buildings which has resulted in more than £1.5million being awarded to six schemes including the Pipe Factory, Many Studios and St Luke's Music Arts Venue.

Funding has also been made available for six projects chosen to bring back life to under-used space in the Barras market.

Projects in the pipeline will include the regeneration of the former Meat Market site.

A report which will go before city councillors next week says: "Future developments in the Barras market will be guided by the Barras masterplan which aims to retain the market and retail function of the area while allowing for the introduction of different uses over time to create a unique, vibrant market/mixed use destination."

Kenny McLean, the council neighbourhoods, housing and public realm spokesman, said: "The Calton Barras action plan has achieved a significant amount in recent years but more needs to be done.

"I am delighted the ongoing and future work we will be doing with our partners will continue the transformation of this important area, a gateway to the city centre and the East End."