A Glasgow landmark is to get a £1million facelift.

The area around Bridgeton Cross - which dates to 1875 - is to get a new road layout, lighting and environmental improvements.

The original 50ft shelter and clock, known as the Umbrella, which was gifted to the city, will remain in place, but the surroundings will be altered.

Clyde Gateway, the regeneration agency for the East End, will fund most of the work.

All decisions on the future shape of the Cross have been put in the hands of a steering group made up of 12 residents and local shopkeepers.

The committee has met to consider ideas put forward by a number of landscape architects.

From the suggestions submitted it has selected Gillespie's, an environmental design company, to carry out the work.

Ian Manson, chief executive of Clyde Gateway, said: "All too often those most affected by changes of this scale and nature do not have a big enough say in what should happen.

"But we wanted residents and shopkeepers to take the lead with some support from the professional staff here at Clyde Gateway.

"Now that the design consultant has been selected, the steering group can begin to focus on the things they want incorporated into the improvements.

"That includes the quality of the landscaping, the style of lighting, the introduction of public art and the wider safety improvements, including traffic management."

The East End of the city is set to see major changes over the next few years in the run-up to Glasgow hosting the 2014 Commonweatlh Games.

Clyde Gateway is leading the way and Mr Manson said he had asked the committee to consider the heritage of the area as it tries to decide on the plans.

Owen Stewart is among the residents who will sit on the committee .

He said: "Clyde Gateway is quickly gaining a great reputation for the way it is linking into the communities in Bridgeton and Dalmarnock.

"I was delighted to be given the chance to become involved in this particular project.

"It was interesting to see the different ideas from the various architects and designers and to be able to have such a say in making the final selection.

"Bridgeton Cross is one of Glasgow's gems and the idea of it getting such a substantial makeover is one that will give the whole community a lift."

Gillespie's has been asked to produce detailed designs by the end of January.

It is hoped to begin work by October, with a completion date of early 2010.

The octagonal cast iron Bridgeton Cross shelter and clock was manufactured by George Smith & Co at its Sun Foundry in Port Dundas.

It originally provided a covered meeting place at the junction of London Road, Dalmarnock Road, Main Street and James Street.