THE transformation of Glasgow's East End is gathering pace - and community leaders say Calton is on its way to becoming Glasgow's answer to London's trendy Shoreditch.

The opening of a new green space -dubbed Barrowland Park - at the derelict site of the historic Schipka Pass is due to take place in the next few weeks.

And major improvements to shop fronts along the Gallowgate and London Road are already visible.

The works are part of the council's £6.3 million Calton-Barras action plan.

Local councillor Yvonne Kucuk, who is part of the Action Barras Calton (ABC) group, said the Barras' floorspace grant scheme was attracting applications for creative projects which could mean Calton will rival London's trendy East End.

She said: "They will change the Barras forever - I'm actually thinking Shoreditch, London.

"It is unbelievable and so exciting - people really want to be in the heart of the Barras.

"All these things are happening, but this is just the start. There's so much more to come from us."

Ms Kucuk said local people were looking forward to seeing the Queen's Baton Relay pass through the area in the run up to the Commonwealth Games.

She said: "It's amazing, We can't wait to see the baton -we'll be taking it through the Barras, the Green and our new park.

"People are really excited at all the progress - they thought it was a bit slow at first and they weren't sure about it.

"But now I think it's better than we ever expected.

"For the first time in a long time people have seen things come to pass."

The development of the large unused site at Gallowgate, London Road and Moir Street has been one of the main attractions of the regeneration.

Following a previous planning application, the site was earmarked for more than 300 homes, but there are no plans to develop there at present.

Artwork will be installed in the park to further brighten it up.

A total of 78 stores are benefiting from the improvement works as part of the Shop Front project.

Work on 38 is now complete, a further 25 are currently being upgraded and a final 15 will be completed after the Games.

Ms Kucuk said the social effects would be seen next.

She said: "The Barras are getting new traders so that's getting business into the area.

"Now we will begin to see the social benefits and confidence will grow."

rachel.loxton@ eveningtimes.co.uk