Dozens of giant aluminium flowers are now in full bloom, transforming a run down area of Glasgow.

The Phoenix Flowers, which have already been dubbed “the metal petals” or “the Triffids” by locals, double as street lights in an area between Cowcaddens underpass and the Forth and Clyde Canal at Speirs Locks.

The walkway was officially unveiled by Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson yesterday just days after the area was affected by flooding from a burst water main.

Roads were cut off when a main burst in Garscube Road and water flowed as far down as the floral display.

Fortunately, there was no damage to the installation.

The 50 giant, pink, orange and yellow flowers are now finally in bloom on the edge of Glasgow city centre.

Mr Stevenson said: “This project represents a key milestone in the overall regeneration of the north of the city, and credit must go to the businesses, community groups, residents and schools who have all played an important part in this work.

“The redevelopment of Speirs Wharf has helped attract new businesses and organisations to the area, a welcome boost in these challenging economic times.”

The flowers, which range in height between five and eight metres and which have two metre wide petals, are part of the award-winning transformation of a run down underpass in Cowcaddens.

They form a colourful gateway between the city centre and the new creative and cultural neighbourhood around Speirs Locks.

They are one element of the Glasgow Canal Regeneration Partnership’s regeneration plans for the key hubs on the Glasgow branch of the canal.

The £1.5 million project, which recently won a Scottish Design Award in the Future Buildings & Space category, was commissioned by the Glasgow Canal Regeneration Partnership and was designed by 7N Architects and rankinfraser landscape architecture.

Steve Dunlop, the Scottish director for British Waterways said the project has already become a major talking point and creates new interest in a previously neglected part of the city.

He said: “They will create a vibrant link from the new creative and cultural industries at Speirs Locks to the city centre and we hope in time, they will continue along the canalside.”

Councillor Liz Cameron, executive member for development and regeneration at Glasgow City Council described them as a “landmark” in the city.

She said: “This is another sign of the new life rising up around Speirs Locks.

“The fact that so many organisations are investing in the area underlines the bright future of the whole canal corridor from the city centre out to Maryhill.”