ONE of Glasgow's most famous streets is to get a £450,000 makeover.

Glasgow City Council is carrying out a raft of improvements to Byres Road and the surrounding streets.

The first phase of works will see repairs and improvements to Ashton and Cresswell Lanes, with a lift and re-lay of existing cobbles and the reconstruction of damaged footpaths.

Further work is planned to improve Byres Road, in line with feedback gathered from local businesses.

Work on the lanes is planned to start at the beginning of the year to minimise any inconvenience to businesses and customers.

Byres Road reached the shortlist of three for the Academy of Urbanism's 'Great Street' award in 2011.

It plays a major role in the city's cultural and economic life; with both a vibrant day and night-time economy.

The council is said to be keen to ensure the iconic street continues to make a prominent contribution to Glasgow.

Bailie Liz Cameron, Executive Member for Jobs and the Economy at Glasgow City Council, said: "This is marvellous news for Byres Road and the surrounding area.

"Byres Road has a distinct identity and is a great attraction for Glaswegians and our visitors, with fantastic renowned shops, restaurants and bars found close to a number of our finest buildings, parks and museums.

"The public realm work that will take place over the next few years will ensure that this hugely important and special Glasgow street continues to make its unique contribution to the life of the city, and we can look forward to great things for Byres Road in the future."

The council ran local stakeholder workshops in July 2012, to gather views from businesses and residents on how the street could be improved for the future, with a particular focus on enhancing its environmental contribution.

The output of these workshops is feeding in to a 'Place-making Action Plan' currently being prepared by the council and Greenspace Scotland.

It is envisaged this plan will provide a context for proposals being considered by the council for public realm improvements around Hillhead underground station and enhancing connections between Byres Road and nearby attractions such as the Riverside Museum, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Botanic Gardens.

caroline.wilson@eveningtimes.co.uk