Planners have given the go-ahead to a scheme which will result in the revamp of the civic square, Water Row, an area of ground in front of the Subway station and land in front of Govan shopping centre.

The work will involve resurfacing pavements and other public areas with Caithness stone and granite and installing stainless steel street furniture.

Steve Inch, the city council’s executive director of development and regeneration, said it is also hoped the square will be used for a Saturday market.

Mr Inch said the aim of the scheme, announced yesterday, is to re-establish and define the function of the square as a meaningful and useable public space. He added: “The design reflects the demands made of what will be a well-used civic space and will provide a setting for the listed church which is a significant feature in historical photographs of Govan town square.

“It also reserves an area for a proposed marquee which will be erected on market days to provide shelter.”

Mr Inch said an interactive sundial where the shadow of a person can tell the time will also be incorporated.

The existing fountain will be restored and engraved granite panels illustrating historic local events and art work.

A number of public meetings were held to ask the people of Govan what they wanted to happen in the area and more than 500 survey forms were handed out.

Govan councillor Stephen Dornan said: “About £68m of housing is being built in the area and this new plan is the first step in the regeneration of Govan Cross.

“If you go into an area which looks rundown you don’t want to be there.

“All that will change in the next few years and Govan will feel like a good place to be.”