THE LATEST proposals to transform the banks of Glasgow’s River Clyde making it more accessible to the public “are welcome but long overdue”. 

Experts have welcomed Glasgow City Council’s proposals to develop the St Enoch region while urging developers to “stop turning their backs on the river”.

A report detailing the local authority’s plans to connect vital parts of the city by making them more pedestrian and cycle friendly will be discussed by members tomorrow.

Developing key commercial, residential and leisure facilities have also been proposed.

The St Enoch region starts at the junction between Saltmarket and Clyde Street near Glasgow Green and includes the cross-roads between Argyle Street and Buchanan street in the city centre.

READ MORE:

Ambitious plans for St Enoch district

Professor Alan Wilson of Strathclyde University’s marketing department said Glasgow should be following in the footsteps of other major cities including London.

He said: “If you look at many other cities across the world you notice they make major use of their rivers.

“St Enoch Square and the areas which run along the River Clyde are quite run down and there is nothing to attract people to that part of the city.

“The council has been talking about developing the River Clyde for years. They need to open up the river front from Glasgow Green to Glasgow Harbour.

“If they regenerate one part of the river then that will encourage others to invest in it while attracting more residents and tourists.

“Glasgow has turned its back on the Clyde for too many years. We need to follow in the footsteps of London and Paris who use their river more effectively.

“We could have commuter facilities such as water taxis like they do in Brisbane.”

The area has seen many changes over the years. St Enoch Square launched in 1783 as a grazing area for sheep. In 1876 the St Enoch Railway Station opened it’s doors and the St. Enoch Hotel followed in 1879.

The general manager of St Enoch Centre, which just celebrated its 30th birthday, was delighted to hear of plans for further investment.

READ MORE:

Work on St Enoch Centre expansion begins

Anne Ledgerwood said: “We welcome plans for significant investment in this part of the city and look forward to helping to shape the full proposals which will further revitalise this area of Glasgow.

“Over the past three decades the centre has been at the heart of the city making a crucial contribution to the economy.

“There has been considerable change over that time, both within the centre and in the city as a whole and this is the ideal opportunity to rejuvenate this area and fully utilise the asset of the riverside location.

“This enhanced offering will provide a valuable boost for this area and we are confident it will attract an additional two million people per year as well supporting Glasgow’s night- time economy.”