In the last week, the redevelopment of George Square has been a topic of conversation at various meetings. Local residents expressed a general interest in plans being proposed by Glasgow City Council, want to contribute their ideas, and be kept informed about what is happening.
Information about the design brief and international design competition was provided as a report to a meeting of councillors on the Executive Committee on 13th September 2012. This report was provided at very short notice i.e. teatime on the Wednesday 12th September when it is expected that reports are provided at least three days before meetings. As a result of this situation arising, Green Councillors initiated a call-in of the report to allow for further consideration of the proposals and this took place on Friday 5th October. The following issues were raised by myself when asked for reasons for the call-in.
Design
Brief Issues
The
George Square Design Brief was provided as Annex 1 to the Item 4
paper considered by the Executive Committee on 13th
September 2012. It is entitled "Dear Green Place – George
Square, a public space for the 21st Century" and a
list of contributors are listed at point 12.
The
process of developing of the design brief by the various
representatives from Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life, Glasgow City
Parking, Glasgow School of Art and Historic Scotland is not detailed
in the report.
Further information was requested about how
and when were representatives who contributed to the design brief identified. Elected members involvement in meetings with any of the contributors
or commenting on draft versions of the design brief was raised. Clarification on the input from
external groups, members of the public, community councils or
individuals commented on the design brief prior to it being
finalised was highlighted.
Considering reference is made to the "Dear Green Place" in the
title, concerns were raised that the vision does not refer to the
provision of access to good quality recreational open space including
planting, greenspace and trees.
In the case
of Glasgow Green's Renewal, the brief referred to the restoration,
enhancement and the interpretation of the key features relating to
Glasgow's history and heritage. It provided for the restoration of
the historically important monuments and new interpretation materials
outlining the fantastic history. Information was requested on who decided that a similar approach
involving restoration and new interpration of George Square's
monuments in situ was not to be adopted.
Information was requested on whether there was an
option appraisal which considered the importance of the preserving
the existing heritage of George Square instead of removing the
statues and monuments. It would be helpful if it can be justified that the option to remove the historic fabric of George
Square is best value and is the most sustainable option in
terms of delivering the project's vision.
The
monuments are referred to in section 10 and it stated there was no
master plan. It is strange to suggest that the monuments would have
been put in place through anything other than an organic process as
part of our city's rich history.
The design
brief allows for flexibility for the successful team to consider
whether any of the monuments or statues will be repositioned or
relocated to within the square.
With
regards to public space agenda, the focus of the design brief is on
development of a new George Square as an events space. It suggests
that it is important that the activities of trade and communciation
are dominant.
The Square's important contribution to public health and
wellbeing, civic pride, social cohesion and happiness was highlighted. Public
spaces such as George Square need to be recognized for their
contributions to events providing fresh and affordable food, offering
encouragement to walking or cycling, and supporting the relief of
stress and reduction in the amount of crime through the amount of
people out on the street. A request was made to amend the brief to refer to the
public health benefits of George Square.
At section
6, Landscape and Environment, it is suggested that "Consideration
should be given to materials being used that present innovative
design solutions to the environmental needs of the Square." It is
worrying that trees, planting and grass are not explicitly mentioned.
Launch of
an International Design Competition during September 2012
Further information was provided about the design competition and second phase
of consultation including the gathering of the public / stakeholders view and
opinions on the potential designs which have been shortlisted. An exhibition in the city centre seeking comments on shortlisted designs, a report to elected members on the final choice be provided and details of who
will be on a judging panel for the design competition was requested.
£5m
from the overall investment programme to enable early delivery of
Phase 1 of the George Square redevelopment
The financial risks associated with this project were requested. Information on the funding for public consultation and engagement in the
design process and benefits analysis was sought.
Visitor Surveys were highlighted as necessary before and after the redevelopment to ensure
that data relating to the vision of the square as a major visitor
attraction is gathered.
A response was provided to these issues at the meeting and I am awaiting written details from council officials.
It can be expected that an exhibition of six shortlisted designs will be available for the public to view at The Lighthouse in January 2013.
