Renewal of George Square

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 13^th September 2012. It is entitled "Dear Green Place – George Square, a public space for the 21^st 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.