30 Oct 2026
Glasgow City Council have provided the following update on the progress of the George Square redevelopment:
"We are pleased to provide a further update on progress at George Square, as the project continues to move towards completion. The transformation of the Square is becoming increasingly visible.
New paving and setts are progressing across a number of areas, most notably around the base of the Sir Walter Scott Monument and the newly constructed raised lawn in front of the Cenotaph. Street furniture installation is also progressing well, with several new elements now in place, including the long benches on the west side of the Square.
Landscaping has advanced considerably. Turfing within the rain gardens on the south side is complete, planting within the beds to the north and south of the Cenotaph is progressing, and the northern rain gardens are being prepared for planting. Once complete, the Square will feature more than 17,000 plants. The raised lawn in front of the Cenotaph is also nearing completion, forming another significant feature within the Square’s new landscaped setting.
Most recently, the phased removal of construction hoarding has begun, revealing completed areas of the Square and marking an important milestone for the project. Preparations for the Christmas period are also progressing, including festive tree lighting and event infrastructure within the civic area. The first events to be held in the renovated square will be return of the annual Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day commemorations, which will take place on Sunday, November 8 and Wednesday, November 11 respectively.
From Remembrance Sunday onwards, the east side of the Square will remain open to the public with preparations for the Christmas Village due to begin in the western civic area on November 12. The Christmas Village is scheduled to open to the public on 19 November.Please be aware that work will continue in sections of the square during this time and these spaces will not be accessible until this work is completed.
Works to the south carriageway are expected to be completed by mid-November, allowing pedestrian access to this area. The newly constructed carriageway will then require a curing period before it can safely accommodate larger vehicles, with vehicular access expected to resume by mid-December. While periods of adverse weather have affected some activities, good progress continues to be made across the site. Works over the coming weeks will focus on completing paving, landscaping, street furniture and other finishing works, alongside the remaining south carriageway works.
We appreciate the continued patience and support of local residents, businesses and stakeholders throughout the construction period. The progress made over recent months represents a significant step towards completion of the renewed George Square, and we look forward to seeing more of the Square reopen and come into use over the coming weeks."
UPDATE 3 November 2026:
There will be a three day road closure on the north side of George Square, from Anchor Lane to North Frederick Street, to facilitate the construction of a Christmas Village on George Square.
This will be effective from 1400 hours on Wednesday 11th November 2026 to 1800 on Friday 13th November 2026.
Anchor Lane is currently one-way southbound. Traffic permissible via the bus gate on Nelson Mandela Place, can access West George St and exit via Anchor Lane and St Vincent Place.
North Frederick Street will operate as a southbound road, from Cathedral Street to Martha Street and two way south of Martha Street, whilst the junction with George Square North is closed.
