With the redevelopment of Glasgow’s flagship civic space on track for completion in late summer, upcoming works will focus on the southern edge of the square where new granite setts will be installed to form a stone‑paved roadway.

Significant progress has already been made to reimagine George Square - a total of 49 new trees have now been planted, statue plinths have been repositioned, stone road surfacing is currently being installed on the north side of the square, and stone pavements have been completed on all sides.

To accommodate the upcoming construction work on the south side of the square, the road between Cochrane Street and Queen Street, which currently operates as a bus gate, will close temporarily to all vehicles from 6am on Monday 11 May. 

The footway will remain open, with pedestrian access maintained throughout the works.

To support the efficient movement of public transport during the road closure, a new westbound bus gate will come into force on the same day (Monday 11 May) at the junction of Ingram Street and Queen Street. 

The new bus gate which was already planned as part of Glasgow’s People First Zone, will operate seven days a week (7am-7pm). Once live, only authorised vehicles (buses, taxis, cycles and commercial vehicles) will be permitted to turn right from Ingram Street onto Queen Street.

The new bus gate will operate alongside the existing 24-hour eastbound bus gate already in place at the Queen Street/Ingram Street junction.

Drivers will have advance notice, with large electronic signage boards installed across the area to highlight the upcoming change. Access to the surrounding streets will be maintained.

Drivers who would normally travel west via the Ingram Street and Queen Street junction can divert towards Clyde Street, accessing the Broomielaw via Glassford Street, or can use the M8 at Junction 15 via the southbound Springburn Expressway.

Road users are encouraged to plan ahead using online mapping tools and satellite navigation systems to identify the most efficient routes. Public transport information is also available via Traveline Scotland.

Glasgow’s PFZ is designed to prioritise pedestrians, accessibility and sustainable travel within a greener, more welcoming city centre. Earlier this year, the first phase delivered a redesigned, fully accessible, step‑free junction at Ingram Street and Queen Street, along with new footway build‑outs on both streets.

In addition to the new bus gate, the transformation of the area will be completed in the coming weeks with the addition of 13 new street trees, planted in high‑quality stone planters to soften the streetscape and improve the experience for people moving through the space.

All existing commercial loading bays and disabled parking spaces have been retained to ensure continued access for businesses and those who rely on accessible parking.

All People First Zone measures are being delivered under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order, allowing the council to monitor pedestrian activity, traffic behaviour and overall impact for up to 18 months, with public feedback helping to shape any future permanent arrangements.