Plans unveiled to transform Anderston with new green space and removal of underused footbridge

Plans have been revealed to transform the area around Anderston station in Glasgow into a green public plaza.

Connecting Anderston aims to create a safer, greener gateway beneath the M8, which will include accessible walking and cycling routes while closing a key gap in the city’s cycle network.

Under the plans, the area around Anderston train station would be completely redesigned into a green public plaza, with new paving, planting, rain gardens, seating, and cycle parking.

Project bosses are also looking to incorporate the area’s history with weaving into the designs, which are now up for public consultation.

One major change would be the removal of the underused footbridge over North Street.

The bridge would be replaced with upgraded street-level crossings, supported by upgraded traffic lights and step-free access to make the area safer for pedestrians.

The project aims to remove the barrier created by the M8, North Street, and the Anderston junction for pedestrians and cyclists travelling between the West End and the city centre.

A new two-way cycle track to the east and west of Anderston Station would join the near-complete Avenues route on Argyle Street with existing protected infrastructure on Elderslie Street.

Angus Millar, city convener for transport and climate, said: “Major roads and motorway infrastructure have long made the area around Anderston Station unpleasant and difficult to navigate.

“These proposals would create a safer, greener and more accessible public space at Anderston Cross and create a more pleasant link between Anderston and the newly improved Argyle Street West Avenue in the city centre.

“The plans would also close a key gap in the active travel network, creating a more joined-up pedestrian and cycle link from the city centre to the West End through the area around Anderston Station and beneath the M8 to help people get around the city more conveniently and safely.

“We want residents, businesses and everyone who travels through Anderston to look at the proposals and tell us what would make the biggest difference to the area.”

Allan Lynn, headteacher at Anderston Primary School nearby said the plans would make the area a “greener, safer and more welcoming space”.

An online survey is now open and will run until November 22, while a public drop-in event will also be held on October 21 at The Pyramid.