Residents express mixed feelings about the ongoing £5.7m Sauchiehall Street revamp, citing concerns over its impact on local businesses.
Glasgow: The £5.7 million revamp of Sauchiehall Street kicked off in September 2023. It was supposed to wrap up by summer 2024, but now it’s pushed to May 2025.
One business owner, who didn’t want to be named, shared that the long construction has really hurt their sales, especially over two Christmas seasons. They mentioned their earnings are down to just one-eighth of what they used to be.
After 14 years in the area, they said, “We used to have two tills ringing. Now we have one, and it’s hardly working.” Other local businesses echoed these worries, feeling the redevelopment is dragging on too long.
“People aren’t coming this way anymore, and it’s hurting all of us,” another shop owner said. “It’s not just my shop; everyone’s feeling the pinch.”
During the festive season, Stuart Patrick from the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce expressed his frustration, saying the project has only added to the area’s decline. He didn’t go as far as calling it a disaster, but it’s clear he’s not happy.
On the other hand, locals had no problem voicing their discontent. One guy called the £5.7 million project a “total disgrace.” Others described it as a “nightmare” or “chaos,” while some were a bit more diplomatic, saying it was just “underwhelming.”
Many pointed out unfinished work in areas that were supposed to be done. One frustrated resident said, “I really don’t know what they are doing.” Some even felt the construction has made things worse.
Older folks reminisced about the street’s glory days. One lady recalled how vibrant it used to be, with dancehalls and cinemas. “Nobody wants to come here now,” she lamented.
Still, a few people held onto a glimmer of hope. “Let’s see how it looks in May,” one person said. “The stonework looks better quality. Maybe it’ll be worth it.”
A spokesperson from Glasgow City Council mentioned that work on the final stretch is underway and should be done by April. They believe the improvements will make the area more appealing and help reduce flood risks.
They also noted that investment in nearby sites will continue, thanking everyone for their patience during the construction and offering support to local businesses through reduced rates.
