If you have passed by George Square recently you will have noticed that the perimeter hoardings are now in place - a start to its 18-month redevelopment. This month we will see the Square's statues being removed for restoration and storage by contractor Rupert Harris, before the Square is then handed over to the public realm contractors Rainton Construction who will begin carrying out the main restoration works from the start of June.
The taxi rank in front of the Millenium Hotel will remain in place during the construction of the Square. Pedestrian access around the Square will also be maintained around its outer pavements. The work on George Square will deliver a new stone surface throughout; informal play areas for children in sensory gardens in the eastern area; a raised lawn platform; new trees species will be planted to add to the existing Norway maple and cherry trees in the Square; new seating added to the remembrance benches; and feature lighting. A water feature was dropped from the final plans due to budget restrictions.
The first statues removed was a figure of Robert Burns. The 11 statues will undergo restoration before being returned to the finished square from July 2027. Work will be carried out over two phases, with George Square, St Vincent Place and West George Street due for completion by August 2026. Cochrane Street and sections of George Street and North Hanover Street are set to be finished in spring 2027. The location of the statues in the revamped square has not been confirmed.
You can read more about the history behind the 11 statues in George Square below.
9. James Watt
Greenock-born James Watt was a Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer. His statue was designed by Chantrey and was erected in George Square in 1832. Watt designed the first economical steam engine, (“Beelzebub”), in 1769 and patented his own improved version, which reduced the consumption of fuel and steam by the use of separate condenser. | Declan McConville
10. Prince Albert
Prince Albert married Queen Victoria in 1840 and together they purchased Balmoral estate in 1852. The statue by Marochetti was erected October 1866. The Albert monument was placed in the eastern half of the Square, facing south, with Marochetti’s earlier Equestrian Monument to Queen Victoria relocated from St Vincent Place to form an adornment on the opposite side of the Scott monument | Declan McConville
11. Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria succeeded to the throne in 1837 on the death of her uncle, William IV at the age of 18. She first visited Glasgow in August 1849. The statue was designed by Baron Carlo Marochetti and was first erected at St Vincent Place before being moved to George Square in 1866. | Declan McConville