Achi news desk-
However, a string of high street shops have closed, the impact of devastating fires and Covid has seen the once busy street become a shadow of its former self. But change is afoot as part of the multi-million pound Avenues development.
A project set up to ensure that culture and heritage are at the heart of the regeneration of Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow has now secured a significant grant to help achieve its vision.
Glasgow Life, the leading culture and sport charity in Glasgow, has received £350,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the development of the Sauchiehall Street Culture and Heritage Area plan which will identify the role of culture and heritage in the area. revitalize the street.
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In October 2023, Glasgow was one of nine locations selected to receive support over the next 10 years as part of the Heritage Fund’s new UK-wide Heritage Places programme, which aims to boost local economies and foster pride in towns and cities across the UK. the country
Glasgow Life, Glasgow City Council, the Heritage Fund and local stakeholders including Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Film Theater and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland are working together with the aim of using culture and heritage to boost the economy and the economy. Sauchiehall Street social renewal. The street is famous for its international connection with culture, music, film, heritage and entertainment.
Like other city center streets across the UK, it has faced challenges in recent years. Strategies such as Glasgow City Council’s ‘Golden Z Report’ have drawn attention to these issues, calling for a new solution, and the Sauchiehall Street: Culture and Heritage District project will ensure that culture and heritage are an integral part of the solution.
The Sauchiehall Street Cultural and Heritage Area is a new approach and opportunity for this vital part of Glasgow city centre.
The development phase of the £350,000 funded project will run from April 2024 to October 2025, laying the foundations for culture and heritage to be at the heart of Sauchiehall Street regeneration.
In recognition of the area’s history, a dedicated project team will work with the people who live in, work on and visit Sauchiehall Street to ensure that its future recognizes its proud past by drawing on its strong cultural links, from dance and music to film. and theatre. The project team will work to boost visitor numbers in the area and influence wider policy and infrastructure developments on the street.
The first stage of the work will form the basis of a further application for funding to the Heritage Fund.
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council Convener for Culture, Sport and International Affairs said: “This support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund is fantastic news for Sauchiehall Street and will help revitalize what is one of Glasgow’s most iconic streets. Sauchiehall Street has a rich cultural heritage, and the funding marks an important milestone in our city’s efforts to bring about positive economic and social change in the area through the Sauchiehall Street: Culture and Heritage District. The transformative plans for this historic area ensure that cultural and heritage organisations, businesses, residents and visitors will benefit for years to come.”
Caroline Clark, Scottish Director of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said the funding was an important step forward heritage driven regeneration.
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“Sauchiehall Street has a rich heritage as a hub for culture, entertainment, shopping and nightlife, and as home to a diverse community,” he said.
“This funding from our Heritage Places program is an important first step in our long-term commitment to supporting heritage-led regeneration, working closely with stakeholders, including the local community and businesses, to regenerate the area. We welcome the ‘Sauchiehall’ ‘Street: Cultural and Heritage Area’ designation as a starting point, and a clear commitment to keeping this iconic street at the heart of the story of Glasgow’s people and place.”
Glasgow City Council is injecting £115 million into its Avenues project, which aims to regenerate the city centre’s “Golden Z” which includes Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street.
As part of that, Sauchiehall Street will see £5.7 million for a new revamped center at the end of Rhos Street, with improvements extending up to West Nile Street.
Work on this project will also aim to deliver a “significant improvement” to Cambridge Street and the bottom of Sauchiehall Street.
Roads, pavements and footpaths on the streets will be rebuilt, with new curbs, traffic lights, rain gardens and street lights – with 40 new trees promised.
