Meeting Minutes, 26 November 2024

19/03/2025Minutes

Confidential

 

Meeting of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council held over Zoom video on 26 November 2024

 

Attended by: 

 

Community Councillors Tam Coyle (Chair), Gary Atkinson, Alice Cowan, David Cowan, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Niall McColl, Colin McKay, Gordon Millar, Scott Thornton, Ros Wardley-Atkinson

 

Associate Community Councillor Ross Naismith

 

Ward Councillor Angus Millar

 

GA, CD, MD, TD, RE, GF, AM, EM, GMcI, PP, JR

 

Apologies - Baillie Christy Mearns. Councillor Eva Bolander, Councillor Philip Braat, Alasdair McDougall (MSP Kaukab Stewart’s office)

• MINUTES OF PUBLIC MEETING HELD ON 24 SEPTEMBER (The meeting on 26 October had to be abandoned because of security issues at Glasgow City Chambers)

 

These had been posted on the Website. Adoption proposed by Neill McColl and seconded by David Cowan. Carried.

 

2. POLICE ISSUES

 

Tam said it was unfortunate that new beat officer Nathan Baxter had been unable to attend because Police Scotland cannot use Zoom or Teams for video meetings..

 

He told the meeting Miller Street was still being clogged with cars double parked on double yellow lines/pavements 7 nights a week. 

 

Peter Hayman asked about pedestrianisation of Miller Street. There was nowhere for cars to go as it’s a dead end so why were they there? Tam asked where legal parking was available for those 30 or so cars? 

 

Councillor Millar said he had been discussing the issue with the team re-developing George Square. Full pedestrianisation had not been discussed but he would be progressing public realm improvements.

 

JR said she had seen young adults crossing the road very slowly and holding up traffic outside Hootenanny near the St Enoch Centre, resulting in a back-up along Howard Street. Could police not monitor that area? Tam said he would raise this with PC Baxter. ACTION: TAM

 

Scott asked if there was any update from Glasgow City Council on buskers and if there had been confiscation of equipment because of contravention of the Buskers’ Code. Tam to raise with police. ACTION: Tam 

 

Scott reminded the meeting that the Chair and Vice-Chairs meet Police at Inspector level quarterly and residents should contact them if they wished any particular issue raised. ACTION: All

 

3. PRESENTATION ON RE-DEVELOPMENT OF GEORGE SQUARE AND AVENUES PROJECTS - by Cieran Buchanan, Principal Officer, Avenues Project, Glasgow City Council. 

 

City Deal-funded (£115m): Sauchiehall Street pilot (Delivered 2018-19) Sauchiehall Street Precinct, Cambridge Street, Holland Street & Pitt Street, Argyle Street West, North Hanover Street and Kyle Street, George Square and surrounding Avenues, Argyle Street East, Clyde Street and Broomielaw, High Street (Glasgow Cross to Rottenrow)

 

Sustrans-funded (£21m): South Portland Street, Duke Street and John Knox Street, Cowcaddens Road and Dobbie’s Loan

 

Argyle Street West (Kingston Bridge to Hielanman’s Umbrella) - Due for completion October 2025, complexities due to low level rail line running the length of Argyle Street. 

 

N Hanover Street/Kyle Street - Construction starting Spring 2025 for 18 months. Key link from city centre to new Sighthill development.

 

Stockwell Street - Contractor selection underway. Construction starts Spring 2025 for 15 months. Key link from city centre to South City Cycle Way. 

 

South Portland Street etc - Construction  starts early 2025, finished by Spring 2026.  Key connections to areas on city centre periphery.

 

Argyle Street East (Union Street to Glasgow Cross) - Detailed design stage underway, construction to start end-2025 and completion by end 2027. Connects to Argyle Street West Avenue, providing a continuous East-West link. 

 

Clyde Street/Broomielaw - Public consultation undertaken,. Construction to start early 2026, complete by early 2028. Key East-West link between Glasgow Green and West End while also connecting to South City Way. Clyde Street section well advanced. 

 

High Street (Trongate to Rottenrow) - Early concept design underway. Funding still to be finalised. Public consultation took place in September.

 

Scott asked about the derelict land on the West of the High Street near George Street. Cieran said this is owned by Scottish Enterprise but GCC is hoping to use it as a construction centre for the contractor.

 

Councillor Millar said the site was originally intended to be Strathclyde University’s Technical Innovation Centre 2 but this would now be in the former Student Union building in John Street.

 

Peter Hayman said that as a keen cyclist he was pleased about the development of cycle lanes but what about monitoring of use? Cieran said Sustrans was investigating behaviour change. Investment had to be justified and Glasgow City Council was aware of this. Avenues’ connectivity would increase usage of cycle lanes. 

 

In answer to a question from Colin McKay Cieran said the proposal for Argyle Street East included de-pedestrianisation of the precinct which could be hostile after dark.

 

George Square and Surrounding Avenues - Proposals involve 3 contracts - Main public realm (out to tender), hoarding contract for screening around the Square, and removal and conservation of statues. 

 

Public realm - First stage includes St Vincent Street and West George Street, starting in April and completion August 2026.

 

Project coverage is ‘building to building,’ trees supplemented by rain gardens, ceremonial area retained, two horse statues retained on site but others removed for checks. Inclusion of cycle lanes. 

 

An events space will include specialised lighting available year-round with possibilities for projection on surrounding buildings such as City Chambers.

 

Responding to questions on the Zoom Chat facility, read out by Niall McColl, Cieran said the hoardings around the Square would include summaries of the project’s benefits and promotion of events such as the Merchant City Festival. 

 

Was there still be a water feature? In principle yes but there are significant difficulties. Costs mean this might not be possible.

 

There was no provision for public toilets in and around George Square. 

 

Any provision for more CCTV?  Webcam will be turned off for the duration of the construction but there would be a photo time lapse of the scheme. 

 

Tam asked about statues which might not be retained. Why should Prince Albert be represented in view of his minimal connections with Glasgow? Cieran said this was not within his team’s remit.

 

David Hughes said the re-introduction of trees was positive. We were continually being told that planting trees in the city centre was problematic yet Ceiran’s schematic indicated this was not the case. Cieran agreed the number of trees in the plans depicted might be lower. Problems included getting the correct subsoil to help the trees survive. 

 

4. WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 

(Councillors Bolander and Braat were unable to join the meeting because of technical difficulties)

 

Concerning trees Councillor Millar said there were various challenges concerning underground utilities. This was why Glasgow City Council was focusing on large scale planters. He was constantly asking contractors to come up with more cost-effective solutions.

 

Contributions from developers would be used more pro-actively to remedy public realm defects and improve the image of the city centre. 

 

Another walkabout in the MCTCC area should be arranged for January. 

 

Ross Naismith said there was not a single tree in Glassford Street. MCTCC should have an in-person discussion with Ward Councillors to get more trees planted.

 

Peter asked it the spare plinth planned for George Square could be used for a rotating artwork.

 

5. LICENSING

 

Gary said he would be attending the Licensing Forum in the following week.

 

6. PLANNING

 

Ross said that following the AGM held earlier that night he would be asking GCC Planning Department to send applications to him rather than Peter.

 

Niall said there was now a full planning application from the AXM night club in Glassford Street to GCC for a Pride Mural with comments due by the end of November. Tam said he had sent 7 emails to the owner without reply. 

 

Scott asked Councillor Millar how a planning application could be judged when there was no information about what the very large mural would say. The application had to go before Council earlier than normal because it would contain advertising. Tam said he would ask GCC Planning. ACTION: Tam

 

Scott asked about the status of the derelict building site at the corner of Dixon and Clyde Streets. The developer had gone into administration. It had been an eyesore for many months. Councillor Millar said he would be discussing this with GCC’s Head of Planning. ACTION: Councillor Millar

 

7. FUNDING FROM AREA PARTNERSHIP

 

David Hughes said the next meeting would be on 5 December. MCTCC had put forward 73 suggestions for donations from the £387k neighbourhood infrastructure fund. 

 

He mentioned that Scott had circulated a note to Community Councillors about Local Place Plans (LPPs) which he believed was possibly the most important issue MCTCC should be tackling. This gives Community Councils the opportunity to effect change concerning student accommodation, trees and other issues concerning GCC’s City Development Plan 2. 

 

8. TRON THEATRE

 

Scott quoted an email to him from the Theatre Director who said she felt the Trongate area was the forgotten part of Merchant City. It was ravaged with drugs and graffiti. 

 

9. WEBSITE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

 

Niall said the new Website’s design was more or less complete. This and other community engagement initiatives would be progressed in the New Year.

 

10. FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD

 

David Hughes said the next meeting would be on 11 December. A meeting had been held with Impact Arts for developing a Heritage Trail. 

 

11. LITTER PICK

 

David Hughes said we should hold the next one in February. ACTION: David Hughes

 

12. TREASURER’S REPORT

 

Gordon Millar said the current bank balance was £6,364.24 after payments to ‘Friends of the Ramshorn Graveyard and for litter pick equipment. Cheque signatories had finally been sorted out. 

 

13. PUBLIC TOILETS

 

Scott reported on the meeting of the Community Councils’ Development Session he and Tam attended the previous Saturday which included a presentation by the MD of the British Toilet Association (BTA).

 

He noted there are no public toilets in the MCTCC area other than in retail premises. Tam said there was one in St Vincent Street/Buchanan Street, 

 

GCC is holding a public consultation on the need for public toilets in the city.

 

Scott said the absence of public toilets was a serious gap in Glasgow’s attempts to attract more tourists. MCTCC would be responding to the public consultation. ACTION: Scott 

 

The BTA MD had told Scott afterwards he felt a specialist contractor should handle   public loos other than Glasgow City Council. Payments in future would be by debit or credit card. Even small payments had been found to substantially deter abuse and mis-use. 

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

 

Peter said we should be recruiting more Community Councillors. 

 

Tam said if any local resident attended 3 public meetings they would be welcome to join as an Associate or participate on an ad hoc basis. 

 

Scott said this would be Peter’s last public meeting as a Community Councillor and he deserved a massive vote of thanks. Peter responded that it had been a pleasure to have helped make local residents’ voices heard.

 

Details of the next public meeting (in January) will be announced later.

 

---

by Richard Longmuir

Meeting Minutes, 24 September 2024

19/03/2025Minutes

These draft minutes will be presented to our meeting on 29 October for ratification

Attended by: 

– Community Councillors Tam Coyle (Chair), Gary Atkinson, Alice Cowan, David Cowan, David Hughes, Niall McColl, Gordon Millar, Scott Thornton, Ros Wardley-Smith

– Ward Councillors Angus Millar, Philip Braat, Baillie Christy Mearns,

– Police Constables Beth Cameron and David Colligan

– Media: Gary Fanning (Splash), Nicole Mitchell (Evening Times) 

– Lisa Scott (Glasgow City Council), Fiona Stewart (Hawkins/Brown architects), Barbara Vecchione (New Practice Architects) 

– NB, TD, DF, BL, KL, EM, AM, TMcK, KM, SM, PP, JR, CS

Apologies: Councillor Eva Bolander, Community Councillors Peter Hayman, Colin McKay and Associate Community Councillor Ross Naismith, PC Sean McFadden, GW

Minutes of Meeting on 27 August

Adoption proposed by Scott, seconded by Gordon. Approved. 

Police Issues

PC Cameron reported on PC McFadden’s behalf that according to indicative figures between 27 August and 24 September there had been 193 offences in the MCTCC area of which 79 had been detected. These included assaults, bail breaches, retail theft, possession of controlled substances and threatening/abusive behaviour.

PC Steve Clarke has been moved to another beat in the city centre.

Although there were anecdotal suggestions of improvements in anti-social behaviour and drug misuse in the Ramshorn graveyard police continued to make regular checks there. Councillor Braat said he continued to receive reports of anti-social behaviour there as well as in George Street and Argyle Street.

Another 7 e-bikes had been sized for illegal modifications to make them go faster, making a total of 22 such seizures since March. 

Riders had been charged with road traffic offences and could pay a significant amount to get the bike back in the condition it was found, Police could not  confiscate the bike because it was their property.

JR said any cycling on pavements was illegal and should be enforced. Signage should be put up. PC Cameron said police could use other legislation to prosecute such as careless riding.

Councillor Millar said problems elsewhere in the city centre were being tackled by making certain sections cycle only and not shared with pedestrians.

Scott raised the issue of buskers, specifically the ‘Cat Man’ outside the St Enoch Centre. He had been giving a police warning but continued to ignore the busking code. Police had never confiscated any busker’s equipment.  When was Glasgow City Council (GCC) going to take effective action to enforce its busking code? Signage said volume should be ‘reasonable’ but this was a very subjective term.

Gary noted the busking code said ‘music should not be heard over 30 metres away.’

Councillor Millar said GCC was trying to work with police but they couldn’t be there every time. He did not believe GCC had the power to enforce a legal volume level. Councillor Braat said buskers could often be heard 200 or 300 yards away.

CS asked why busking wasn’t only allowed in certain locations and why the use of amplifiers could not be banned. Councillor Millar said any such ban would require national legislation. 

Custom House Quay Avenues Projects

A presentation was given by Lisa Scott – Principal Officer, Glasgow City Council, Fiona Stewart – Associate, Hawkins\Brown and Barbara Vecchione – Senior Designer and Architect, New Practice

An updated Proposal of Application Notice has been submitted for land and quay walls at Custom House Quay/Clyde Street. This relates to public realm and amenity enhancements, replacement and alterations to embankment walls and commercial works, and includes creation  of a ‘River Park’. See https://www.meetourwaterfront.co.uk/

They explained this is part of the City Deal programme and arose primarily from the need to strengthen the quay wall which is nearing the end of its useful life. Several major projects were due to take place in the area, e.g. St Enoch Square re-development, and this was part of a larger Masterplan to make better use of the waterfront and improve access to it. 

There would be a main gathering space, civic space, creative space and green space. The existing amphitheatre would be demolished. 

It includes Carlton Place (outside the MCTCC area) where the emphasis would be more on a natural garden riverbank setting. 

The developers are hosting two public events on 9th October at The Banqueting Hall, Glasgow City Chambers (11-2 pm and 5-8 pm). Local residents are also invited to a focussed workshop session which will give them the opportunity to discuss their thoughts and ideas with the design team. This will be on 8th October from 6-8 pm at 231 George Street. 

Gordon asked why the South Portland Suspension Bridge did not seem to be included in the plan. The developers intended to tackle both sides of the river but nothing on the bridge which connected them? Lisa said there was nothing structurally wrong with it. Scott said a continuing problem could be graffiti which regularly covered every part of the bridge no matter how often GCC staff cleaned it.

Ward Councillors Reports

South Portland Suspension Bridge

Councillor Millar said the main lighting on the west side was operational but the East side had a fault and this required specialist equipment to fix. Spare parts were difficult to obtain and expensive. 

Walkabout

Councillor Millar and Councillor Braat had taken part in a walkabout around the MCTCC area with Gordon. Problems had been noted and would be followed up. ACTION: Councillor Millar/Gordon

Councillor Braat said the King Street car park development would be mixed use. A public consultation was due on Wednesday 25 September. 

ACTION: Tam, Gary and Ross will attend and report back

Tam reminded the meeting that MCTCC had been campaigning for years to have Merchant City’s first GP surgery. Developers should help pay for this. Scott said no developer behind student accommodation had offered to provide any substantial funding for local amenities and the Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership had informed the Community Council there was no funding for a surgery in the foreseeable future.

Baillie Mearns said she had been informed that AXM in Glassford Street had permission from owners of the wall on which it planned to erect a mural to mark Pride Week 2025. Tam said he had been unable to contact AXM but would continue his efforts. ACTION: Tam 

Gary said there was no information about what would be on the mural which would include advertising. 

On ‘Trees for Streets’ Baillie Mearns said the sponsorship scheme did not apply to the city centre.

Scott asked whether money from Low Emission Zone fines was to be spent on planting more trees. Councillor Millar said £500,000 would be set aside, parts of which would be put towards the ’Trees for Streets’ programme and greening the city centre including installation of a score of large scale planters which would avoid the problems of public realm design and need to avoid underground utilities. 

David Hughes said money from developers should be ring fenced for that particular part of the city. Councillor Millar said early identification of specific funding projects would be helpful. 

Scott thanked Councillors Braat and Millar for taking part in the walkabout and thanked Gordon for leading MCTCC’s part in it. He also thanked David Fox who had taken over management of the latest litter pick, in which Ward Councillors had also taken part. This yielded 20 bags of rubbish collected by 17 people, using MCTCC’s own equipment. 

Licensing

Application from Escape Room, St Enoch Square. Objections to be raised by 26 September.

Christmas Lights switch-on, George Square, Sunday 17 November. No objection.

GCC’s Licensing Committee is holding a hearing on licence applications by Dreamhouse 2000 Ltd tomorrow for short term lets at 120 Ingram Street. In February Gary/Ros lodged an objection on the basis of suspected ‘party flats’ and Scott did the same on MCTCC’s behalf.

ACTION: Gary attended. Approval was granted. 

Planning

Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) including 137-151 Trongate and King Street car park re-development

Scot said MCTCC was fairly happy with the architecture of the above application and that the development was flexible to take account of future needs. It was the first time in many years a developer was trying to do something with the building and therefore was to be welcomed. 

He added that the latest report on PBSAs, co-authored by Glasgow University, effectively rubbished a report by estate agent Savills which claimed a far higher shortfall. Why were so many PBSA applications being lodged and receiving approval?  

Gary provided recent information from a publication co-authored by Glasgow University:

https://housingevidence.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/160924-Student-Housing-v3-.pdf

The key numbers outlined  are:

Table 1

2022/23 – Student Accommodation need and demand estimates – Shortfall – 6093

Table 2

2022/23 – PBSA development and pipeline – 28 Schemes with planning permission with 7057 bedspaces, and 4846 bedspaces due to be operational within next 2 years

Area Partnership

(The forum in which representatives of the 7 Community Councils in Ward 10 meet senior Glasgow City Council officials)

David Hughes said there would be verbal report on PBSAs at a meeting on 26 September by the head of Glasgow City Council’s Neighbourhood, Regeneration and Sustainable Directorate, plus an update on busking.

There remained £370,000 in the Area Infrastructure Fund to be spent. The next meeting of the Area Partnership would be on 5 December. At our October MCTCC meeting we should have specific ideas on how that money could be spent. 

These might include green spaces, leisure and play, street furniture/lighting and CCTV, potholes remediation, road safety and signage, clearing graffiti and Buddleia bushes. Ross, Ros, Alice and Niall had already put forward useful ideas. Suggestions should be given to David. ACTION: ALL/David Hughes

He had issues about the accuracy of Area Partnership minutes as reported by GCC. Community Councils’ anger about graffiti had not been mentioned. Instead, the only point mentioned was GCC’s emphasis on ‘legal’ graffiti walls. The AP is a conduit for Community Councils to express their views. Councillor Millar said no City Council meeting had verbatim minutes. 

BL said more CCTV could deter graffiti. Tam said a cost of £17,000 per camera had been quoted. 

George Square Re-development

Gary confirmed there would be a presentation at our October meeting from GCC project lead.  ACTION: Gary

Website and Community Engagement

Niall said there should be an outline of the new Website soon. MCTCC is adding Threads to its Social Media outlets.

The Community Council’s two notice boards need cleaned up.

Meeting with new MP John Grady

Gary and Tam met him on 18 September. His Senior Parliamentary Assistant Ben McKee has been invited to attend future monthly MCTCC meetings. Dedicated meetings will be arranged with the MP, as with our MSP. Mr Grady will opt in to receive meeting minutes.

ACTION: Gary to follow up with Ben to provide photo and bio for Website and arrange next quarterly meeting.

Treasurer’s Report

Gordon reported a balance of £7,299.24 after payment of various invoices. A further £1,599 was due for the balance of Website costs.

Scott said a film company due to work in and around Parnie/King Streets next month has been asked for a contribution to our Community Grant Scheme. 

Baillie Mearns said matched funding might be available from GCC for any project. ACTION: Possibility to be discussed at next Mid-Monthly Meeting.

Public Toilets Consultation

Scott explained GCC was asking for comments on its public consultation. Perhaps any Tourist Tax (Visitor Levy) could go towards providing these? There are none in Merchant City. ACTION: Scott 

Arrangements for October Main Meeting (includes AGM)

All active Community Councils in Glasgow are due to hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October.

Nominations for office bearers are welcome.  

Any Other Business

Tam said MCTCC had received no notification of road closures for the 6 October Great Scottish Run. 

ACTION: Niall to share information on Website.

Gary said re-location of Abbey Chemist had been discussed at a meeting  convened by The Social Hub, Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership, and the Chemist. 

ACTION: A follow up-meeting, again to be driven by The Social Hub, will be held following next month’s opening of the Safe Drug Consumption Unit in Hunter Street. 

BL asked about the future of the area around the Social Hub. Gary said there were no plans for any specific green space. There is outline planning consent for three further buildings on the vacant site. Gary has received confirmation that the pavement on Candleriggs will be reinstated this month and solid hoarding installed to secure the vacant site.

ACTION: MCTCC to remain in contact with DRUM Developments. 

David asked if MCTCC meetings could be moved to another venue such as the Social Hub. Tam said he would be reluctant to move the venue from City Chambers. MCTCC remained grateful to all four Ward Councillors for enabling this. 

Next Main Meeting (Includes AGM)

Tuesday 29 October, 6.30 pm – City Chambers.

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by Richard Longmuir

Meeting Minutes, 25 February 2025

19/03/2025Minutes

DRAFT MINUTES

 

Meeting of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC)

Glasgow City Chambers on 25th February 2025

 

Community Cllrs: Tam Coyle (Chair), David Hughes, Niall McColl, David Cowan, Gordon Millar, Gary Atkinson and Ros Wardley-Atkinson.

Assoc. Comm. Cllr Ross Naismith.

Elected Cllrs:   Cllr Angus Millar, also Alisdair McDougal from Kaukab Stewart MSP Office.

Police:              PC Martin and PC Ishfaq.

Ex-Officio:       Gary Fanning (The Splash).

Residents:       DF, RA, MG, KG, RE, GMcI and TMcK.

By video link:  Cllr Eva Bolander, Alice Cowan, EM, GW and AM

Apologies:      Scott Thornton, Colin McKay, Peter Hayman, Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns and Cllr Philip Braat.

 

MINUTES OF 28TH JANUARY MEETING

 

The previous minutes are available on the MCTCC website.

Adoption of minutes: Proposed by David Cowan, Seconded by Gary Atkinson. Carried.

 

POLICE REPORT

 

PC Martin read out from a Police Report for the MCTCC area prepared by PC Baxter. 

From the 1st to the 25th of February a total of 77 crimes were reported of which 39 had been detected. This included theft (especially from retail premises), possession of controlled substances, road traffic offences and disorder offences.  A warrant search at a property was carried out and report submitted to the Procurator Fiscal (PF).  

 

PC Ishfaq reported they have been attending to local issues such as ebike riders. Since the end of December 2024, they have seized 24 illegal e-bikes and reported 102 offences to the PF. They continue to be proactive in monitoring their impact on the streets. An unannounced day of action is planned in the near future.

 

A resident complained about ebikes not using cycle lanes when they are available and riding on the pavement instead, very near to pedestrians. It was discussed how ebikes are not allowed on payments.  

 

The police have been monitoring Ramshorn Graveyard and the New and Old Wynd lanes. 

Gary Atkinson has had reports of people gaining access to private doorways to take drugs, sleep or cause damage.  

 

ELECTED MEMBERS’ REPORTS

 

Councillor Millar

 

Councillor Millar attended the MCTCC litter picking event on Saturday 22nd of February.

He also attended the recent walkabout survey with community councillors and Louise Stewart, the Community Neighbourhood Liaison Officer. She will follow up on the issues discussed such as drainage problems and poor or damaged signage on High Street.  

 

Cllr Millar attended the Custom House Quay consultation where he saw several CC members.  He has contacted the developers at Dixon St and Broomielaw area regarding the long term lack of progress on the site.

 

Ross Naismith commented on the excess street furniture on Glassford St; from to Wilson St to Ingram St, where there are 11 poles on the pavement.  Cllr Millar will enquire as to the feasibility of removing any redundant poles or having the information otherwise displayed, on a wall for example.

 

GW noted how binmen are coming to empty the bins at the Santa Lucia restaurant, near to Albion St and Ingram St, at 5am which wakes everyone up.  Tam enquired about the upcoming band marches, he understands that they will not be allowed to go to George Square, to lay a wreath for example.  Tam commented the streetlights at the bottom of Millar St have not been working for five months, residents have reported this many times.  

 

Ebikes

 

Cllr Millar confirmed that ebike cyclists, under the Highway Code, are not allowed on pavements unless there are signs to say otherwise. It is unacceptable to ride in a way that endangers anyone. The police do stop ebikes if they have been recklessly towards a member of the public. Tam noted that MCTCC recommended that ebikes riders wear an identifiable number tabards, or such like, to be made more traceable.  

 

RA enquired about what the situation on the pedestrian precincts such as on Argyle St or Buchanan St?  Cllr Millar believed they should dismount, depending on how crowded the street is. Ros Wardley Atkinson enquired if there could be any signage for ebike riders to slow down in pedestrian areas to act as a deterrent. Cllr Millar would take this onboard for consideration.

 

George Square Redevelopment

 

Cllr Millar recently attended an exhibition on the redevelopment of George Square. 

A George Square Redevelopment Communication Plan has been setup. Information notice boards will soon be erected in the square to improve public awareness of the project phases.

 

The information on the boards have received positive feedback. However, Ross Naismith considers they are hard to read due to the being too dark. Cllr Millar has heard that the surface on which the text is printed makes it difficult to read

 

GCC have laid sand on the former grass areas until upcoming events and construction is complete. This will save money from having to re-turf them several times over

 

Gary Atkinson suggested that perhaps a QR code might be put on the George Square noticeboards so people can learn more or enquire further, Cllr Millar agreed.  Kieran Buchanan, who is part of The Avenues project, will be giving a presentation at the March MCTCC meeting.

 

Councillor Eva Bolander

 

Councillor Eva Bolander reported the GCC annual budget has been approved. This  includes added revenue for the Cleansing Services and the Deep clean Team.  She has a meeting next week with The High Street Reference Group which MCTCC has contributed to with neighbouring CCs. She reminded everyone that the benches are being relocated from George Square during the redevelopment works. They may be taken back once the project is complete.  

 

PLANNING ISSUES

 

Ross Naismith spoke to the King St car park developers recently who are looking to renew their planning application by the start of the next quarter.

 

He attended the Custom House Quay and Calton Place consultations and put forward our endorsement, subject to conditions. They will submit a PPP, which means ‘planning permission in principle’. Both projects will have a review for further input.

 

He reminded the meeting of the consultation on the new hotel development in Maxwell Street on will take place in Granite House on Thursday 27th February.

 

He will attend an ‘in person hearing’ on the proposal at Old Wynd at Osborne St, this a proposal for a 15 storey building. MCTCC put an objection for this development in early 2024. The architect of Heritage Society of Scotland also put an objection. He is minded to submit a second objection due the height and the saturation of student accommodation in Glasgow. 

 

Ross Naismith suggested that if student accommodation is to be built, it should be designed to be flexible enough such that it can be reconfigured to accommodate regular apartments in the future. Objections about the concentration have not been as successful as those complaining about the lack of design merit. 

 

David Hughes added that Sarah Shaw, head of planning, gave a presentation to the Area Partnership (AP) last December on student housing. A holistic view about the number of developments was not considered, but only the individual application basis, however this is now changing. 

 

Tam and Gary met the Drum developers the week previous regarding the three plots adjacent to Candleriggs.  Drum developments have a PPP to delay starting building from 2025 to 2028.

 

The Clutha Vaults have put a planning application for a LED light presentation board around the roof of the bar at the end of the Broomielaw. It is 20m long, 5m high and will include flashing LED lights. MCTCC is minded to object.

 

Ross has approached the local Councillors about improvement plans for High Street. 

It is anticipated that the existing plans will be reviewed. Cllr Millar has expressed a view, along with Bailie Christy Mearns, of increased ‘greening’ from George St down to Trongate.

 

The final decision by the Scottish Government Reporter has approved the Artisan Developers residential development application at Ingram St.  This is where the Merchant City Park (MCP) group fought to community ownership to install a park instead. The main condition attributed by the Reporter relates to noise proofing from the Fruitmarket Concert Hall to the new residential building. 

 

Local Place Plan (LPP)

 

David Hughes, as well as several other community councillors, have been attending the online training courses to develop a LPP. 

 

NW AREA PARTNERSHIP

 

David Hughes attended the last Area Partnership meeting on the 13th of February. Police Inspector Jonny Watters gave a report on how they are implementing the new Busking Action Plan. Officers will patrol the city centre fortnightly accompanied by GCC Community Enforcement Officers discuss this with street performers.

 

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are currently holding a public consultation on its strategy for 2025-2028. It closes on Wednesday 2nd of April. It can be accessed here: 

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/get-involved/consultations/sfrs-strategy-2025-2028/

 

David Hughes has submitted 5 bids for the National Infrastructure Fund by the 21st of February. This included the planting of 74 trees in the Merchant City; a new children’s play area on Albion St / Ingram St; pedestrianisation of Candleriggs; refurbishment of the Tron Steeple and the replacement of 2 dead trees on Ingram St.  There are 7 CCs eligible to apply with their list of 5 bids.  The bids will be voted for approval at the next AP meeting on the 27th of March.

 

Ross Naismith will have an informal meeting with David Hughes and Cllr Millar to discuss how these initiatives could still be taken forward if not successful with AP funding. MCTCC have applied to the LEZ fund for tree planting.

 

Two seating benches have been installed on Ingram St, which came from George Square. There are more benches available, people should contact Cllr Eva Bolander if they have suggestions of suitable locations. It was suggested the area outside the Old Sherriff Court, however this may be subject to planning permission. Gary Atkinson added the Drum developers who will contact Cllr Bolander direct for bench seating. 

 

Student housing will be discussed at the next AP meeting and may issue a statement regarding this which could feed into the next City Development Plan.

 

LICENCING

 

There is an application for a market on Osbourne St from 25th April to 25th May and will have 25 stalls.  This is at the back of Argyle St Rail Station, near to the taxi rank. The last day to object is the 18th of April.

 

LOCAL ISSUES

 

Busking

 

The police will carry out a day of action to ensure the recently published code of conduct is being adhered to.

 

Pavement, and Double, Parking

 

Tam reported there is a lot of double parking on Millar Street. He enquired who is responsible for monitoring parking after 8pm at night when the majority of infringements take place.  Cllr Millar will feedback to Tam.

 

Public Toilet Consultation

 

No update this month.

 

Litter Pick

 

David Hughes was pleased the Saturday 22nd February event was a success. There were 22 volunteers including 8 community councilors, 9 new attendees and 4 people from The Garment Factory. They collected 32 bags of litter.  A follow up email was received from a group across the river who will carry out a litter pick there, DH shall loan the equipment.  

 

Gordon Millar observed a noticeable difference in the cleanliness of our area now. There is a large amount of litter on the River Clyde riverbank at Calton Place. There is an opportunity to link up with other groups for future clean-ups.

 

David Hughes asked Cllr Millar what provisions are in place for the litter closer to the river, over the metal fence.  GCC hire a specialist contractor to do this. This issue was noted during the walkabout survey. Louise Stewart has undertaken to see if this can be arranged.

 

FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD (FORG)

 

David Hughes reported the next quarterly meeting is the 12th of March. He attended a first aid course in St Andrews, he has arranged public liability insurance for FORG. A suitable uniform for tour guide duties will be purchased.  They will start to advertise in March with a view to starting tours in June.

 

WEBSITE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

 

Niall McColl reported the final draft of the updated website will be finished this week.

The community survey will take place in April.

The two MCTCC noticeboards have been deteriorated due to vandalism over the last few years despite being cleaned. An email will be sent to community councillors to consider what is the best option going forward.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

 

Gordon Millar (Treasurer) reported MCTCC have £,6,725.51 in the bank. Tam invited funding applications, for use within our area, to be submitted for consideration.

 

Niall McColl reported that House Productions will be filming in Wilson St and will make a donation to affected residents and MCTCC.

 

Emails from GCC with funding opportunities now only be received by Gordon Millar.  

 

AOCB

 

Scottish Premier League Celebration Plan

 

Regarding the end of the football season celebrations for the winners of Scottish Premier League, Tam, Scott Thornton and Alistair McDougall (from Kaukab Stewart MSP office) met with John Grady MP two weeks ago. 

 

Tam suggested the use of Celtic Park, the Emirates Arena and/or Glasgow Green to distribute crowds and reduce pressure on the local area. A meeting is scheduled for March 28th at Hampden Park with multiple agencies to discuss the situation. Ross Naismith welcomed this initiative and believed it could make the celebrations at least more manageable.

 

Gary Atkinson attended the Glasgow Life Forum last week for the City Centre Strategy 2030. He noted after the presentation there was no reference the much-publicised Tourism Levy or Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). Cllr Millar believed once both had been confirmed they would be incorporated in the end document.

 

David Cowan noted a chess club now runs in the Namaste Indian restaurant in St Enochs Center on Wednesday evenings between 6-9pm.

 

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 25th March, 6.30-8.30 pm in City Chambers

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by Richard Longmuir

Upcoming Road Closures

17/03/2025Minutes

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by Richard Longmuir

Meeting Minutes, 27 August 2024

17/09/2024Minutes

These draft minutes will be presented at our meeting on 24th September for approval

Meeting of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council held on  27 August 2024 in City Chambers, from 6.30 pm

Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), Gary Atkinson, David Hughes, Niall McColl, Gordon Millar, Ross Naismith, Scott Thornton, Rosalind Wardley-Smith, Ward Councillors Baillie Christy Mearns and Angus Millar, PC Sean McFadden, RA, CD, ND, MD, DF, AM, AMcD, AMcD, HMcD, TMcK, KL, MR, NM, PP.

By Zoom video: Alice Cowan, David Cowan, AC, SL, EM, JR

Apologies: Councillor Eva Bolander, Peter Hayman, Colin McKay, PS

MINUTES OF 30 JULY MEETING

Proposed by Tam Coyle, seconded by Niall McColl. Approved. 

POLICE ISSUES

PC McFadden (SMcF) reported that in the period 30 July to 27 Aug in the MCTCC area (for police purposes this excludes the St Enoch Centre) there were a total of 160 reported crimes, 52 of which were detected - i.e. someone was apprehended or the perpetrator known. These figures are indicative. Crimes included assault, bail offences and retail thefts. 

Tam asked about a recent instance of a vehicle being driven the wrong way way up Candleriggs and noted that the southern part of that street is signposted pedestrian-only. He quoted residents as saying there were not enough police officers visible on the street but noted that often they were in plain clothes and not in uniform.

SMcF said the Ramshorn graveyard had become a hot spot for drugs misuse and was receiving a lot of police attention. Arrests had been made, partly after alerts from the public. Police were also liaising with Glasgow City Council about clearing up needles. David Hughes thanked police for their interventions.

Police had a contingency plan to cope with a possible demonstration in George Square on 7 September by supporters and opponents of the Far Right.

Police had taken action against illegal e-bikes which were sometimes being ridden at excessive speeds.

In response to a point by a resident about slow police response times Tam said the issue was on the agenda for MCTCC officials’ regular meetings with the city centre Police Inspector.

DISTURBANCES BY FOOTBALL FANS

Scott reported that earlier today he and Gary met MSP Kaukab Stewart (who kindly hosted the meeting) and representatives of Celtic and Rangers football clubs to discuss ways of avoiding repetitions of the anti-social behaviour experienced in May 2023 and May 2024. 

WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Baillie Mearns, catching up on issues following her maternity leave, said she was pleased with various aspects of the refreshed pending planning application for development of the King Street car park.

She was also pleased budget funding had been approved for the ‘Trees for Streets’ project. The Council is now looking at possible sites.

Baillie Mearns expressed thanks to MCTCC for its donation to Impact Arts which recently celebrated its 30th birthday.

Councillor Millar said there would be another community walkabout with Ward Councillors on 17 September (1-2.30 pm). Scott to advise details and meeting point. ACTION: Scott 

The ‘direction of travel’ for development of the waterfront between Custom Quay and Stockwell Street was on a smaller scale with greater emphasis on stabilising the quay wall and improving the public realm.

There would be a consultation on Tuesday 3 September (12–3 pm) on the High Street Avenues project. Venue: 231 George Street.

DF asked about the lack of trees around new housing developments.

He went on to complain about the standard of street cleansing and lack of Glasgow City Council (GCC) resources. Was GCC relying overly on volunteers doing litter picks? Money was being spent on ‘pointless’ projects such as painting bins (often covered with graffiti) rather than on such a basic requirement.  

RN said he, Gary and Scott had a constructive meeting with developers of the King Street car park on site yesterday and were assured their comments were being taken on board. Their attitude on a connection between Trongate and The Briggait mirrored ours. The developers also agreed planning would be flexible to meet changing demands of the marketplace. 

Scott said this showed the benefits of early consultation with residents. Thanks in large measure to Ross’ experience and expertise we had been able to perhaps influence the plans.

Noting that the plan included more student accommodation, he repeated MCTCC’s plea to GCC to get a grip on the issue. The Community Council had complained time after time about over-concentration of Purpose Built Student Accommodation yet applications were continuing to be approved. The inclusion of ‘Co-Living’ in the King Street plan was student accommodation by another name.

Ross said he was underwhelmed by the first two presentations he had attended on the Avenues project. The Custom Quay-Stockwell project did not address residential requirements. 

In response to a complaint from RA about fouling by pigeons and seagulls, Councillor Millar said signage could be improved to ask the public not to feed birds. Commercial waste was a particular problem. GCC had set times for this and perhaps enforcement on businesses which did not adhere to this should be stepped up. 

ND said a smoking area behind Pipeworks “gentlemen’s sauna’ in Metropole Lane was not only causing a fire risk because it is in an enclosed space but also creating noise into the wee small hours right outside her flat. ACTION: Angus 

Another resident complained about regular parking on double yellow lines by contractors working on the new Afro-Caribbean supermarket being built on the former Corrigans fishmongers’ site on Howard Street.

Angus said he would look into a problem  reported by BR about water ingress into flats in Montrose Street. ACTION: Angus

KL brought up the issue of a taxi rank set up without due notice outside the GPO Building in Ingram Street. This had been raised with Councillor Braat two meetings ago. Scott said he had received no reply from GCC to his query asking when the re-siting of the rank from George Square had been advised to local residents. Tam will discuss with Councillor Braat. ACTION: Tam

HOMELESS PROJECT SCOTLAND

Earlier in the meeting TD had raised problems arising from Homeless Project Scotland (HPS). 

Tam summarised that this opened in Glassford Street last December as a homeless shelter and was serving food. 

GCC had ordered the owner and occupier to apply for planning permission (change of use from offices) by 31 March but no such application had been lodged. 

Scott said meetings had been held with senior GCC officers including the Head of Planning in early June and a letter sent to the Chief Executive, Council Leader and Scottish Government. Meetings had been held with MSP Kaukab Stewart, all to no avail. 

However, he had been assured at a meeting with a senior GCC officer last week that a Planning Enforcement Notice would be served to the owner and occupier at the end of August.

It was disappointing that no reply had been received from Food Standards Scotland six weeks after MCTCC asked it to advise whether HPS had the relevant licence. 

Gary added that lack of action by Glasgow City Council was continuing to deprive local residents of the opportunity to comment on an application. 

Tam said it was the most frustrating case he had encountered in his 18 years on the Community Council. Sleeping accommodation was provided but there was only one fire escape. 

Councillor Millar said he shared Tam’s frustration. Intensive efforts had been made to find an alternative site.

Gordon said it was clear the site had not been zoned for that activity so why was it being asked to apply for planning consent for a purpose to which it was not entitled? What was the point of zoning in the first place?

LICENSING

An application had been lodged for an ‘Escape Room’ in the St Enoch Centre. Tam said MCTCC had no objection.

Gary explained that permission for bars or restaurants to provide pavement tables was covered by their overall licence based on the space allowed. They did not need a separate licence.

PLANNING

Tam said Ross was now assisting Peter Hayman with planning issues.

Ross had responded to GCC’s consultation on tall buildings on a personal basis but the Community Council now had to respond on its own behalf. All comments should be passed to the Secretary by 13 September, after which he will draft a response in conjunction with the Chair and co-Vice Chairs.

Scott said he and Gary met with senior GCC planners to discuss the George Square development and Avenues project between Custom Quay and Stockwell Street. We were keen to avoid problems encountered with the Sauchiehall Street works and requested residents’ representation, as an observer, on a monitoring body for George Square redevelopment. 

We were offered a 1-1 update each month and a presentation at our October meeting. Scott will arrange this. ACTION: Scott

Scott added that a presentation on the Custom Quay-Stockwell Street project may be delivered to an MCTCC meeting early in the New Year. 

George St/High Street derelict site - Scott has asked Ward Councillors to advise the status of this eyesore. Tam said the developer had run out of money. Angus is following up. ACTION: Angus 

Second stage of Candleriggs Square - Tam, Gary and Scott have met the developer to discuss this, with building due to start early next year. Tam said designs for a new mural would be presented to the Community Council when available. 

RA asked about the Pride pavement in Wilson Street. Tam said the first MCTCC knew about it was when it was finished. it was uneven and created a trip hazard. 

David Hughes said Local Development Plans fed into city development plans so it was important for MCTCC to comment on LDPs on issues such as student accommodation.

Pride Mural on AXM building, Glassford Street - Tam said the telephone number he’d been given does not accept messages. It was noted this 12 x 7 metres mural will dominate a large part of conservation area and will include advertising. ACTION: Tam

TD said AXM did not own the building.

LITTER PICK

David Hughes said this would take place on Saturday 21 September, from 10.30-1pm, meeting at the Ramshorn graveyard gate. MCTCC has received grant funding from Glasgow City Council for equipment which will be provided to volunteers. ACTION: David Hughes 

GRANT GIVING SCHEME

Niall said there was currently £6,500 in the fund and summarised the criteria. Further applications are welcome. Applicants do not have to be a registered charity. ACTION: All

FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD

Free public tours will be organised next year, tour guides trained and story boards created. The next meeting will be held from 6.30-8.30 pm on 4 September with a specialist speaker. More members are welcome. 

WEBSITE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Niall said an outline of MCTCC’s new Website should be ready by mid-September.

He will draft a short questionnaire to be completed by all Community Councillors as a mini-biog.ACTION: Niall 

TREASURER’S REPORT 

Gordon reported a bank balance £6,573 once outstanding cheques had been cleared. A GCC grant of £700 is expected around November. MCTCC’s accounting year end is end-August.

David Hughes said £367,000 remained in the Area Partnership fund. MCTCC should submit applications for suitable projects, otherwise other Community Councils would spend it. The Merchant City Handbook includes many good ideas and could be used as a source document. Tam said one  project could be installation of a CCTV camera around Parnie Street. ACTION: All

PUBLIC TOILETS

GCC is developing a strategy and actions around public toilets and inviting representations. There are no public toilets in Merchant City/Trongate or on Glasgow Green following closure of the People’s Palace. Scott is liaising with GCC on our response. All comments are welcome. ACTION: Scott/ALL 

NEXT PUBLIC MEETING

Tuesday 24 September, 6.30 pm, City Chambers

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by admin