An update on the programme given to a Glasgow City Council committee this week revealed plans to install hoardings and a site compound as soon as the 2024 Christmas decorations come down.

Between January and March next year, 11 bronze statues will be removed and transported to an adequate storage facility.

The statues will be conserved and restored between July 2025 and July 2027, before being returned to their new location on the completed square from July 2027 onwards.

The main public realm work in the square is expected to start in April 2025 and last until August 2026 although there will be disruption on surrounding streets until April 2027 as people-friendly Avenues are created on John Street, North Hanover Street, George Street (between Nelson Mandela Place and Montrose Street) Cochrane Street, St Vincent Place and Hanover Street, and Miller Street.

Hoardings blocking off George Square will display graphics showing the progress of key current and future projects, images and interpretation on the square’s statues, and have viewing areas to enable public visibility of the construction activity.

Officials stated: “The final technical design proposal continues to respond to the original design statements of creating a greener, sustainable, and accessible high quality public space for the people of Glasgow and its visitors.”

Last month, the council put out a call for specialists to work on the restoration of the square’s landmark statues. The experts will ensure the council has the necessary knowledge for the dismantling, transportation, storage and conservation of the bronze monuments – several of which are A-listed.

Given the highly specialised nature of bronze conservation, the experts being sought will help the council drill down into the required expertise of organisations bidding for the different areas of the work including their professional credentials, the suitability of storage space they are offering, and the type of community benefits that could be delivered.