George Square redesign divides Glasgow as some residents brand new public space 'Soviet'

George Square redesign divides Glasgow as some residents brand new public space 'Soviet' The latest phase of the George Square redesign in Glasgow has been unveiled, with some critics calling it a 'concrete jungle' while others say it gives the city a 'European feel' View 2 Images Glasgow City Council posted this image of the new George Square, sparking a backlash on social media (Image: Glasgow City Council) Glaswegians have delivered their verdict on the new George Square, with reactions proving decidedly mixed following the unveiling of the latest phase of the project to redesign the public space. The western section of the square was opened on Friday, with Glasgow City Council sharing an image of people sitting on new wooden benches. ‌ The photograph, in which virtually every single person is glued to a smartphone, has ignited debate online about the new design. The seating, which lacks backrests, is scattered across where the final few metres of Queen Street previously stood, while small trees have been planted among the paving blocks. ‌ Social media users were, however, divided in their opinions. One person branded it a "concrete jungle" while another remarked it "still looks essentially a concrete square with small islands of greenery and uncomfortable seats". ‌ Further descriptions included "soulless, "bland", and "ex-Soviet eastern European," while one person commented it "Looks like Soviet era monobloc avenues". Maureen Johnson said: "Just another step towards Glasgow - à once uplifting, warm city - heading towards complete soullessness. Oh there's another even more sinister part - those areas we reluctantly visit during the day are dangerous no go areas at night. Courtesy SNP - soulless and incompetent.", reports the Scottish Daily Express. ‌ Haitch7 said: "I'm actually utterly mortified and embarrassed. You should be ashamed of yourselves. This is a joke." View 2 Images How George Square looked in its glory days (Image: The Print Collector/The) And Mashscot said: "Glasgow has some of the finest Victorian architecture in Britain, so naturally we've complemented it with what appears to be a municipal square from Soviet-era Russia." ‌ Numerous commenters pointed out that the backless benches left people stooped forward and could prove wholly unsuitable for elderly visitors. Scottish Express columnist Alan Grant said: "It's fine. It's functional. And I'm glad they've finally done something with it. But it still looks a bit, Soviet?". "It might just be the Kremlin in the background but it's a bit Brutalist. Still, given how hard it is to get anything done in modern Scotland, points for trying." Yet the revamped design also attracted a considerable number of admirers, with the This is Glasgow account declaring they "love it". It added: "Getting rid of the road has opened up the space and really shows off the surrounding architecture to its full potential. ‌ "The newly planted ginkgo trees will look spectacular when their leave turn golden as the autumn progresses. "Finally, the new seating and tables help give it a very European feel. As long as the rest of it matches this part, it's going to be a real asset for the city (or at least that's my opinion)." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here, select 'Join Community' and you're in! We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Article continues below Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google's preferred sources. Click HERE.