A well-known street in Glasgow has been nominated for Scotland’s ugliest eyesore, sparking conversations about urban decay and planning issues.
Glasgow: A prominent street in the city has been nominated for Scotland’s ugliest eyesore. This comes as the Carbuncle Awards make a comeback, allowing locals to voice their frustrations about poor planning and architectural blunders.
The awards were on hold from 2015, as they faced criticism for being harsh on struggling communities. But now, the magazine behind the awards thinks it’s time to bring them back. Previous winners included places like Coatbridge and Cumbernauld.
This year, the spotlight is on Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street, which were nominated due to their lack of upkeep. The judges pointed out that these streets should be as vibrant as Barcelona’s Las Ramblas, but they’re not quite there yet.
With the rise of online shopping and tough economic times, the need for these awards feels more urgent. The editor of the Urban Realm magazine, which runs the awards, believes they can help highlight the issues facing our streets.
Some folks see the award as a wake-up call. Glasgow Labour MSP Paul Sweeney mentioned that while it’s not a flattering title, it’s a chance for the city to tackle its development challenges.
Last year, a local director described Buchanan Street as looking like a warzone, especially after two major fires. Plus, the remains of the O2 ABC music venue are still a sad sight after its partial demolition.
Stuart Patrick from the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce noted that the return of the Carbuncle Awards is a chance for reflection and action. Meanwhile, Glasgow City Council is working on regenerating Sauchiehall Street, aiming to make it more appealing for everyone.
