7N Architects, in collaboration with landscape architects Rankin Fraser, have been commissioned to develop and deliver the transformation of the public realm under the M8 at Garscube Road. The project will be the first phase of the Speirs Locks regeneration initiative and will re-open the crucial initial connection to the city
centre. A strongly coloured continuous surface will radically open up the route for pedestrians and cyclists, flanked by planted green terraces which will flow into the new green link up to the canal towpath. The route will be marked by illuminated "flowers" evoking the memory of Phoenix Park which once stood on the site.
The proposals deliberately "turn up the volume" to compete with the oppressive scale of the M8 flyover in order to reclaim the territory for pedestrians. An important step in healing the scar of the motorway. Construction is anticipated to commence in the summer of 2009.
