Plan to persuade shoppers that the Style Mile's better

AN AMBITIOUS plan to turn Glasgow's popular shopping district into one of Europe's top retail centres was unveiled yesterday.

The Style Mile project hopes to create one of the "most inspirational and stylish retail destinations in the UK and Europe". By establishing a distinctive shopping zone, improving facilities – such as increasing the number of seats and introducing entertainment events, city leaders hope to attract more customers.

It is estimated that the Style Mile – an area including Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street and their adjacent shopping streets – could bring in almost £1 million in extra revenue.

Lesley Ballantyne, chairwoman of the Style Mile, said the project aimed to reinforce Glasgow's reputation as a leading shopping destination.

"No business should be complacent about moving forward, and the competition is with us," she said. "Other cities around the UK and around the world are improving what they've got to offer, so we've got to keep apace with that.

"Glasgow has something really special here, retail is really the jewel in the crown of the city."

Ms Ballantyne, who is also managing director of John Lewis Glasgow, said the city would be promoted as a safe, clean place to shop in. A long-term goal is to drive more investment into the city centre, helping Glasgow to "retain our position as second– best shopping destination outside of London."

The Style Mile scheme is part of a Scotland-wide Business Improvement District (BID) scheme, which involves local retailers improving their area and boost sales.

There are five other pilot BID projects under way, in Edinburgh, Bathgate, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Inverness.

Following a consultation process over the coming months, 300 retailers in Glasgow will be asked to vote on whether the BID plans should be put into action.

Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, said the plans were vital during a time of global economic slowdown.

"We should never take anything for granted," he said. "The Style Mile is about building on an already successful brand, with retailers working in partnership with the public sector. It's about making it a more rounded experience.

"There couldn't be a more important or better time to be doing this. There is an international economic slowdown, so we cannot rest on our laurels; we've got to be a step ahead. "

Peter Langley, director of the real estate company DTZ Glasgow and a member of the project's steering group, agreed the project was timely.

He said: "This campaign is needed more now than any other time, especially within the current financial climate and as the economy gradually slows down."

Richard Cairns, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, stressed: "Glasgow city centre plays a key role in the prosperity of Glasgow and Scotland as a whole, and we are confident that the Style Mile can deliver real benefit to the city centre and to Glasgow."