Work to revamp Glasgow's George Square is set to begin in January next year, as the final design has been confirmed.

Hoardings will be put up around the civic square and 11 statues removed for storage and restoration once the Christmas 2024 decorations are removed.

A contractor is set to be awarded the main contract by February and construction at George Square is expected to be completed by August 2026.

The designs include a water feature, a raised lawn, sheltered seating and feature lighting. There will also be informal play areas for children.

The council said the designs for the eastern part of the square reflect “its institutional character and the formality of the city chambers and the Cenotaph”.

At the western end of the square there will be an area for cafes, with paved space for events.

Work on surrounding streets is due to be finished by April 2027, with statues returned to new locations on the square a few months later.

The final cost of the project will be determined during the procurement process.

Funding is being provided through the City Deal programme, a £1bn infrastructure scheme funded by both the UK and Scottish governments.