Thursday August 13th 2026
The street hub unit would be located close to the Mary Barbour statue (pictured) (image: Glasgow City Council)
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
A bid from BT to install a street hub close to a statue and demolish a phone box has been turned down by Glasgow City Council for the second time.
The kiosk featuring a digital advertising screen was to be placed close to the Govan subway and near the Mary Barbour statue, which concerned councillors.
The plan for the site opposite 794 Govan Road was originally refused by the council for a number of reasons including that it could obstruct pedestrians.
Councillors knocked back the planning application again this week as they disagreed with its proximity to the landmark paying tribute to political activist Mary Barbour who fought for tenant rights.
Councillor Mhairi Hunter said: “Given how much space there is there, siting it so close to the Mary Barbour statue is kind of almost perverse. I’d like to say: ‘what were you thinking?’ It has made it almost impossible for us to agree to it. I don’t think we have any choice.”
Councillor Ken Andrew, planning local review committee chair, said: “I think it is way too close to the Mary Barbour statue – it is an important thing that we celebrate and commemorate the sacrifice that Mary Barbour and other women made in terms of the rent strike.”
He also pointed out the bright “advertising hoarding” would be in a conservation area on the roadside and would be a major use of energy.
An appeal by BT against the original refusal said “any perceived visual or other harm is outweighed by the myriad of significant public benefits”.
It said: ” The proposal would be commensurate with the existing form and surrounding land use of the locality in keeping with the busy, commercial area of Glasgow, even when accounting for the presence of important heritage assets.”
The appeal also pointed out the kiosk would be powered “by 100% renewable carbon-free energy”.
The proposal also included a plan to remove an old phone box 11 metres from the location of the proposed BT street hub unit.
Councillors rejected the appeal at this week’s planning local review committee and the application was refused.
Some of the uses for the hub include availability of public wi-fi, USB ports for charging and a 999 call button.
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