Glasgow City Council has unveiled plans to transform the area around Byres Road, the centre of the city’s bohemian west end, in a £9 million project.

The Byres Road area is one of the Glasgow’s leading destinations for shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.

The council said the £9 million will come from the £1.13 billion Glasgow City Region City Deal and that construction work will begin in late 2018.

“The works will aim to improve connections to the Glasgow University campus,” said the council.

“Works will complement the university’s ambitious proposals which will see the expansion of the campus onto the site of the former Western Infirmary.

“The university estimates that its campus expansion has the potential to create 2,500 new jobs and contribute an additional £130 million to the economy each year.”

The council has appointed a design team — led by Glasgow architects Benton Scott-Simmons — to work on the preparation of public realm designs, and from February 2017 they will undertake community consultation and technical design work before construction work begins.

Frank McAveety, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Byres Road is a jewel in the crown of Glasgow’s economic and social life, attracting visitors from Glasgow and beyond to its attractions during the day and at night.

“This consultation process will help to ensure that it remains in this position by informing how best to shape the Byres Road that everyone with an interest in the area wants, and I would urge all stakeholders to participate.”

A series of public events will form part of the next stage of consultation on the proposed improvements, with the first of these taking place at Hillhead Library on February 23.

This consultation will involve key stakeholders including residents; community councils; voluntary organisations; businesses and organisations with premises on Byres Road; the Business Improvement District; event organisers such as the West End Festival; the University of Glasgow; council departments and other agencies who manage waste, cleansing, lighting, etc; and other organisations such as cycling groups and disability forums.