High Street (Glasgow)

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High Street in Glasgow, Scotland is the city's oldest and one of its most historically significant streets.

Originally the city's main street in medieval times, it formed a direct north-south artery between the Cathedral of St. Mungo (later Glasgow Cathedral) in the north, to Glasgow Cross and the banks of the River Clyde.

When the Industrial Revolution in Victorian times triggered the massive growth in Glasgow's size, the importance of High Street diminished as the administrative functions of the city moved westward into what is now known as the Merchant City area. The original City Chambers at the foot of High Street was closed and moved to the present building which stands overlooking George Square in the late 1800s.

As the 20th Century progressed, many areas of High Street fell into dereliction. However in the early 21st Century, the fortunes of High Street have enjoyed a renaissance with Glasgow's growing economy. Much of the derelict land has been redeveloped into upmarket apartment buildings and new student residences for the adjacent University of Strathclyde. The former railway lands next to High Street railway station are being developed into a science park. The railway station itself will be substantially remodelled if the Glasgow Crossrail scheme is approved by the Scottish Executive.