Latest Buchanan Galleries revamp designs released
THE latest designs for a revamping of arguably Glasgow’s most high-profile shopping district have been revealed, following a third consultation round.
Buchanan Galleries – at the top of the city’s Buchanan Street – have been earmarked for some time for removal and rebuilding as a ‘mixed-use’ city neighbourhood.
Say the site’s owners – commercial property development and investment company, Landsec – the latest designs – in the form of a suite of computer-generated images – “reflect how the proposals for key parts of the development have evolved following extensive consultation with the public, local community, and other city groups and businesses”.
A media announcement says: “Feedback from the second stage of consultation demonstrated a desire for the plans to boost the day and night-time economies in the city and accommodate world-class shopping and a diverse mix of places to live, work and play.
“The proposed masterplan will support Glasgow’s future in creating a vibrant district in the heart of the city. The development aims to enhance the overall experience for visitors to the city centre, reintroduce a variety of flagship and independent shops and restaurants into the site and improve access to the key transport hubs of Queen St station, Buchanan St bus station and Buchanan St subway.”
The consultation process is explained here.
The announcement continues: “A key element of the masterplan is the improvement and extension of fully accessible public spaces which will be enriched by trees and planting.
“Two key areas that will be tested with people taking part in the consultation are the creation of a new public park or building above the railway on Cathedral Street, and potential options to add a new and fully accessible street level entrance and gathering place at the Royal Concert Hall.
“The removal of Buchanan Galleries, which is currently joined to the Royal Concert Hall, would also allow for the extension of Sauchiehall Street to the east of the city, strengthening the iconic Glasgow grid and significantly improving connectivity and safety as people move around the area.
“Evolving work by the expert design team has revealed that the removal of the Sauchiehall portion of Buchanan Galleries would result in a challenge in retaining the Royal Concert Hall steps in their current shape.
“However, Landsec fully recognise they serve as an important space for public gatherings, so the designers have carefully and thoughtfully proposed innovative options that include replacement steps with improved accessibility for all, which would also contribute to an overall increase in the amount of public space.
“The designs also include the addition of a new public space to encourage more visitors into the heart of the city centre from across Glasgow, Scotland and further afield, supporting both local businesses and the wider community. Proposed options include the creation of an attractive public park or pavilion that would enable cultural and community events and activities to take place.”
The announcement adds: “To contribute to Glasgow City Council and Scottish Government net zero targets, environmental sustainability is at the heart of the masterplan vision.
“Plans to remove the existing car parking facilities will be incorporated into the proposal and will reclaim valuable space for the development, enable additional pedestrianised spaces and a better city centre experience for residents and visitors to ultimately help Glasgow become a greener, safer, and cleaner city. The plans will ensure blue badge holders remain catered for. Measures to accommodate electric vehicles and provide improved access to neighbouring carparks for those who require access will also be pursued.”
Picture credit: Landsec
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