Views being sought on the future of major Glasgow shopping mall

VIEWS are being sought on whether to potentially turn one of Scotland’s best-known shopping malls into a ‘mixed-use’ development, to include residential and hotel space.

Media coverage of the consultation invite has been to suggest that Glasgow’s Buchanan Galleries might be demolished, following an announcement by the mall’s owners.

Begins a media release issued by Landsec: “[We are] launching a consultation on its plans for the future of the centre. The proposals are a response to the disruption facing retail, which has been accelerated by the [COVID-19] pandemic, and designed to support the City of Glasgow’s net zero ambitions to build on the success of [the UN Climate Change Conference, held in Glasgow last year] COP26.”

The release quotes Landsec’s managing director (development), David Heaford, as saying: “Our vision is to replace the existing shopping centre with an exciting new mixed-use urban neighbourhood in the heart of Glasgow city centre, blending world-class shopping with places to work, live and play.

“Our plans will seek to extend the city’s iconic and accessible grid layout, support the city’s net zero ambitions and be informed by the needs and views of local people, visitors and businesses.”

The release also quotes the city council’s leader, Cllr Susan Aitken, as being broadly supportive.

Views can be submitted here.

Update: January 27 2022: Glasgow City Council has announced, here, its intention to “enter negotiations” with Landsec, adding: “The council is considering the use of Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) to support some of the major enabling works that would be required for the masterplan to be delivered.

“This would include a proposal to construct a capping over some, or all, of the North Cutting of the railway line at Queen Street Station to create a platform for either a building or a public space, in addition to public realm works in and around the area.

“Progressing the cap will require Landsec to obtain consent from Network Rail, and discussions for this have commenced.”

Picture credit: Place Design Scotland