PLANS have been submitted to Glasgow City Council for the revamp of Buchanan Galleries by owner Landsec.
The firm’s proposals, created in collaboration with Threesixty Architecture, follows its recent acquisition of 229-249 Buchanan Street, as part of its vision to boost the retail, food and drink, and leisure experience at the top of the street.
The proposals include reconfiguring and modernising the existing mall, adding more high street retail frontage, and better engaging with Buchanan Street.
Plans also detail spaces for new leisure and dining concepts including a destination food hall, delivering new public spaces with improved accessibility, the introduction of a new retail and leisure space in the gap site beside Buchanan Galleries, and a modern digital art strategy.
Stuart Orr, senior development manager at Landsec, said, “Our plan is a direct response to the community’s call for improved retail and leisure spaces in Glasgow. Extensive stakeholder engagement over the years has shaped a solution that truly reflects the priorities of the local community. In collaboration with Glasgow’s award winning Threesixty Architecture, we have crafted an exciting and flexible design to accommodate both global and local brands. Our plan prioritises the swift enhancement of existing elements of the centre to provide quick benefits to visitors.”
Landsec said it looks forward to working closely with Glasgow City Council and stakeholders throughout the planning process. Subject to approvals, it added that it would commence a short rolling construction programme, keeping the centre open throughout the process.
Leader of Glasgow City Council, councillor Susan Aitken, commented, “There is a renewed and growing confidence in Glasgow, with significant development across the city centre and rising investor interest. We welcome proposals that align with the very significant public investment going into our city centre and take forward the ongoing transformation that we are now witnessing.”
Alan Anthony, Threesixty Architecture MD, added, “These proposals align with Glasgow City Council’s Golden Z Vision, and will both enhance street level activity and transform upper levels into leisure and hospitality spaces. By adapting the existing structure to be more open and inviting, we will create an animated and vibrant backdrop to what will become a key civic space further animated by dynamic lighting and digital media.
“This approach will most quickly transform the top end of Buchanan Street with the least disruption, offering a blueprint on how we might reinvent similar structures in our urban centres.”
