GLASGOW is eyeing the creation of a ‘state-of-the-art’ transport interchange and mixed-use development at the sight of the existing Buchanan Bus Station.
The plans form part of a concept masterplan to significantly redevelop the city centre sight, with the blueprint produced by Glasgow City Council and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).
Proposing a mixed-use development with a modern and flexible bus station and mobility hub at its heart, potential other uses for the site – which will feature improved public realm and new green space – include flats, student accommodation, shops, offices and a hotel. Provision around the replacement of Concert Square Car Park will also be a consideration for the masterplan as it further develops.
The concept Masterplan has five key themes that were identified by extensive public engagement with a variety of groups and subsequent workshops:
- A 21st Century Mobility Hub – the bus station is envisioned as a modern, sustainable and resilient multimodal transport interchange that supports seamless connectivity across Glasgow and beyond.
- Enhanced User Experience – passenger comfort, safety, and convenience are central to the design;
- Quality Development – the development will be underpinned by high-quality architecture and placemaking.
- Future of Cowcaddens – the bus station will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of Cowcaddens, contributing to its transformation into a lively, mixed-use urban quarter; and
- Integrated Glasgow – the station will be a key node in Glasgow’s integrated transport network, supporting active travel and public transport interchange.
Development of concept the masterplan was guided by the council’s City Centre Strategic development framework, which identified Cowcaddens and Townhead as districts with transformational potential – where urban repair could help drive the re-densification and re-population of Glasgow city centre, Glasgow City Council.
Other city centre strategies identified both the underperformance of areas around the bus station, and that it could be integrated more effectively into surrounding areas. Better integration with such an important hub would deliver considerable multimodal transport benefits.
George Gillespie, executive director for neighbourhoods, regeneration, and sustainability at Glasgow City Council, said, “The Masterplan for the Buchanan Bus Station signposts the future development of this key city centre block, offering the chance to not only create a state of the art transport interchange, but also a mixed-use development that helps drive the future regeneration of Cowcaddens, Townhead and the wider city centre.”
