Buchanan Galleries revamp reaches planning stage

Buchanan Galleries revamp reaches planning stage

Architect's impression of the planned Buchanan Galleries front ©ThreesixtyArchitecture 

Buchanan Galleries owner Landsec has taken a significant step forward in its plan to refurbish and enhance the retail centre by submitting a planning application to Glasgow City Council.

Working with Threesixty Architecture, Landsec seeks to boost the retail, food & drink and leisure experience at the top of Buchanan Street across its wider estate following its recent acquisition of 229-249 Buchanan Street.

Amongst its proposals are the reconfiguration and modernisation of the existing mall, adding more ‘high street’ retail frontage and better engaging with Buchanan Street, and creating spaces for new leisure and dining concepts, including a destination food hall.



New and attractive public spaces with improved accessibility for all will also be added alongside the addition of a new retail and leisure space in the gap site beside Buchanan Galleries.

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.”

Subject to approvals, Landsec said it will commence a short rolling construction programme, keeping the centre open throughout the process.  



Regular community interactions will commence with an exhibition in Buchanan Galleries from 26 to 28 June to provide visitors with an opportunity to view the plans in person.

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Susan Aitken, said: “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.”   

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Stuart Partick, said: “We warmly welcome progress on a planning application. It’s great to see continued development in the heart of Glasgow, especially through a refreshed approach that promises to deliver real, tangible benefits quickly. The site is a key strategic asset, and its redevelopment represents a major step forward in supporting the city centre’s sustainable recovery, renewal, and long-term growth. This kind of ambition and momentum is exactly what Glasgow needs to adapt and thrive.”  

Threesixty Architecture managing director, Alan Anthony, 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.”


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