MAJOR plans have been announced for Glasgow's Buchanan Galleries after it was saved from demolition in 2024.
Landsec, the owner of Buchanan Galleries Shopping Centre in the city centre, revealed it has taken a "significant step forward in its plan to refurbish and enhance the centre".
The firm has submitted a planning application to Glasgow City Council, and is working with Threesixty Architecture on the development.
Announcing the application, Landsec said plans for the centre on the city's Buchanan Street include:
- Reconfiguration and modernisation of the existing mall, adding more "high street retail frontage and better engaging with Buchanan Street".
- Creating spaces for new leisure and dining concepts, including a "destination food hall"
- New public spaces with improved accessibility.
- The addition of a new retail and leisure space in the gap site beside Buchanan Galleries.
- A modern digital art strategy to "support brand, civic activities, and future-proof retail innovation in Glasgow".
The milestone follows on from the company's acquisition of 229 - 249 Buchanan Street.
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, we would commence a short rolling construction programme, keeping the centre open throughout the process.
"We will host regular community interactions, which will commence with an exhibition in Buchanan Galleries from June 25 to 28, 2025, to provide visitors with an opportunity to view our plans in person.
"We will also share updates, including brand announcements as they are agreed upon at https://buchanangalleries.commonplace.is."
Leader of Glasgow City Council 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.”
Owners of the shopping mall had previously revealed plans to demolish the centre and replace it with a residential development, and create new streets.
However, Landsec revealed there had been a rethink and that the retail sector had recovered since the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a new masterplan.
