Glaswegians have had their say on the proposed plans for the redevelopment of Buchanan Street.
The first images of how the street could look following the demolition of the shopping centre were unveiled on Tuesday with the public being given their first chance to see how the area could be 'reimagined'.
As part of the £800million development, a mixed-use urban district in the heart of the city centre would be created, with new public space and easier access to key transport hubs.
Read more: Glasgow Concert Hall steps removed in stunning images of £800m Buchanan Street transformation plan
In the new proposals, the stairs outside the Royal Concert Hall have been removed - a decision that has split public opinion.
On the plans, Kate, a former Strathclyde University student said: “Those steps are important for Glaswegians.
“I’ve sat there many times so it is difficult to believe. Everything is changing, the whole street has changed over the years.
“Recently there have been many stores that are empty. They should maybe consider lowering the prices of rent rather than demolishing it.
“I prefer the Sauchiehall Street shops rather than the Buchanan Galleries but it’s difficult to imagine what could replace it.”
“In Poland we have a city which was very similar to Glasgow and they decided to refurbish their main street. If it results in the same issues I don’t want to see that.”
Daniel Hardy, 27, who is a local busker added: “I think Buchanan Galleries and the steps are part of Glasgow’s history really.
“They’ve been there for as long as I can remember. It's quite a good setup inside.
“The Galleries are quite handy for everybody. I don’t think I understand it, it’s a wild idea.”
“To attract more people they could maybe do more street events. As a singer a simple thing would be putting on gigs.
“We’ve had people like Passenger do it. If there was more of that, maybe more people would come.
“I think they are stopping bringing the community together.”
Ros Berry from Cumbria commented: “I must admit they might be a bit daunting for some people looking at where they’re going to.
“The concert hall looks like a long way to climb up but I can see this would be a gathering place and I’m not sure if it would be better with or without the steps.
“It would be nice to have easier access to the concert hall. It’s just a bit weird for it to be tucked in between a load of shops.
“We were looking around for it and it was tucked right at the back. I would support it if it was attracting independent shops but how would they pay for the rent?”
Bob Johnston from Cumbria added: “I’m quite neutral. I’ve not warmed to the steps. These are concrete whereas some other buildings have nice stones and the architecture is nice.
“These just seem to fill in a gap so a pleasant end to Sauchiehall Street might be quite nice.
“I think the Royal Concert Hall is what you should spot at the end of Sauchiehall Street.”
“In the past when we’ve seen small developments aimed at smaller traders they eventually get taken over by the big brand names because they can afford the long-term rent.”
James Dawson, 72, added: “It’s a remarkable building but there’s always room for improvement but it would be very hard to improve on it.
“The steps are an integral part of Glasgow now because people congregate there, it’s the place people have conversations.
“It’s quite surprising but I suppose they are looking at it from a commercial point of view rather than what the public want.”
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