New design images have been released by Landsec to mark the third stage of the developer's consultation on the future of Buchanan Galleries.
The images reflect how the proposals for key parts of the development have evolved following consultation with the local community and businesses.
Feedback from the second stage of consultation demonstrated a desire for the plans to boost the day and night-time economies in the city, as well as shopping and a diverse mix of places to live, work and play.
The proposed masterplan will reintroduce a variety of flagship and independent shops and restaurants into the site, while improving access to the key transport hubs of Queen St station, Buchanan Street bus station and Buchanan Street subway.
A key element is the improvement and extension of fully-accessible public spaces with trees and planting. Two areas that will be tested with people taking part in the consultation are the creation of a new public park or building above the railway on Cathedral Street, and potential options to add a new and fully accessible street level entrance and gathering place at the Royal Concert Hall.
The removal of the Buchanan Galleries building, which is currently joined to the Royal Concert Hall, would also allow for the extension of Sauchiehall Street to the east of the city, improving connectivity and safety.
Evolving work by the expert design team has revealed that the removal of the Sauchiehall portion of Buchanan Galleries would result in a challenge in retaining the Royal Concert Hall steps in their current shape.
However, Landsec stated that it "fully recognises" that they serve as an important space for public gatherings, so the designers have proposed alternative options that include replacement steps with improved accessibility.
The designs also include the creation of a public park or pavilion that would enable events and activities to take place.
More than 410 construction jobs could be created each year during the build phase leading to over 13,500 permanent jobs for the city centre. On completion this should result in over £1.5bn of Gross Value Added to the economy each year.
Plans to remove the existing car parking facilities will be incorporated into the proposal and will reclaim valuable space for the development, enable additional pedestrianised spaces and a better city centre experience for residents and visitors. The plans will ensure blue badge holders remain catered for.
Measures to accommodate electric vehicles and provide improved access to neighbouring carparks for those who require access will also be pursued.
Events and exhibitions including interactive workshops and drop-in sessions will kick-off from 26 January in the Retail Academy on the top floor of Buchanan Galleries.
Nick Davis, head of retail development at Landsec, said: “This is the final opportunity for people to give feedback on key elements of the development, and we would encourage everyone to share their views and contribute to the third stage of the consultation.”
Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “These new images illustrate the sheer scale of the transformation involved in the proposals for Buchanan Street.
“Glaswegians care about their built environment and want to have quality public spaces that respect and build on shared history, so it’s important they take the opportunity to help shape the change our city centre demands.”
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, added: “Glasgow is the engine of the Scottish economy, and this proposed development will support the city in rebuilding its competitive advantage, making a major contribution to post-covid recovery, and ensuring Glasgow remains an attractive and sustainable place in which to live, work, study, visit and invest.”
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