Glasgow Central and Union Street to fully reopen next week

All of the entrances to Glasgow Central Station are to reopen next week, four months on from the devastating Union Street fire.

A blaze broke out in a vape shop near Glasgow Central on March 8, tearing through a Victorian-era building that has since been demolished.

Following months of disruption, work to demolish the site, remove scaffolding and stabilise the gable walls has been completed, with the area set to return to normal.

Network Rail has confirmed that the full Glasgow Central Station concourse will be back in operation on July 13.

The Gordon Street and Union Street entrances will then reopen on July 17, with the currently pedestrianised carriage driveway closing and the station returning to normal operation.

Road and pavement works surrounding the demolition site will also be completed by July 17, Glasgow City Council has confirmed.

Hoarding will be installed around the site to mark the forthcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which begin on July 23.

Dilapidated scaffold at Egyptian Halls, also on Union Street, has been removed as part of works to reopen the street.

It was announced last week that an architect has been appointed to develop a concept design for the “meanwhile use” of the fire-ravaged site, with the space being used in the short to medium term – around four years – while long-term plans are developed.

Initial work is expected later this year.

The council has said it is also considering proposals to transform the area around Central Station.

On 17 July, the Union Street and Gordon Street entrances will reopen Network Rail

Councillor Angus Millar, convener for City Centre Recovery at Glasgow City Council, said: “I am pleased that the reopening of Union Street can now be confirmed, following the extensive work undertaken to clear the site after the fire earlier this year.

“This is a key stage in the recovery of the area around Central Station and will allow people and vehicles to move far more smoothly through this part of the city centre.

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The blaze broke out in a vape shop on Union Street near the station on March 8, tearing through a Victorian-era building

“I would like to thank everyone affected by the fire and its aftermath for their patience, and pass on my gratitude to the council staff, our contractors and partners for the huge amount of work they have done to get us to this stage.”

Liam Sumpter, managing director at Network Rail Scotland, said the reopening of Union Street and Gordon Street entrances is a “significant milestone” in Glasgow Central’s recovery.

He added: “The station will once again be fully open to passengers.

“Our teams have worked tirelessly over the past few months to prepare for this moment. Thanks to their efforts, we can now welcome passengers back through every entrance and return Scotland’s busiest station to normal operation.

“I’d also like to thank our passengers, retailers and railway colleagues for their patience and support. With the Commonwealth Games just around the corner, it’s fantastic to be able to fully reopen the station and help Glasgow welcome visitors from across the world.”