Plans to demolish Glasgow's Buchanan Galleries abandoned as developers 'refocus' project

Developers have abandoned plans to demolish Buchanan Galleries shopping centre in Glasgow and have now decided to retain the building as part of their “vision” for the site.

The mall on Buchanan Street was to be demolished as part of Landsec’s plans to reimagine the site proposed back in 2022.

Landsec had set out their intention to flatten the centre as part of a £825m project to create a “vibrant district in the heart of the city” that would see it replaced by a mixed-use quarter with shops, offices, homes and leisure venues.

The plans also included more green public spaces, shops and restaurants, and improved access to transport hubs.

Landsec has now said that retaining the original building is part of their “vision”.

Buchanan Galleries proposed redevelopment by Landsec. Landsec

They said it would allow for work, which commenced last year, to be delivered quicker and be “less disruptive and carbon-intensive” than the previous proposal.

When the demolition was announced in 2022, council leader Susan Aitken insisted it would save, not destroy, the city centre shopping area.

Nick Davis, Landsec head of retail development said: “Given the way cities have changed, and retail’s strong post-pandemic recovery, we’re exploring a masterplan that can be delivered in incremental phases and are re-focusing the first phase of our vision in rejuvenating Glasgow’s prime retail destination.

“In conversations with brands, and through engagement with the public, we know that there is both consumer and commercial appetite for this to be delivered and delivered quickly.

“With this in mind, we will shortly be bringing forward the first phase of a renewed vision for the transformation of Buchanan Galleries.

“We recognise the need for investment at the top end of Buchanan Street and the advantage of retaining and investing in the existing building means we can deliver more quickly for Glasgow’s community, whilst being less disruptive and less carbon intensive than our previous proposal.

“We believe that over time we can create a new city centre district, anchored by the Galleries that responds to the way people want to live, shop and work.

“To facilitate this multi-phase masterplan approach, we have recently purchased 229-249 Buchanan Street adjacent to the Galleries – reaffirming our commitment to the city.”