The news of the possible demolition of Buchanan Galleries was met by shock from the Glasgow public.
We reported how the owners of the shopping centre are looking to get rid of the building to create a new 'urban neighbourhood' in the city centre.
The struggling retail industry and the pandemic have been cited as reasons for the ambitious transformation - despite Glasgow continuing to perform near the top of the UK retail rankings.
Buchanan Galleries opened in 1999, during Glasgow's reign as City of Architecture and Design. It has continued to evolve ever since the opening of flagship stores including Victoria's Secret and H&M.
With the building being such an important part of the city centre, it's no surprise that our readers have lots of opinions in its redevelopment.
A number of people said that development could be focused on other parts of the city centre instead.
Bruce Peter said "Would be better to leave it largely as is and instead to invest in converting the many derelict buildings in Sauchiehall Street. The old BHS could happily go, whereas Watt Bros needs a new use."
Paul Gary Miller added: "There's no point changing Buchanan Street/ Galleries when we have Sauchiehall Street in such a rundown state, and if the council don't improve things closely followed by Argyle Street, regeneration of them would be more appropriate, and can politicians stop using the term active travel and say what it is, i.e walking /cycling."
Jackie Yuill commented: "Glasgow City Council should use some money to improve the eyesore that is Sauchiehall Street. Once one of the most famous streets in the world, it is now an embarrassing disgrace."
Shona Collins said: "Do we need more office space when more people are working from home and saving big companies money on rent heating electricity. Do we need the destruction of a building adding to the sorry state of Sauchiehall Street. The loss of Watt Bros BHS and now marks. It's a sorry state of a once vibrant part of Glasgow shopping."
Gregor Macfarlane suggested: "Don’t get this. Obviously, redevelopment provides an economic boost so I can understand the support but what a waste of money in this location. Think of the difference that sort of investment would make in other parts of the city centre that really need it - now that would be transformational."
Other people suggested that the development could actually be worse for the city.
Paul Brown said: "Buchanan Galleries is one of the only reasons people come into the city centre anymore - easy to park and shop, and handy for Queen Street Station. If you flatten it, even more people will just head for the out-of-town centres."
On the other hand, the news of redevelopment was welcomed by a lot of locals.
Abbi Islam said: "In all honesty the central shopping areas need a major rethink - investment is seriously needed, the road infrastructure is shocking and so is the transport links which puts folk off getting into the town, until this is addressed the city will only get worse. Out of town shopping centres are much better equipped and easier to get to."
Phil Stanley added: "This is a great idea, Buchanan Galleries has been on a downward spiral for years, even pre covid. The sooner we all get to grips with the new reality of retail being mostly online the better and start to reimagine what a city centre destination could be, the better."
Michael Barnett commented: "I’m for it. Buchanan Galleries is boring, soulless and out-of-date. These new plans sound like a big improvement."
Glasgow City Council is currently working with owners Landsec to develop plans for the city centre site.
The proposed demolition in favour of a new residential, shopping and office quarter, could take a decade to create and requires the approval of the council as the head landlord.
