Glasgow's Buchanan Galleries could be demolished under ambitious plans put forward by its owner.
Landsec, the long term owner of the shopping centre, is looking to get rid of the existing building to create a new 'urban neighbourhood' in the heart of the city centre.
Glasgow City Council has been working with the development company to look at ways to transform the area due to the disruption facing retail, made worse by the pandemic.
The decade-long project to improve the area would see a new residential, shopping and office quarter created.
A new public space could also be created on the void above Queen Street Station to improve access across the city centre, create high-quality active travel routes and boost linkages to the station and other public transport hubs.
The Royal Concert Hall doesn't feature in the plans but the area around the steps is likely to be included in the reconfigurement.
David Heaford, Managing Director - Development at Landsec said: “Cities around the world are learning to adapt to the public’s changing habits – and we want to help Glasgow to be well-positioned to do the same.
"Our vision is to replace the existing shopping centre with an exciting new mixed-use urban neighbourhood in the heart of Glasgow city centre, blending world-class shopping with places to work, live and play.
"Our plans will seek to extend the city’s iconic and accessible grid layout, support the city’s net-zero ambitions and be informed by the needs and views of local people, visitors and businesses. We will be launching a wide-ranging consultation, kicking off in the spring, to help create a place that makes a lasting positive contribution to the city and all those who live, work and visit here.”
Over 850 construction jobs could be created each year during the build phase eventually leading to 9,500 permanent jobs for the city centre.
Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Glasgow, like town and city centres everywhere, is facing significant and accelerating structural changes. These initial proposals detail a response to those changes, ensuring Glasgow has a vibrant, successful and evolving city centre which continues to be the envy of our peers.
“Approval for the commencement of negotiations with Landsec would allow us to push ahead with addressing oncoming challenges and opportunities in this rapidly changing world. A 21st century city centre delivering on Glasgow’s international standing and ambitions means more mixed-use developments, a greater residential population, more public spaces, sustainable transport options and more people-focused streets.
"The transformation of the Buchanan Galleries can be a vote of confidence on Glasgow’s future.”
The plans have now been put out for public consultation with any redevelopment requiring the approval of the Glasgow City Council in its capacity as head landlord.
