Have Your Say On Refurbishment Plans for Buchanan Galleries
Public invited to view revamped vision for Glasgow shopping hub as new planning application submitted
People are being invited to view proposals to revamp one of Glasgow’s major shopping centres, as plans to refurbish Buchanan Galleries are formally submitted to the city council.
An exhibition showcasing the future vision for the site will take place within the centre from 26 to 28 June 2025, offering a first look at proposed changes to retail, leisure, and dining facilities.
Landsec, which owns the centre, has lodged a planning application with Glasgow City Council aimed at modernising and enhancing the existing structure—plans which mark a shift from earlier proposals to demolish the building entirely.
Key elements include reconfiguring the mall to introduce more high street-style shop frontages, improving connections with Buchanan Street, and creating new leisure and dining spaces, including a destination food hall.
The proposals also feature enhanced public areas with improved accessibility and a new development on the adjacent gap site.
A digital art strategy is also planned to support civic activity and retail innovation.
The centre had previously been earmarked for demolition as part of a £825m redevelopment, but that scheme was shelved in 2024.
Landsec now describes the current submission as a “significant step forward” in the future of the site.
Stuart Orr, Senior Development Manager, Landsec said: “Our plan is a direct response to the community's call for improved retail and leisure spaces in Glasgow.
“Extensive stakeholder engagement over the years has shaped a solution that truly reflects the priorities of the local community.
“In collaboration with Glasgow's award winning Threesixty Architecture, we have crafted an exciting and flexible design to accommodate both global and local brands. Our plan prioritises the swift enhancement of existing elements of the centre to provide quick benefits to visitors.”
A spokesperson for Landsec added: "We look forward to working closely with Glasgow City Council and stakeholders throughout the planning process.
"Subject to approvals, we would commence a short rolling construction programme, keeping the centre open throughout the process.
“We will host regular community interactions, which will commence with an exhibition in Buchanan Galleries from June 25 to 28, 2025, to provide visitors with an opportunity to view our plans in person.
"We will also share updates, including brand announcements as they are agreed upon at https://buchanangalleries.commonplace.is."
Council leader Susan Aitken said: “There is a renewed and growing confidence in Glasgow, with significant development across the city centre and rising investor interest.
“We welcome proposals that align with the very significant public investment going into our city centre and take forward the ongoing transformation that we are now witnessing.”
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Chief Executive, Stuart Partick, said: "We warmly welcome progress on a planning application.
"It’s great to see continued development in the heart of Glasgow, especially through a refreshed approach that promises to deliver real, tangible benefits quickly.
"The site is a key strategic asset, and its redevelopment represents a major step forward in supporting the city centre’s sustainable recovery, renewal, and long-term growth.
"This kind of ambition and momentum is exactly what Glasgow needs to adapt and thrive."
Threesixty Architecture, Managing Director, Alan Anthony, added: “These proposals align with Glasgow City Council’s Golden Z Vision, and will both enhance street level activity and transform upper levels into leisure and hospitality spaces.
"By adapting the existing structure to be more open and inviting, we will create an animated and vibrant backdrop to what will become a key civic space further animated by dynamic lighting and digital media.
"This approach will most quickly transform the top end of Buchanan Street with the least disruption, offering a blueprint on how we might reinvent similar structures in our urban centres.”