Revamp of Glasgow's Buchanan Galleries to begin next year as masterplan approved

Planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment masterplan for Buchanan Galleries. Owners Landsec have confirmed that the first phase of the project will begin in the second half of 2026. The redevelopment will be delivered in multiple phases to ensure that Buchanan Galleries remains open throughout the process.

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.”

The first phase of improvement work will include the comprehensive modernisation of the existing mall and addition of more retail frontage to create a stronger connection to Buchanan Street. Spaces will be created for new leisure and dining concepts – including a destination food hall - and the construction of an additional major retail unit on a gap site on Buchanan Street, beside Buchanan Galleries.

Modern digital art will be incorporated into the design, as well as advertising displays and lighting to support brands and promote civic activities, the plans state.

Threesixty Architecture

Charlie Griffiths, asset MD at Landsec, said, “We are delighted to confirm that Glasgow City Council has approved our planning application to refurbish and enhance Buchanan Galleries and the top of the town.”

Glasgow City Council leader, councillor Susan Aitken, added, “There’s already a real sense of momentum building in the city centre and the approved plans for Buchanan Galleries will make a huge contribution to that. I’m particularly pleased to see the refurbishment works are scheduled to start next year, and with the investments already underway and in the pipeline, the renewed Buchanan Galleries can be a major catalyst in the next our city centre’s next chapter.”

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor 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 stated: “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.”