Worries landmark will be lost in shops demolition

FRESH concerns have been raised that one of Glasgow’s landmarks will vanish as plans are developed to demolish a flagship shopping mall to be replaced by a £ 800m “net zero, mixed- use” neighbourhood.

While no decisions have been taken, it has emerged that developer and site owner Landsec, which plans to pull down the 24- year- old Buchanan Galleries and linked park, is planning to remodel the Concert Hall frontage and steps, reports our sister title The Herald.

The third stage of consultation over the proposals to create 21st century mixed- use development including residential, retail, hotel accommodation, offices and hospitality is due to be launched on Thursday.

And one of Scotland’s leading architects who has examined the most recent information over the plans that have so far emerged says the details provided do show that the Concert Hall steps are being removed.

He says steps are needed to save the landmark which he describes as Glasgow’s answer to the Spanish Steps in Rome.

Proposals being worked up include potential options for “reconfiguration” to deliver a “more accessible entrance” which would continue to serve as an outdoor gathering place for public activities and events. The steps – a popular public gathering space, especially for protests – are said to be an “accessibility challenge” , blocking the extension of Sauchiehall Street.

One option involves creating a ‘ flush platform’ with “some steps” for sitting on.

The developers say that all options for consideration would create a more accessible entrance to the Concert Hall.

A full planning application is not expected until later this year and it is hoped that there will be a decision by Glasgow City Council in late spring.