Planning Permission Secured for Buchanan Galleries Redevelopment

Planning permission has been granted for the major redevelopment of Glasgow’s Buchanan Galleries shopping centre. This milestone will enable transformational improvements to Glasgow city centre, reinforcing its position as a leading retail and leisure destination.

Owned by Landsec, Buchanan Galleries is one of Scotland’s most prominent retail landmarks, located at the heart of Glasgow’s city centre and forming a key part of the Golden Z with Buchanan Street itself consistently ranked among the UK’s most successful shopping streets. Its redevelopment represents a significant investment in the city’s future, ensuring Glasgow remains competitive as a retail and leisure hub.

The approved plans will deliver a range of enhancements, including:

• digital facades to showcase creative content and branding
• large-format retail units opening onto Buchanan Street
• a new flagship store above the low-level railway line
• a marketplace food hall, restaurants, and new leisure uses on upper levels
• a reconfigured entrance on Buchanan Street

Work on the redevelopment will begin in the second half of 2026 and will be delivered in phases, ensuring the centre remains open throughout construction. The proposals reflect community aspirations for improved retail and leisure facilities and align with Glasgow City Council’s vision for economic growth and city centre regeneration.

Charlie Griffiths, Asset Management Director, 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.

Our proposal reflects the community call for better retail and leisure, demonstrates our confidence in Glasgow and is aligned to the Council’s vision to deliver economic growth and improvement to the city centre.

Early improvements will include the comprehensive modernisation of the existing mall and more ‘high street’ 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 the gap site adjacent to Buchanan Galleries that could host a new flagship store. 

Landsec report that they are positively engaging with a range of local and international brands that will support the attractiveness and growth of the city centre and look forward to announcing exciting new names and attractions in the coming months.

The development will include retail innovations by incorporating modern digital art and advertising displays and lighting to support brands and promote civic activities. Investment in the wider district will add new, attractive and accessible public spaces for all.   

Landsec will continue to engage with the community and stakeholders, with regular updates.

Glasgow City Council Leader, Councillor Susan Aitken, said:

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.

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Stuart Partick, added:

Glasgow has long been one of the UK’s leading retail and leisure destinations and we welcome investment that helps keep the city centre vibrant, thriving and appealing to both visitors and businesses. Landsec has been a long-term investor in the city and we are pleased that the team has proactively considered how to future-proof such a key part of Glasgow. The approval of this planning application is warmly welcomed, and we look forward to the project’s progression.

Source: Savills, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce 

Picture: architect's impression of planned Buchanan Galleries frontage ©ThreesixtyArchitecture