Members of the public are being invited to have their say on proposals to double the size of Buchanan Galleries, one of Glasgow’s most popular shopping destinations.

Owners of Buchanan Galleries, Henderson Global Investors and Land Securities, are hosting a public consultation in the malls of the centre, seeking public opinion on a proposed 600,000 sq ft (55,742 sq m) extension.

Exhibition stands will be in the centre during opening hours from Thursday 22 February until Sunday 25 February. Feedback is being sought on the choice of new facilities, car parking and improvements to the entrances and surrounding areas.

The consultation forms part of an outline planning application which is scheduled to be submitted to Glasgow City Council in spring of this year.

The centre currently comprises around 600,000 sq ft of retail space and has over 80 of the UK’s leading store names, including John Lewis, H & M, Next and Gap. The proposed extension would see the centre more than double in size to provide approximately 1.2 million sq ft of retail and restaurant space.

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Plans are to demolish the existing multi-storey car park and relocate this above Buchanan Bus Station, the city’s main bus terminus. The extension to the shopping area will be built on the space created by the demolished car park. There are also plans to extend the centre over some of the north cutting railway lines between Queen Street Station and Buchanan Galleries.

In addition, new shop frontages will be introduced on North Hanover Street and Cathedral Street which will have a hugely positive impact on the north area of Glasgow while making the centre more accessible and providing further retail choice for shoppers.

Part of the development plans are to introduce a 21st century transport ‘hub’ at Buchanan Bus Station. A new concourse will be introduced, as well as improved passenger facilities including lounges, customer waiting areas, shops and cafes. The bus station will remain operational throughout the redevelopment.

A high level pedestrian bridge link between the new car park and the extended shopping centre is also planned.

Improvements to the public realm around the centre, such as upgrading the paving finishes and introducing new street furniture and public art, will be introduced to the streets and areas around the centre.

Nick Davis, Development Director of Land Securities said: “Buchanan Galleries is one of the city’s most successful shopping centres. The aim is to make it bigger and better. We need to improve the choice to shoppers and visitors to ensure that the city centre maintains its attraction and ‘pull’ as a key retail destination in the UK.

(CD/SP)