A safety cordon remains around the Union Corner site in Glasgow, which was devastated by fire in March. Plans are underway to bring the area back into use later this year.
Architects have been commissioned to create interim proposals for the site adjacent to Central Station, pending full redevelopment. These plans may include temporary structures and installation projects.
The city council has confirmed that all roads and pavements surrounding the site will reopen before the Commonwealth Games commence on 23 July.
The category B listed building at Union Corner, originally constructed in 1851, was gutted by the fire, and the remaining shell has since been demolished.
Some nearby areas, including the main entrance to Central Station and the intersection of Union Street, Renfield Street, and Gordon Street, remain closed as safety works continue.
Construction on the permanent redevelopment of the Union Street fire site may not begin for several years, and local businesses have expressed concerns about the impact of the cordon.
However, most of Gordon Street is now accessible to pedestrians, and the council has assured that all remaining pavements and roads will be reopened before the Games, though a specific date has not yet been announced.
Council leader Susan Aitken stated that a permanent structure is not expected on the site for five to six years but emphasized that plans will be developed to reactivate the site in the coming months.
"The final and permanent development of the fire site will take time – but neither the council nor the owners are prepared to see such a crucial city centre space lie empty while that takes shape.
Finding an appropriate 'meanwhile' use for the site, which doesn't simply mask the damage but actually attracts people back to this part of the Central Station quarter, is going to be vitally important to support its ongoing recovery.
I'm delighted we have expert, local partners working on that already – with the expectation that we will start to see the site coming back into use this year."
Vital part of the city
The council has appointed O'DonnellBrown architects to develop a concept design for the site until a permanent building is constructed. The proposals may include commercial and cultural uses, as well as temporary structures and installations.
Jennifer O'Donnell, director of O'DonnellBrown, said the firm aims to "develop an approach that reflects the site's importance within Glasgow's city centre."
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, commented that reactivating the site would "help improve the appearance and vibrancy of a key location that attracts significant footfall." He added:
"While this is an important step forward, we look forward to seeing continued momentum towards a long-term solution that realises the full potential of this prominent site."
David Cook, chief executive of Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, noted:
"The long-term solution will inevitably take time due to the complexities and multiple ownerships, so getting life back into this vital part of the city centre before that will be welcomed by all Glaswegians."
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