Glasgow City Council approves £85m Buchanan Galleries upgrade

Glasgow City Council has approved Landsec’s plans to refurbish and expand Buchanan Galleries, one of the city’s key retail assets, in a phased investment programme valued at approximately £85 million.

The approved proposals will see targeted upgrades to the existing shopping centre, including the creation of new flagship retail units along Buchanan Street—Glasgow’s busiest pedestrian thoroughfare. The refurbishment will also introduce new leisure and dining elements, including a food hall, to enhance the site’s appeal as an experience-led retail destination.

Landsec, which owns and operates Buchanan Galleries, plans to modernise the centre’s interiors while maintaining operations throughout the construction period. The phased approach is designed to keep existing retailers open and accessible during the works.

As part of the redevelopment, large-format digital advertising screens will be installed at the northern end of Buchanan Street. These will be used both for commercial advertising and cultural content curated in partnership with creative organisations, aiming to establish a new focal point for visitors.

The project is expected to increase footfall and dwell time in the centre, with Landsec reporting strong interest from international retailers seeking flagship space in Glasgow. The investment forms part of the company’s broader strategy to deploy £200 million across a series of smaller, high-yield retail asset enhancements over the coming years.