Aberdeen and Glasgow city centres are changing for the better

January 31, 2023


A proposal to turn Aberdeen’s former John Lewis building into a mixed-use hub with a public park on top. Image: Clarke Cooper/Aberdeen City Council

We’re well into a new year and it’s clear that 2023 is already bringing fresh and exciting opportunities for Scotland’s cities.

In Aberdeen, councillors have recently given the thumbs-up to plans that will transform the George Street area and make it an exciting place to work, hang out and have fun.

Dubbed a “Mini Masterplan”, city chiefs aim to attract new businesses along with shops and restaurants, and attract more people to set up home in the centre of town.

And the plan is a great example of joined-up thinking as it will develop alongside moves to upgrade the wider city centre and beach areas.

Councillor Dell Henrikson, Aberdeen City Council’s Planning Development Management Convener said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to approve these proposals.

“The aim is to create a greener, more liveable environment that also is more welcoming and accessible for visitors.”

And Councillor Desmond Bouse, Vice Convener of Planning Development Management, added: “I really look forward to the proposals taking shape and the George Street area being transformed into a welcoming and vibrant city centre community for locals and visitors alike over the coming years.”

New-look Sauchiehall Street plan for Glasgow

Meanwhile, changes are also coming in Glasgow, with big ideas on the table for the city centre’s future.

What happens next for the city’s ‘Golden Z’ shopping area is under discussion with plans to breathe new life into Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street.

It’s certainly true that shopping trends have changed recently, and the city is looking to increase the number of people living in the city centre and develop sites that are now lying empty. And more people living in the city is a great opportunity for businesses to thrive.

Work has been funded by the Scottish Government’s city centre recovery fund and is headed up by Glasgow’s city centre task force, co-chaired by Councillor Angus Millar and Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Patrick said: “Glasgow’s city centre is the vibrant heart for Glasgow’s retail, hospitality and tourism sectors, acting as a regional jobs engine.

“Like all retail centres, changes in economic conditions and consumer spending habits tied with the lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have catalysed a fundamental need for change in order to continue to thrive.

“Glasgow City Council’s master-planning initiative is a welcome investment, helping to rebuild the area’s reputation of being Scotland’s premier place to work, live and visit.”

And Glasgow’s residents are also now being asked for their views on another big and potentially exciting plan for the city centre.

The future of the Buchanan Galleries shopping mall is being discussed, with a proposal to demolish the current centre and replace it with new shops, homes and leisure facilities.

Developer Landsec has released options for the £850m redevelopment of Glasgow’s Buchanan Galleries. This image shows how a reimagined Cathedral Street could look.

The plan would also link Queen Street Station with Buchanan Bus Station and Buchanan Street Subway and would provide an inviting and exciting space for people to enjoy.

A series of consultation events are being held where locals’ views will be heard as people have their say on the future of their great city.

Nick Davis, head of retail development for Landsec, the owner of the Galleries, said: “Our vision is to enhance Glasgow’s historic grid layout, introducing vibrant new streets with a mixture of places to work, shop, live, eat and socialise in the heart of the city.”

So here’s to a new year packed with new possibilities!