Glasgow's Buchanan Bus Station 'masterplan' goes before city councillors

Plans to build new flats, student accommodation and a hotel have been unveiled as part of a “masterplan” to overhaul Buchanan Bus Station.

An updated concept for the site, developed by Glasgow City Council alongside Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), went before councillors on Tuesday.

It set out proposals to transform the city centre bus station into a modern “mobility hub” surrounded by a mixed-use development.

The plans include new homes, student housing, shops, offices and a hotel, alongside a redesigned bus station and improved public spaces with new green areas.

Council officials say the redevelopment could play a key role in regenerating the Cowcaddens and Townhead areas, which have been identified as having major potential for growth and re-population.

As well as new buildings, the masterplan proposes a more modern and flexible bus station designed to improve passenger experience and better connect different forms of transport across Glasgow.

The future of the nearby Concert Square Car Park will also be considered as part of the wider redevelopment.

Public consultation on the plan was held between October 28 and November 24 last year, with over 950 complete responses.

Following this, the proposals were built around five key themes, including creating a 21st-century mobility hub, enhancing the user experience, and promoting “quality development”.

They also cover the future of Cowcaddens, as the bus station is proposed to be a catalyst for the regeneration of the area. It is hoped the plan can contribute to an “integrated Glasgow”, with the new station becoming a “key node” in this network.

George Gillespie, Executive Director for Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability at Glasgow City Council, said: “The Masterplan for the Buchanan Bus Station signposts the future development of this key city centre block, offering the chance to not only create a state of the art transport interchange, but also a mixed-use development that helps drive the future regeneration of Cowcaddens, Townhead and the wider city centre.”

The masterplan will seek approval by the council’s City Administration Committee later this week.