Plans submitted for major redevelopment of St. Enoch Centre in Glasgow

Planning permission is being sought for a major redevelopment in Glasgow city centre.

The proposals would see the current St. Enoch shopping centre demolished over the next 20 years.

And the move would bring about the creation of new retail, residential and office space, as well as a four-star hotel.

There would also be an “inclusive and accessible” public space, including widened streets and a square.

A planning application was submitted for the long-term project by Sovereign Centros, with the aim of sustainably developing the site over the next 15-20 years.

If the outlined masterplan secures consent, more detailed proposals will be developed for consultation, the firm said.

A change of use application was previously submitted by the company for the repurposing of the upper floors of the vacant Debenhams building on Argyle Street.

The masterplan application for the St. Enoch Centre redevelopment comes after a separate proposals were out for the demolition of Buchanan Galleries.

Those plans, set out by development company Landsec, would see work ongoing to replace the existing building with a mixed-use area.

It is estimated to take around ten years for the Buchanan Galleries redevelopment, if approved, with the work being slated to start in 2023.

Setting out the plans for St. Enoch Centre, Guy Beaumont, director at Sovereign Centros, described it as the “start of a long journey”.

“A great deal of effort has been invested into the creation of this masterplan which reflects extensive engagement with key stakeholders across the city,” he said.

“We have been clear that there is still a lot of detail to be developed and this is the start of a long journey, however we are confident what we have set out represents an excellent contribution to the city and will future proof the site.”

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, added: “Investment in our city centre is crucial after the challenges we have faced over the past two years.

“The plans proposed by Sovereign Centros are a vote of confidence for Glasgow in the face of a changing retail landscape and it is encouraging to see those plans set out a mixed use development that expands leisure activities as well as workspace and residential.

“The extent of the consultation on this project is recognised and welcomed as these plans will shape the future of our city and strengthen our prospects of attracting local and international investment.”