BHS building abandoned for a decade on Sauchiehall Street could see redevelopment plans
A prominent Glasgow city centre building which has been empty for almost a decade could be transformed as redevelopment plans are expected to be submitted.
A prominent Glasgow city centre building which has been empty for almost a decade could be transformed as a local councillor says they believe redevelopment plans will be submitted.
The former BHS building on Sauchiehall Street which closed down in August 2016 has been mired in complications over ownership in recent times. That has left Glaswegians wondering what the future holds for the derelict building after new advertising signs appeared on the façade recently after ten years of dereliction.
Addressing concerns from local residents at a recent meeting of Garnethill Community Council, Glasgow City Councillor Angus Millar said: “My understanding is that there has been progress on issues that have been longstanding, as there were disagreements between two parties.
“They are looking to bring forward some sort of development proposal for that site. I do expect that to be the basis of a planning application notice in the future. But it is a matter for the owners themselves.
“It is extremely unfortunate that it has been sitting empty for so long. I hope something positive comes from it.”
Councillor Millar added that council powers are limited when dealing with privately owned buildings but confirmed that there had been recent dialogue with the parties responsible for the building.
Previous plans to redevelop the former BHS store on Sauchiehall Street were given the green light by Glasgow City Council in 2021 but didn’t progress further. The stated intention at the time was to use the space for the sale of both “food and non-food items” in part of the building.
Planning documents stated: “The tenant is a high quality and well-known high street retailer looking to occupy part of the overall property.”
The former BHS building on Sauchiehall Street was identified as a key anchor of Glasgow City Council’s “Golden Z" regeneration plan, which was formally approved to revitalise the city's main retail spine along Argyle Street, Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street.
The council proposal states: “The redevelopment of three 'areas of focus' - the former ABC / Jumpin Jacks site adjoining the Glasgow School of Art, the area on Sauchiehall Street around the former BHS, Watt Bros, and former Victoria's nightclub gap site, and the around around the vacant TJ Hughes site near Trongate - has been identified as key to the success of both the local areas and the wider Golden Z.
“The vision and delivery plan reimagines the Golden Z, responding to the post-pandemic challenges and opportunities currently facing the city centre. The council and their consultants - Stantec (UK), Threesixty Architecture and Kevin Murray Associates - engaged with the area's landowners, businesses, institutions, agencies, residents and visitors to discuss how best the Golden Z should be improved in the future.”