Fire in derelict Sauchiehall Street building being treated as deliberate

A late night blaze at the former Jumpin’ Jaks building is being treated as deliberate by police. The fire is thought to have taken hold at around 1.30am and a number of fire appliances were on the scene for hours following the incident.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Roads closed due to a fire at a derelict building on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow have been reopened.

“The fire was reported around 2am on Tuesday, 1 September, 2026 and is being treated as wilful.

“There are no reported injuries and enquiries are ongoing.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was called to the incident at about 1.36am on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for operations control said nine appliances, one height appliance and three specialist resources were sent to the scene. Fire crews left the scene late on Tuesday morning.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 1.36am on Tuesday, 1 September to reports of a building fire on Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow.

"At its height, Operations Control mobilised nine appliances, one height appliance and three specialist resources to the scene.

“Firefighters extinguished a fire affecting a three-storey derelict building and left the scene at 11.50am after ensuring the area was made safe.

"There were no reported casualties.”

The building has been empty since the devestating 2018 fire at the the Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh Building. The fire also affected the neighbouring O2 ABC. In July 2023, Glasgow City Council served a dangerous buildings notice on the site, which led to parts of the ABC being demolished.

The site has had a tumultous intervening years. In June 2025, councillors approved developer Vita Group's plans for a 356-bed student accommodation block and food hall in June last year. However, the decision was called in by Scottish ministers after Historic Environment Scotland objected. The Glasgow School of Art has argued the development poses a significant risk to any restoration of the Mackintosh Building.

A decision by the Scottish Reporter was expected in May, however this was then delayed until June. A further call for written was submissions was made on 31 July.

That month, it was revealed that work had been taken to stop access to the former O2 ABC after a number of instances where people had entered the area. At the time, Garnethill Community Council said that the works would take place following feedback from local residents, business and others familiar with the site.

A statement read: "Particular attention is also being given to reducing visibility into the site, including the front corner from Scott Street to Sauchiehall Street.

"The works are expected to progress over the next few days, with the aim of being finalised on Monday."

The premises are recorded in the valuation roll maintained by the Glasgow City Assessor as being held by a Jersey unit trust, The Obarcs (Jersey) No 1 Unit Trust.