Partial Reopening of Glasgow Central Station
A section of Glasgow Central Station reopened on Sunday as demolition work on the adjacent fire-damaged building approaches completion.
An exit onto Hope Street was opened, functioning solely as an exit route from the station.
This reopening follows the recent resumption of low-level entrances and the Hope Street carriage driveway, although the station’s main entrances on Gordon Street and Union Street remain closed.
Demolition Progress and Fire Background
Glasgow City Council confirmed that demolition of the remaining facade of the corner building, severely damaged by the fire, is scheduled to be completed by Friday.
The extensive fire engulfed the B-listed Victorian building adjacent to Glasgow Central Station on Sunday, 8 March, originating in a vape shop on Union Street.
Only the facade of the building on Gordon Street remains standing, alongside a floating chimney stack which was carefully dismantled last week.
The high-level section of the station partially reopened on Wednesday after a 10-day closure, with one of the main exits set to become accessible from Sunday.
Operational Adjustments and Staff Support
Network Rail route director Ross Moran stated that the station is operating under altered conditions, with staff present to guide passengers.
"Our retailers have also shown real patience throughout this disruption, and we're working closely with them to help manage their stores as access improves,"
"Reopening the Hope Street exit is a positive step forward, but there's still vital work underway."
Council Statement on Public Safety and Station Dependence
Council leader Susan Aitken emphasized that public safety remains the foremost priority while acknowledging the station’s importance.
"We are all acutely aware of how many people, in Glasgow and right across the country, depend on Central Station day-to-day and everyone involved is working towards that goal."
Demolition Operations and Site Management
Teams have been working continuously to expedite the demolition of the remaining structure safely.
The council announced that from Saturday onwards, crews will be on site daily from 07:00 to 19:00 to remove rubble, with the cordon around the site remaining in place.
Demolition of the facade commenced on Wednesday morning.
During the fire, flames reached the dome on the corner of the 19th-century building, causing the front wall to collapse.
Workers have been using hand tools to dismantle the remaining facade, as the use of powered equipment could risk an uncontrolled collapse.
Station Services and Access Updates
The partial reopening of the station has allowed the resumption of some ScotRail and cross-border train services.
Platforms seven to 15 on the west side of the station are now operational.
Network Rail advised that commuters can access the station via the low-level entrances on Argyle Street and the Hope Street carriage driveway, which is typically used during special events.
The upper exit on Hope Street reopened as an exit-only route for passengers arriving on platforms seven to 10.
However, the main entrances on Gordon Street and Union Street remain closed.
Most of the main concourse is inaccessible and has been screened off using solid metal sheeting.
Facilities and shops within the station, including the main toilets, remain closed.
