Footfall Decline Following Union Corner Fire
Research indicates that the number of visits to Glasgow city centre—including those by shoppers, workers, and tourists—has decreased by one million since the fire at Union Corner in March. This data was provided by the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber reported that footfall figures are lower than both last year and pre-Covid pandemic levels. Specifically, footfall in April alone declined by 300,000 compared to the same month in the previous year.
Despite this reduction in visitors, consumer spending within the city centre has increased, contrasting with declines observed in many other cities.
Union Corner Site and Ongoing Disruptions
A category B listed building located at Union Corner, constructed in 1851, was severely damaged by the fire in March. The remaining shell of the building was subsequently demolished. Portions of the surrounding area, including the main entrance to Central Station and the intersection of Union Street, Renfield Street, and Gordon Street, remain closed while safety work continues.
A fire broke out at Union Corner, near Central Station, on 8 March.
Footfall refers to the total number of individuals present in the city centre for any purpose. The figure experienced a sharp decline immediately following the fire due to significant transport disruptions and the closure of a large section of the area near the fire site.
Initial expectations for a full recovery in footfall after the disruption subsided have not materialized. The chamber's latest Glasgow Pulse report reveals that the cumulative drop since the fire has reached one million, including a 200,000 decrease in May alone.
Daily footfall numbers fluctuate considerably. The chamber estimates an average daily footfall of approximately 175,000, with Saturdays reaching up to 210,000 and Sundays dropping to around 150,000. However, monthly trends are considered more indicative than daily variations.
The 300,000 decline in April suggests that, on average, there were 10,000 fewer people in the city centre each day in April 2026 compared to April of the previous year.
Chamber of Commerce Response
Richard Muir, deputy chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, commented on the situation:
"Falling footfall is a big issue and after a promising start to the year, since the Union Street fire footfall has fallen well short of figures of pre-pandemic and on last year.
Since the fire, there have been one million fewer people in the city centre than last year.
That is very worrying given the fragile nature of sectors reliant on passing trade."
Impact on City Centre Activity
The fire destroyed a historic building at the corner of Union Street and Gordon Street adjacent to Central Station. The station was closed immediately following the incident, resulting in many shoppers and workers avoiding the city centre.
Although train services resumed, disruption persisted. For several weeks, a large safety cordon prevented pedestrian access between Central Station and Buchanan Street, the city’s main shopping street, and caused the closure of numerous shops in the vicinity.
The chamber remains hopeful that the latter half of the summer will offset the decrease in footfall experienced since March. The city centre has seen increased activity during some World Cup games, and the upcoming Commonwealth Games, commencing on 23 July, are expected to further boost visitor numbers.
Additionally, consumer spending in the city centre showed positive signs, increasing by 1.2% year-on-year during March and April.
Council Actions and Future Plans
Glasgow City Council announced that the remaining cordon around Central Station will be lifted prior to the Commonwealth Games. This will allow the reopening of the main entrance to Central Station along with all nearby roads and pavements.
The council has also engaged architects to develop temporary solutions for utilizing the derelict fire site to prevent it from becoming an eyesore.
