Construction Timeline for Union Corner Fire Site
The leader of Glasgow City Council has indicated that construction work on the Union Corner site, which was destroyed by fire earlier this year, may not commence for five or six years.
Susan Aitken explained that the planning and consultation process concerning the land is expected to continue until around 2030. This extended timeline is partly due to the complex ownership structure of the damaged building.
Comments and Council Actions
These remarks were made by Aitken at an event organized by the online newspaper The Glasgow Bell last week. Glasgow City Council has stated that it is currently exploring options for the site across short, medium, and long-term horizons.
Details of the Fire Incident
A significant fire broke out on Union Street on 8 March, initially starting in a vape shop located on Union Street before spreading further along the street.
Ownership and Management of the Site
The building is managed by the property company Stelmain on behalf of Dunaskin Properties, while the ground-floor retail unit where the fire originated is owned by Afton Estates.
The multiple ownership of the site is expected to contribute to delays before development proposals can be considered.
Council Officials’ Perspectives
BBC Scotland News has learned that the council leader's estimated timeline is shared by other senior officials within the local authority.
Council Statement
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said:
"We are continuing to work on making the site safe – at this point, focusing on works on the western gable wall – with a view to reopening Union Street as quickly as possible.
Beyond that, we are working with the owners on how the site will look and feel and how it could be used in the short, medium and long-term."
Recovery Efforts and Historical Context
A recovery group has already been convened, including representatives from design and architecture companies.
Following the fire in March, only the façade of the building at the corner of Gordon Street and Union Street remains standing.
The building, known as Union Corner, dates back to 1851, predating Glasgow Central Station, which opened in 1879.
