Buchanan Galleries extension gets go-ahead

                        Glasgow shopping centre, Buchanan Galleries, is set to become one of the largest malls in the UK after receiving planning approval for a major extension.   Land Securities and Henderson Global Investors have been given the go-ahead by Glasgow council to almost double the size of the existing centre to 1.3m sq ft.   Around 700,000 sq ft of retail, bar and restaurant space will be added to the centre, and a new atrium entrance to Buchanan Galleries and the Royal Concert Hall from Buchanan Street will be built.   A new multi-storey car park will be constructed on top of Buchanan Bus Station which will also get an overhaul.   The BDP-designed plans also include construction of a new pedestrian bridge connecting the enhanced Buchanan Galleries to the new car park, and the development of new retail activity on Buchanan Street, Cathedral Street and Killermont Street.   Work is scheduled to begin in late 2008 with completion due in 2011.   Culverwell, CBRE and DTZ are letting agents.