Selfridges is planning to turn its Glasgow site into temporary public realm space ending years of speculation about the future of the Trongate site.
The luxury retailer intends to submit a planning application for the demolition of derelict buildings and a “short- to medium-term” redevelopment of the site into temporary uses including public open space, new footpath links and car-parking spaces.
A statement from Jones Lang LaSalle, which is acting as a planning consultant for Selfridges Retail, said the site – which fronts Trongate and borders Candleriggs, Wilson Street and Hutcheson Street – is an important location within the city centre.
It added: “Selfridges’ objective is to provide this part of the city with an improved environment in the short to medium term until a redevelopment of the site can be realised.”
The move puts a stop to speculation about the retailer’s short-term plans for the site which it bought from Pathfinder Properties for £15.3m in 2002.
It had originally planned to develop a £90m mixed-use scheme on the site and sell on the non-retail element upon completion.
The retailer is to hold a community consultation in the city on Wednesday 15 July to “allow the people of Glasgow to provide comment on the proposed works”.
Extensive consultations are also being undertaken with key stakeholders in the area including Glasgow city council, Historic Scotland, the Merchant City Initiative, Merchant City community council and local elected members.
David Bell, national director at JLL, said: “The proposals will provide the opportunity for new public realm space in an important part of the city centre, in contrast to imposing derelict buildings.
“The scheme will offer a valuable resource for the people of the city in the short to medium term until a full development proposal can be realised for the urban block.
“The proposals will complement the wider regeneration that has taken place in the Merchant City in recent years and avoid the site blighting future investment.”
