Louise Norris, Partner in our Commercial Property team, recently featured in the media explaining why she believes that a vision for the future of Glasgow city centre will enhance the shopping experience and create fresh opportunities for retailers.
Louise expects that the developing plan for a new era of retail will attract significant investor interest, including in the retail sector. Proposals to transform Glasgow’s “Golden Z” centre on making Argyle, Buchanan and Sauchiehall streets places where people live, work, visit and shop.
Louise said: “A more vibrant city centre - with improved cultural attractions, nicer public spaces, thriving bars and restaurants - is good news for retail. This is a prime time for both retailers and retail investors to be considering how they can be a part of the future here. There is real interest in what’s happening, with shopping remaining a critical part of the mix.
“We all know that the way we shop has changed. When we go into city centres it’s no longer just about shopping. It’s about the experience of the overall trip - the other things we do while we are there. That means the space demands of retailers are changing. Evolution, though, can bring success, just in a different way. The Golden Z vision recognises that. Realising it will mean working with many property owners.”
Louise recently attended the Revo Conference in London - which included delegates from major retail names – and discussions there confirmed to her that Glasgow is on the right track.
She added: “The conversations I had with people about Glasgow were really positive. Maintaining a physical presence for retail remains important. That’s still a big part of our economy.
“I am increasingly confident that the greater destination appeal and enhanced experiences in Glasgow will fuel a stronger future for retail. And I am sure that those who get in early as part of work here will take inspiration which can be used across the UK.”
As Glasgow City Council’s Vision and Delivery Plan for the Golden Z was approved recently, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Stuart Partrick welcomed acknowledgement of the continued importance of retail to Buchanan and Argyle streets.
Louise also highlighted ambitious plans for the rejuvenation of East Kilbride by diversifying the town centre - with proposals including a new neighbourhood of homes and a civic square - as having the power to improve the look and feel of an area, and therefore the overall experience for shoppers.
Golden Z proposals include more rooftop bars and accessible gardens, more play parks and better links for cyclists and pedestrians. They also suggest that Sauchiehall Street could become a cultural hub, centred around the restored Glasgow School of Art and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
On top of the council’s Golden Z action plan, a masterplan for Buchanan Galleries includes the creation of new public spaces and the removal of the Sauchiehall Street section of the shopping centre.
Elsewhere, a plan to redevelop the St Enoch Centre - including the creation of hundreds of homes and a four-star hotel - was approved earlier this year.
Glasgow’s City Centre Task Force - led by Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce - is working on creating an expert team to deliver the vision, securing both the public and private funding needed to achieve it.
The original version of this article was published in various media channels on 19 October 2023.
