Glasgow Central Station Faces Extended Closure Following Neighbouring Building Fire
Network Rail has confirmed that Glasgow Central station, Scotland's busiest railway hub, is likely to remain closed for at least a second consecutive day following a devastating fire that tore through an adjacent 19th century building. The intense blaze has caused severe structural damage, with the historic building being completely hollowed out and its dome partially collapsing.
Emergency Response and Structural Damage
On Monday morning, fire crews deployed aerial platforms to douse the remains of the building with water as smoke continued to linger in the air. The fire, which is believed to have started at a vape shop on Union Street before spreading to the Gordon Street section of the structure, has left only the facade standing at the corner of Gordon Street and Union Street.
A Network Rail spokesperson stated: "Glasgow Central Station remains closed following the fire in a building on Union Street on Sunday. While the fire is now under control, emergency services are still on site and we continue to support their response. The station will remain closed today and likely tomorrow."
The spokesperson added that timescales for reopening would only be confirmed once safe access could be gained for necessary structural checks. As of 6:45 am on Monday, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported that nine appliances remained at the scene, with operations ongoing and no casualties reported.
Travel Disruption and Alternative Arrangements
All train services to and from Glasgow Central's high-level platforms have been cancelled, while trains passing through the low-level platforms will not stop at the station. Avanti West Coast has implemented an amended service running to Preston, Carlisle, and Motherwell, enabling connections to Edinburgh and local Glasgow area services.
ScotRail has warned passengers of substantial disruption to its services and urged travelers to check for the latest information before attempting any journeys. Network Rail has advised passengers to continue following alternative travel arrangements as directed by their train operators.
Local Reactions and Business Impact
Labour MSP Paul Sweeney compared the damage to "something out of the Blitz" and expressed serious concerns about the building's viability. He told BBC Radio Scotland's Breakfast programme: "The building is a gutted shell. I spoke to building control officers last night on site. They don't have much hope that the building can be saved at all."
Mr. Sweeney raised questions about the proximity of retail units to critical national infrastructure, noting that the incident had exposed a "real blind spot in our consideration of these type of retail units."
Local businesses within the affected building have been devastated. Sexy Coffee confirmed on Instagram that their shop had been destroyed, stating: "We are absolutely devastated to confirm that the shop has sadly been destroyed in the fire. It is heartbreaking for us and our team." The business vowed to rebuild and reopen as soon as possible, directing customers to their Argyle Street branch in the meantime.
Willow Hair Salon also confirmed via social media that their business had been destroyed in the blaze. Nearby hotels were evacuated and roads sealed off as emergency services established a cordon around the area.
Public Response and Safety Measures
Witnesses at the police cordon on Monday morning expressed shock and sadness at the destruction. Emma Reid from Glasgow said: "It's just so sad. It's such an iconic building." Rumaisah Imrane, originally from Glasgow but now living in Edinburgh, added: "It's terrifying, it looks like the whole building is just gone. It's such a beautiful part of the city."
Carolyn Bowie, whose son was among the firefighters tackling the blaze, described the incident as "devastating and a big blow for Glasgow." Authorities continue to urge people to avoid the area where possible as emergency operations persist.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that firefighters were initially mobilized at 3:46 pm on Sunday March 8 to reports of a fire on the ground floor of the four-storey building. No injuries have been reported from the incident.
