Scottish Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth has declared the area around Glasgow Central station looking “fantastic” as it fully reopens in time for the Commonwealth Games, months after a devastating fire. The remaining section of Union Street and two station entrances that had been closed since March reopened at lunchtime on Friday, with traffic flowing freely and passengers pouring through the entrances.
Background of the Fire
The fire began in a vape shop on Union Street on Sunday, March 8, spreading through the building and around the corner, leading to a structural collapse. Only the facade of the B-listed Victorian building at the junction with Gordon Street remained standing, but it was later demolished due to safety concerns. Work to stabilise a gable at the site has now been completed, and scaffolding has been removed, enabling the area to reopen.
Government Support and Reopening
Ms Gilruth visited the station and Union Street on Friday morning as final preparations were made. She noted that the fire had impacted local businesses and station operations, and the government provided up to £10 million in financial support to the local authority for distribution to affected businesses. “It’s been a great opportunity this morning to have a walk around the site, which is dramatically different from what it looked like earlier this year, but also to see the reopening that’s happening around about the station, looking really fantastic, gearing up for the Commonwealth Games, which of course kick off next week,” she said.
Impact on Station Operations
Gary Hopkirk, programme director for works delivery at Network Rail, highlighted that the station had faced crowd flow difficulties during the closure of the two entrances. He said, “Actually being able to get to the stage where we can reopen again makes our jobs a lot easier, it’s easier for the public as well so it’s a great day.” He added that the full reopening would assist passengers during the Commonwealth Games, allowing them to see Glasgow Central “in its full glory again.”
ScotRail and Council Statements
Joanne Maguire, managing director of ScotRail, called it “a great day for our staff and for our passengers,” acknowledging the collaborative work by Glasgow City Council, Network Rail Scotland, and ScotRail to ensure the station reopened before the Games. She thanked passengers for their patience since the March fire, noting that while the limited entrances were disruptive, the full timetable was resumed quickly.
The council has appointed architects O’Donnell Brown to explore a “meanwhile use” for the Union Corner site over the next four years before a permanent solution is found. Angus Millar, convener for city centre recovery at Glasgow City Council, expressed gratitude to those affected and to the council staff, contractors, and partners for their work.
