Glasgow fire: Remaining section of Union Street building to be demolished

A historic Glasgow building severely damaged by a recent fire is set to be demolished amid safety concerns. The structure, known as Union Corner and located adjacent to Glasgow Central Station, has suffered ongoing deterioration since the blaze that broke out on Sunday night. Glasgow City Council has taken control of the site following an initial assessment and concluded that demolition is necessary to protect public safety.

The fire originated in a vape shop on Union Street and rapidly engulfed the B-listed Victorian building, leaving it in ruins. Firefighters have remained at the scene to extinguish lingering hot spots. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the blaze. The council emphasized that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continues to manage the site’s hazards while preparations for demolition proceed, though the timeline for the demolition has not yet been confirmed.

During a session of First Minister’s Questions, the First Minister announced plans to offer financial support for businesses impacted by the fire, with further details to be provided shortly. Discussions between the Scottish government and Glasgow City Council are ongoing to coordinate assistance, including potential regulatory measures for vape shops. Political leaders have expressed urgency in prioritizing help for affected local enterprises, while calls for an inquiry into fire service resources have been made following reports about the limited availability of high-reach fire appliances on the night of the incident. The First Minister maintained that appropriate resources were deployed to combat the fire.

To aid recovery efforts, the Scottish government is establishing a ministerial board chaired by Justice Secretary Angela Constance, with Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken among those involved. This board will oversee support packages and facilitate coordination in the aftermath of the incident. Meanwhile, some train services resumed at Glasgow Central Station, with the low-level platforms reopening after safety checks. However, the main high-level station remains closed due to the fire-damaged building’s unstable facade.

Union Corner was a prominent Victorian-era building constructed in 1851, predating the opening of Glasgow Central Station by nearly three decades. Designed by architect James Brown of Brown & Carrick, the structure originally housed the stationery and publishing firm Francis Orr & Sons. Known for distinctive rooftop advertisements, including an Irn Bru sign and a red neon Bells logo on its domed corner, Union Corner was a recognizable Glasgow landmark. Prior to the fire, various businesses such as the Blue Lagoon fish and chip shop and Sexy Coffee operated on its ground floor

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