Demolition of fire-ravaged building at Glasgow Central begins

Demolition efforts have commenced on the fire-damaged Union Corner building located in the heart of Glasgow. This Victorian-era, B-listed structure, situated where Union Street meets Gordon Street near Central Station, suffered extensive destruction following a fire that ignited in a vape shop on Sunday evening. Glasgow City Council described the site as being severely unstable and posing significant safety risks.

Among the initial tasks in the demolition process was the removal of a precariously perched chimney stack, which remains attached to the adjacent building several floors above the ground. Council leader Susan Aitken indicated that a compulsory purchase order (CPO) could be a valuable tool in managing the future of the Union Corner site. However, despite some media speculation, the council clarified that there are no current plans to develop a hotel on this location.

To ensure public safety, the council has established a safety perimeter extending to Central Station itself. After taking over management of the site from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, council officials conducted their own structural assessments. Raymond Barlow, representing the building standards team, noted that demolition might extend over several weeks. He explained that work would begin with removing the most dangerous parts of the building to eventually allow the reopening of the station and surrounding roads. The council also mentioned that demolition work will proceed around the clock, although weather conditions, particularly strong winds, could delay operations due to crane use limitations.

The vape shop business, operated by Junaid Retail Limited, reportedly owed unpaid business rates since August 2024, and a debt recovery service linked to Glasgow City Council was pursuing these arrears. The business address recently shifted from Hamilton to Glasgow. Meanwhile, property owner Afton Estates Limited confirmed that Junaid Retail Limited remained the tenant after a business rates bill for 2025/26 was returned marked as the occupants having vacated. Attempts to contact the current director have so far been unsuccessful.

The Scottish government has engaged with the council regarding support measures for affected local businesses, with financial aid expected to be announced shortly. Additionally, there are considerations underway for stricter regulations pertaining to vape shops. Business owners based in Union Corner have spoken about the personal and financial impact of the fire. Nail bar owner Carina McCreery shared how the community has offered emotional and financial support, stating, “People have been sending flowers and cards, kind messages – even my postman gave me a fiver yesterday towards my GoFundMe that my friend set up for me.” Tattoo parlour owner Scott McAnally reported losses around £40,000 and reflected on the prevalence of vape shops in city centers.

The future of Union Corner remains uncertain, with significant challenges ahead for the council. After securing the site for safety, the roads and Central Station’s main entrance can be reopened, improving access for the estimated 70,000 daily passengers. The building’s location amid densely built surroundings requires careful, manual dismantling rather than heavy machinery to avoid damage to nearby structures. Particular attention will be needed for the sandstone facade on Gordon Street, whose curved design presents additional demolition difficulties.

Once the site is cleared, the decision will turn to whether the council should proceed with a compulsory purchase order to acquire ownership from multiple private parties. This approach could facilitate redevelopment by preventing delays from individual owners. While a five-star hotel is among the options being considered, council leader Susan Aitken

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More