Work has started to transform the former M&S on Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street

The store was once at the centre of Glasgow’s most popular shopping precincts.

Transcript

00:00Demolition of the old M&S building on Suckey Hall Street has begun.

00:03Works are now underway to transform the site into new student accommodation.

00:07Glasgow City Council approved the project in May 2024,

00:10which is being led by Fusion Group and will cost an estimated £76 million.

00:15The proposal included 619 student rooms,

00:19alongside almost 10,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space,

00:22which is said will improve the shopping environment of Suckey Hall Street.

00:26A historic pedestrian route through to Renvro Street will also be restored.

00:31The council initially rejected the proposal.

00:34Revisions were made, such as a reduction of the building's height by one storey,

00:37and the updated plans received a minded to grant status.

00:42The redevelopment will preserve the building's 1930s Art Deco facade.

00:46The Fusion Group said the development will not only help address the city's shortfall and student accommodation,

00:52but will also revitalise the local area.

00:54The building was formerly one of the largest M&S sites in Scotland

00:58and the centre of what was Glasgow's most popular shopping precincts.

01:02The store opened in 1935 and closed for the final time in April 2022,

01:07with the company citing a change in shopping habits as the driving force behind their decision.

01:12It was considered a huge blow for the area.

01:15These works now represent a catalyst for the regeneration of Suckey Hall Street.

01:19Glasgow City Council is currently leading a 10-year plan which aims to create sustainable spaces in the area

01:25and develop it in a way that celebrates its culture and rich history.

01:29The plan includes widening pavements, upgrading junctions, plant new tree species,

01:34build new bus shelters, cycle stands and seating,

01:36while adding intelligent street lighting and smart surface water management infrastructure.

01:41What do you think about the changing face of Suckey Hall Street?

01:44What do you think about the changing face of Suckey Hall Street?