A significant section of a bustling Glasgow street, which had been partially closed following the fire on Union Street earlier this year, has now been fully reopened to the public.
Key Pedestrian Routes Reinstated
Pavements along the north side of Gordon Street had been inaccessible since a devastating blaze on March 8, which severely damaged a B-listed Victorian building. These crucial pedestrian routes officially reopened at 13:00, significantly easing movement for residents and visitors who previously had to navigate detours via streets such as Drury Street or Renfield Lane.
The reopening comes after the Glasgow City Council had initially indicated that the cordon covering Union Street and Gordon Street would remain until July. This announcement had caused considerable concern among local businesses, many of whom reported significant losses in trade due to the prolonged closure.
Ongoing Demolition and Safety Measures
While the affected pavements are now open, demolition work on the damaged building is still underway. A safety cordon remains in place around the immediate vicinity of the demolition site, reflecting ongoing safety concerns related to the structural work.
Councillor Angus Millar, the convener for City Centre Recovery at the council, highlighted the positive impact of the Gordon Street reopening. He stated, “It’s absolutely necessary for the vitality of the city centre that people can see that it’s open for business, and the reopening of these key pedestrian routes following the Union Street fire helps that.” He further added, “Given the proximity to Central Station, these are among the busiest pavements in the country and this will be welcomed by those forced to take detours to and from the station.”
In preparation for the reopening, controlled access was granted to affected food businesses on Gordon Street earlier this week. This allowed them to remove any spoiled food, inspect their premises, and carry out necessary cleaning ahead of resuming operations. The council’s refuse and environmental health teams were also on hand to provide essential support.
Progress on Structural Stabilization
The local authority also confirmed that substantial progress has been made on the stabilization of the gable wall on the western side of the fire-affected site. Work to fill voids within the wall structure is anticipated to commence shortly.
The extensive fire originated in a vape shop located on Union Street. The B-listed Victorian building, historically known as Union Corner, subsequently collapsed several hours later as the flames intensified and spread.
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