The area around Glasgow Central railway station has fully reopened after months of repair work following a large fire in March, authorities confirmed on Friday, as the city prepares to host the Commonwealth Games.
Access restored to Union Street and station
The remaining section of Union Street and two station entrances, which had been closed since 8 March, reopened at lunchtime on Friday. In the afternoon traffic was reported flowing along the street and passengers were observed entering the rail hub.
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth visited the site ahead of the reopening to meet staff involved in the response and to hear about the challenges in completing the works. During her visit she described the area as looking "fantastic".
"The area around Glasgow Central station is looking ‘fantastic’ as it fully reopens in time for the Commonwealth Games,"
The fire began in a vape shop on Union Street on Sunday 8 March and spread through the building before travelling around the corner. The blaze led to the collapse of the structure, leaving only the façade of the B‑listed Victorian building at the junction with Gordon Street standing. That façade was later demolished because of safety concerns.
Operational response and public impact
Officials say reopening the street and the two entrances restores important pedestrian and vehicle flows in the city centre ahead of what will be an intense period for Glasgow’s transport network. The reopening also returns access for commuters, visitors and businesses that had been affected by the closures.
During her visit Gilruth spoke with Raymond Barlow, head of building standards and public safety at Glasgow City Council, among others involved in the recovery effort. The visit included photographic coverage by PA (Andrew Milligan).
- Fire origin: vape shop on Union Street, 8 March
- Damage: building collapsed; only façade of a B‑listed Victorian building remained and was later demolished
- Reopening: remaining section of Union Street and two Glasgow Central entrances reopened at lunchtime on Friday
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 8 March | Fire begins in a vape shop on Union Street |
| Following weeks | Structure collapses; façade later demolished for safety |
| Friday (17 July) | Remaining section of Union Street and two station entrances reopen |
Transport operators and city officials will be monitoring flows closely as crowds increase in the run up to the Games. For passengers using Glasgow Central, the restoration of the reopened entrances should reduce pressure on alternative routes that have been handling displaced footfall since March.
Information on any temporary arrangements or further access changes is expected from the city council and transport partners if required, and passengers are advised to check operator notices before travelling.
Photographs of the Deputy First Minister at the site were supplied by PA (Andrew Milligan).
