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To: Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council

Glasgow: Greening the new Buchanan Galleries

Land Securities redevelopment of the massive Glasgow Buchanan Galleries complex is powering ahead and will no doubt bring many more jobs, leisure opportunities and financial rewards for shareholders.

The development includes a new 11 storey car-park in the centre of the historic city that will dominate a huge part of the skyline. Given the central location and the impact on the environment, I would like to see the developer bring the idea of 'green walls' to Glasgow.

Why is this important?

As a resident, garden designer and green-space design student, I often find myself in conversations with tourists and residents alike over the lack of breathable green space in the centre of such a historic green city.

Nick Davis ( The Development Director) has said " the final exterior design of the car-park is currently being progressed in close consultation with stakeholders and will utilise high quality materials to reflect the rest of the Buchanan Galleries Development and present a seamless link to the redeveloped Queen Street Station."

The exterior to the existing car park is less than inspiring given Glasgow's aspirations to be a global tourist destination. In fact the bland, blonde and red brick building is the first thing many people see when arriving at Buchanan Street Bus Station or Queen Street Station.

With Glasgow city council setting ambitious sustainability, health and environmental targets, wouldn't it be truly inspirational to install a 'living wall' as part of the redevelopment.

These walls are becoming commonplace in some areas of the far east, France and the US. They demonstrate a city's commitment to the environment.
I'm unaware of any initiatives that are bringing this global idea to our city and yes it may be challenging in our climate, but I expect the city to innovate!

After the George Square controversy, I encouraged the the city planners to take a dynamic lead in showing it's green credentials - To reflect the 'dear green place' and put as much thought into the exterior as the interior.

How it will be delivered

email the signatures and deliver in person

Buchanan Galleries, Buchanan Street, Glasgow

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Updates

2015-01-17 15:04:40 +0000

http://www.greenspacescotland.org.uk/SharedFiles/Download.aspx?pageid=133&mid=129&fileid=464

Great report from Greenspace Scotland from 2013

2014-12-20 10:52:27 +0000

Thanks to those who've signed so far. It's allowed me at least to have dialogue the Green Party, some of which I've included:

Gary,
Thank you for contacting me about this. The best way to influence planning applications generally is to contribute to the consultations deriving from the revision of City Plan 2 into the new Local development Plan and its related supplementary design guides.
Whilst I dont disagree with you as to the desirability of more greenery in the city centre area. I am not convinced of the durability of green walls. A number of largish buildings have had proposals for green roofs at the planning permission stage only for these to be dropped when the development actually gets built.

Nina Baker, PhD, BSc
Engineering Historian and Consultant on Gender Diversity in STEM

2014-12-18 21:58:34 +0000

50 signatures reached

2014-12-18 16:59:00 +0000

25 signatures reached

2014-12-18 14:17:59 +0000

10 signatures reached