THE plans to demolish Buchanan Galleries and replace it with new streets has moved forward with a respected design team secured for the project.

The £800m-plus plan will involve bringing down the shopping centre to make way for a new development over a number of years.

Buchanan Galleries owners have now appointed an internationally renowned design team to draw up the masterplan to replace the Galleries.

Last year the Glasgow Times revealed how the owners Landsec were planning to demolish the famous city centre shopping mall and replace it with a new mixed-use layout of shops and residential streets, transforming the top of the street and changing the face of the city centre.

READ MORE: Plan to demolish Buchanan Galleries for massive Glasgow street transformation

Work could start this year on the 10-year project, which would be the most significant development in the city centre since Buchanan Galleries was opened in 1999.

It has been announced Foster + Partners will collaborate with Scottish firms Michael Laird Architects and New Practice to bring forward the plans for the area. 

Foster + Partners have recently completed major projects in London, the USA and Middle East including South Quay Plaza in London, and the Saudi National Bank HQ in Riyad.

READ MORE: BAE Systems plan to fill in basin for new indoor shipbuilding hall at Govan

They will be supported by the Glasgow offices of sustainability and engineering experts, Atelier Ten and Arup.

Nick Davis, senior development director at Landsec, said: “We are delighted to have appointed a world-class design team that will work with city stakeholders and citizens to bring forward designs that support the city’s net-zero ambitions, creates a new and vibrant district, and extend the city’s iconic and accessible grid layout.”

A formal consultation will be launched this month asking local people and city to register their interest in the plans.