Union Street in Glasgow will fully reopen to pedestrians and all traffic at 1pm on Friday 17 July, marking a significant milestone in efforts to recover from the fire that affected the area.

By that time, the final pieces of work — restoring the road and pavements and installing hoardings ahead of the street being dressed for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games — will be finished, with the site then handed back to the owners.

The council is coordinating with transport bodies and other partners to manage the reopening, which is expected to benefit bus and rail passengers as well as local businesses.

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "This coming Friday is a really important day for Glasgow city centre. Since the fire, the council has worked alongside partners to try and minimise the impact on things like travel – and it is testament to that collective effort that we are now able to safely open the roads, pavements and buildings around the site and take another big step towards recovery. I'm very clear, though, that we still have work to do – and I'm looking forward to focusing on bringing the site back into productive use, both in the short term and for the future."

-- Advertisement --

Movement around the city centre is also being helped by progress on the Argyle Street West Avenue, which is now largely complete up to the Hope Street junction. Temporary traffic lights already in place will stay until the scheme is finished, with contractors due to return after the Commonwealth Games to complete junction works at the Hielanman's Umbrella.

The council has appointed an architect to create a concept for the site's 'meanwhile use', activating the space over the next four years while longer-term plans are developed. Initial activation is anticipated in late 2026, potentially in phases, alongside proposals being considered to transform the area around Central Station.