Home / Business and Economy / Glasgow Centre Footfall Plummets Post-Fire
Glasgow Centre Footfall Plummets Post-Fire
6 Jul
Summary
- One million fewer visitors to Glasgow city centre since March fire.
- April footfall saw a 300,000 person decrease from last year.
- Consumer spending in Glasgow's centre has increased by 1.2%.
Footfall in Glasgow's city centre has decreased by one million trips since the Union Corner fire in March, with numbers falling below pre-pandemic levels and last year's figures. Research indicates a 300,000-person drop in April compared to the previous year.
This decline impacts businesses reliant on passing trade. The fire, which gutted a historic building, led to immediate station closures and prolonged disruptions due to safety cordons. These closures affected shops and pedestrian access between Central Station and Buchanan Street for several weeks.
Despite the reduced visitor numbers, consumer spending in the city centre has shown resilience, increasing by 1.2% in March and April compared to the same period last year. This offers a glimmer of optimism for the city's economy.
Authorities plan to lift the remaining cordon around Central Station before the Commonwealth Games on July 23rd, reopening access to the station and surrounding roads. Architects are also exploring temporary uses for the fire-damaged site to improve its appearance.
