Department store grows up to meet the needs of a post-retail economy
May 24 2023
A B-listed former Debenhams department store on Argyle Street, Glasgow, is to be brought back to life through conversion to offices.
Cooper Cromar proposes to adapt the 1932 landmark on behalf of Sovereign Centros to support the future redevelopment of the St Enoch shopping centre, converting upper floors and adding rooftop and rear extensions.
Key to this approach will be a reconfiguration of internal access arrangements, notably repositioning the western stair core to the rear of the property to improve what will become the main entrance. Lifts and escalators lining the atrium will also be removed.
In a statement, the architects observed: "In early 2021, it became apparent that Debenhams would be vacating the building entirely, and that finding an alternative retail operator for the building would be unlikely, so the client requested that we investigate the introduction of office accommodation to all levels, supplemented by compatible leisure uses at the first-floor link to the St Enoch Centre mall, and a possible rooftop restaurant unit.
"The existing stair core is one of four which still possess period details and are given heritage significance; it is proposed that the remaining three will be retained and we will liaise with Iceni Heritage Consultants to carefully review and conserve as appropriate..."
Extending upwards and outwards the plans include an expansive 10,0000sq/ft rooftop restaurant, complemented by an external dining terrace with a sloped glass structure capping the central atrium.
A retail presence on Argyle Street will be maintained through four ground-floor shops.
A cycle store is to be built in the rear service yard
A large rooftop dining experience will ensure the building remains publicly accessible
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if you decide to put any retail at all, keep it on the ground floor and keep it eclectic. That’s the only advice I could give. Congratulations.