ANGRY business leaders are demanding financial help for firms affected by the devastating blaze in the centre of Glasgow last month.
A stretch of Sauchiehall Street is expected to be shut for about two months to allow demolition work to take place following the massive fire at Victoria’s nightclub.
The Federation of Small Business has now asked Glasgow City Council to offer rates relief measures to firms affected by closures and fewer people visiting the street, which is hitting trade as a result.
The FSB is also asking if the overall plan for Sauchiehall Street should be revisited in the wake of the fire.
Martin Little, leader of FSB in Glasgow, said: “Sauchiehall Street is one of the city’s main business thoroughfares, with hundreds of businesses located either on or near this world famous street. Therefore, like many other Glaswegians, I was shocked at the extent of the damage that the recent fire did to such an important part of our city.
“As the area gets back on its feet, we accept that some disruption is unavoidable – and that public safety should be of paramount importance.
“However, given the economic significance of this part of the city centre, I’ve written to the council leader to ask if Glasgow City Council could consider measures to mitigate the impact on local firms, and to ensure the area is a great place to do business in the years to come.”
Herald View: Fire must be catalyst for change in Sauchiehall Street
It comes as more buildings are set to be demolished on the street, which has raised hopes that one of Scotland’s busiest shopping areas can be revitalised.
The council has approved plans to pull down the former BHS site on the famous thoroughfare.
It is located opposite the block that will be razed following the fire. The council has said the fire-ravaged buildings between 92 and 106 Sauchiehall Street will be torn down.
Shops affected include Specsavers, Greggs, The Works and Savers, while the Pavilion Theatre remains closed along with the popular Lauder’s bar.
Permission has already been granted for a glass-fronted 12-storey office and retail development on the BHS site that borders Sauchiehall Street, Renfield Street and Bath Street, one of the biggest single-store sites in the city.
It will include a smaller block on Sauchiehall Street, with the taller office block on Bath Street and a new public square space in the centre.
No exact timescale has been put on the demolition but it is understood work will start soon.
Business leaders said the combination of the two demolitions could be the catalyst to return the area to its former glories. Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said that a major blaze at the opposite end of the street seven years ago had resulted in a business improvement district being established.
Herald View: Fire must be catalyst for change in Sauchiehall Street
He believes similar improvements can happen now near the site of the blaze.
He said: “An event like this can be a catalyst for change.
“Given that the damaged building has to come down for safety reasons means it looks like a development opportunity on both sides of the street now opening up.
“If there is an opportunity to rethink what the use on the [fire] side of the street looks like then that can only be beneficial in the long run.
A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said said: “The leader of the council will be happy to meet the Federation, along with officers who are working to support businesses in Sauchiehall Street.
“She has asked them to look at the feasibility of rates relief.”
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