Princes Square is a long-established shopping centre in Glasgow on Buchanan Street, one of the main shopping thoroughfares. The site was first built and designed way back in the 1840s but redeveloped and designed in 1988 by Edinburgh architects, the Hugh Martin Partnership. 

Website: https://www.princessquare.co.uk/

How super cool below are these wall graphics we installed for Princes Square‘s #SuperSeptember? Amazing design by SHINE! They were employed to design some superhero theme graphics, which we applied to the wall.

The History of Princes Square

Princes Square is a distinctive shopping and dining destination located on Buchanan Street, one of Glasgow’s most famous thoroughfares. The history of Princes Square is deeply intertwined with the architectural and commercial evolution of Glasgow, reflecting the city’s growth as a major hub in the UK.

The site where Princes Square now stands has a history that dates back to the 1840s. Originally, this area was the location of a tenement building with shops and flats, typical of the urban landscape in Glasgow at the time. The name “Princes Square” itself comes from the square that was laid out here in the mid-19th century, part of a residential development aimed at Glasgow’s growing middle class. The square was named in honour of the Prince Regent, who later became King George IV.

By the late 19th century, the area had evolved into a more commercial zone, as Glasgow’s prosperity grew during the Industrial Revolution. The city was known as the “Second City of the Empire,” thanks to its booming shipbuilding, engineering, and manufacturing industries. Buchanan Street, where Princes Square is located, became a prestigious address for retailers and businesses.

The transition from a residential area to a retail and commercial hub was further solidified in the early 20th century. The original tenements and buildings on the Princes Square site were replaced by a new structure in the 1920s, which was designed to house shops and offices. This building was quite functional, reflecting the utilitarian approach to commercial architecture at the time.

However, it was in the 1980s that Princes Square as we know it today began to take shape. The late 20th century was a period of significant urban renewal in Glasgow, driven by a desire to regenerate the city’s central areas and create spaces that blended historic architecture with modern amenities. In 1986, the building at Princes Square was transformed into a luxury shopping and leisure complex, a project spearheaded by developer Trevor Osborne.

The transformation was remarkable. The developers retained the historic façade but completely revamped the interior, creating a stunning blend of traditional and contemporary design. The central feature of the new Princes Square was a spectacular glass-covered courtyard, surrounded by a series of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. The design was innovative, merging Victorian and modern architectural elements in a way that highlighted the historical context while offering a contemporary shopping experience.

Princes Square quickly became a landmark in Glasgow, renowned for its unique design and high-end retail offerings. It was not just a shopping centre; it was a destination, known for its luxurious ambiance and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Over the years, it has won numerous awards for its architecture and design, including a Civic Trust Award in 1988.

The 21st century saw further developments, with ongoing renovations and the introduction of new stores and dining options, ensuring that Princes Square remained at the forefront of Glasgow’s retail scene. Today, it stands as a testament to the city’s ability to blend history with modernity, offering visitors a distinctive shopping experience in the heart of Glasgow.