Princes Square
The original cellars of the existing buildings were excavated to provide additional space. Inside the square, new galleries and stairs give access to the upper storeys. The original sandstone facades were preserved around the modern interior. The centre is adorned with decorative glass, tiling, lighting, timber and metalwork, designed by artists and craftsmen.
The writer Bill Bryson referred to Princes Square as "one of the most intelligent pieces of urban renewal".
The Hugh Martin Partnership earned several design awards for Princes Square, including the RIBA Scottish Regional Award for Architecture (1988), the Edinburgh Architectural Association Centenary Medal (1989), and a Civic Trust Award (1989). In 2016, it was voted Scotland's best building of the last 100 years. The original fabric has been protected as a category B listed building since 1970.
In February 2024 the Princes Square Shopping Mall was sold for an undisclosed fee to property developers.
References
- ^ "John Baird I (1798-1859), architect, a biography". www.glasgowsculpture.com. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ^ Bryson, Bill (1996). Notes from a Small Island. Black Swan. p. 339.
- ^ "Festival of Architecture Ends on a High Announcing Princes Square as Scotland's Favourite Building". Retrieved 26 March 2017.
- ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "34-58 (even nos) Buchanan Street with 7-17 (odd nos) Springfield Court, formerly Prince of Wales Buildings now known as Princes Square (Category B Listed Building) (LB32634)". Retrieved 20 March 2019.
- ^ "Big new names in prospect as Scottish city centre shopping centre bought". The Herald. 31 January 2024. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
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