The History of the Princes Square, Glasgow

Diamond Heaven explore the history of their Glaswegian store’s surroundings.

In 2018, Diamond Heaven opened their fourth jewellery store in Glasgow. Located in Princes Square just off of Buchanan Street, our Glaswegian jewellery store showcasing a wide range of jewellery - from diamond engagement rings to men's wedding rings, diamond studs and so much more. Princes Square, Glasgow is a one of a kind location, and Diamond Heaven are thrilled to have opened their new store there. Read on to find out about the rich history that this award winning building has to offer. 

19th Century

Located on Buchanan Street in the heart of Glasgow, Princes Square was designed and built by Glaswegian architect, John Baird during the 1840's. James Campbell, the owner of Princes Square at the time, was knighted by Queen Victoria and became Lord Provost of Glasgow. When the Prince of Wales was born  (later to become Edward VII) the building was named Princes Square. Over a century later, it was developed in 1986 to encompass a redesign. The new five-storey, 10,450-square-metre (112,500 sq ft) retail centre features the pre-existing cobbled square dating from 1841. This was reconfigured by new clear glass domed and vaulted roof.

Expansion

In the summer of 1999, an expansion extending the centre into Springfield Court was completed.  This expansion gave a further 1,860 square metres (20,000 sq ft) of retail area and a new retail frontage to Queen Street. During the expansion, the original cellars of the existing buildings were hollowed out in order to create more space.  Inside the square, new galleries and stairs were built to give access to the upper storeys. The original sandstone facades were kept. Now, the centre is adorned with decorative glass, tiling, lighting, timber and metalwork, designed by artists and craftsmen. Writer, Bill Bryson referred to Princes Square as "one of the most intelligent pieces of urban renewal."

Award Winning

Princes Square has earned several awards from the Hugh Martin Partnership. Alongside this it's also earnt awards from the RIBA Scottish Regional Award for Architecture in 1988, the Edinburgh Architectural Association Centenary Medal and a Civic Trust Award in the following year. 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. Princes Square is now owned by Redevco, and has recently undergone a £7.5m refurbishment. 

Glasgow's Princes Square is a five minute walk from Glasgow Central or Queen Street train stations, with parking available nearby. It's close to the Argyll Arcade in Glasgow City Centre, so there's plenty on offer. Why not visit our showroom today?