Talks planned over Buchanan Galleries extension

On Saturday, the Evening Times revealed work on the massive extension has been put on hold over fears the work would clash with the electrification of the Glasgow to Edinburgh rail line.

The £742 million scheme, which includes modernisation and upgrades to key junctions and infrastructure, will also result in a dramatic new frontage to Queen Street station.

Work to double the size of Buchanan Galleries was due to start within weeks but was put on hold at the last minute.

Developer Land Securities insisted it would continue to work on plants to extend the Galleries as work on the Glasgow to Edinburgh rail line is carried out over the next 18 months.

But it now seems certain the extended shopping mall will not be ready in time for its scheduled 2017 opening.

It is understood Land Security bosses and council planning chiefs two to three months looking at how the building work can be rescheduled to avoid conflicting with the rail line improvements.

An insider said: "There is no indication the work is going to be shelved but there might be some delays. It could take a few months to sort things out."

It is likely talks will centre on whether the timetable of work can be redrawn to avoid work being carried out at the station.

The new extension to the Galleries will be built on the existing car park and a link bridge will take pedestrians from the mall to a new multi-storey car park at the side entrance of Queen Street.

Once complete, the expanded mall would have more than 100 shops, a 10 screen cinema, 25 restaurants and create 2000 jobs.

Chamber of Commerce chief executive said it would be "frankly appalling" to jeopardise critical private sector investment because of the rail line improvements.

He added: "We are asking the Scottish Government as a matter of urgency to continue working with Network Rail and other stake holders to ensure this investment is secured."