by Stewart Paterson and Caroline Wilson

GLASGOW’S Pavilion Theatre has appealed to council bosses and the Scottish Government for help after being told it must close for two months while work gets underway to demolish fire ravaged buildings.

Glasgow City Council confirmed yesterday that the block in Sauchiehall Street that was hit by last Thursday’s blaze is to be razed to the ground for safety reasons.

The buildings affected are from number 92 to 106 which stretches from The Works shop up to the junction at Hope Street and also includes Victoria’s nightclub, Specsavers, Holland & Barrett, Savers, Greggs and a number of other retailers.

The street and the roads around the site are expected to be sealed off for around two months, causing disruption for public transport and motorists.

The Pavilion has already had to cancel five shows and according to general manager Iain Gordon could be facing major losses if upcoming show, Celtic the Musical, is unable to be staged elsewhere.

The show starts on April 18 and runs for a month and takes in around half a million pounds.

Writing on Facebook, the theatre posted:“This is indeed the saddest day we have had since the flood in 1992.

READ MORE: ‘They can’t be saved’ - Fire-damaged Sauchiehall Street block to be demolished in TWO-MONTH operation

“After waiting to hear all day, we have been advised by Glasgow City Council Building Control that we will be denied access to the theatre for around two months.

“After which, we will then be allowed in to ascertain the damage caused by the fire.

“Only then will we be able to carry out any works required.

“We did request access a few times a week to check inside the theatre but this request was denied.

“We will issue a further update regarding the shows on Tuesday in more detail as we have a lot to think about just now, either moving shows to other venues or rescheduling these to later in the year.

“We hope you can bear with us on this as it has taken us by surprise and intend to seek the help of senior personnel in the council and perhaps the Scottish government as surely there are ways around this.

“Again, we would like to thank everybody for their continual support of the theatre and we hope to give you more information as soon as we can.”

READ MORE: Devastating aftermath of blaze that brought busy shopping street to standstill

Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “The full extent of the consequences of this fire in Sauchiehall Street is now starting to be understood, and it’s becoming apparent that there will prolonged disruption. 

“We can only hope the demolition work is carried out quickly, allowing the business life of the area to get back on track as soon as possible.”
Businesses on the opposite side, McDonalds, EE and Mountain Warehouse will also be sealed off due to the demolition process.

Cineworld on Renfrew Street re-opened last night.

Areas of the city continue to be out of bounds to the public including the pedestrianised area of Sauchiehall Street between Hope Street and West Nile Street, Hope Street between Bath Street and Renfrew Street, Renfield Street between Bath Street and Renfrew Street,West Nile Street closed between Bath Street and the junction at Killermont Street and Renfrew Street.

A number of First bus services, which run through the city centre have been diverted.

A spokesman for First said it was waiting for an update on future disruption from the city’s transport planners.

He said: “First Glasgow have been operating the diverted route around the city and are working closely with our colleagues at SPT to keep our customers informed of all changes to routes.

“Updated information on the adjusted routes, temporary bus stops and alternative measures in place can be found on our website, across our social media channels or via our First Bus Travel App.”

READ MORE: 'Devastating blow' for whole City Centre after massive inferno

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “An exclusion zone has been erected around the site of the dangerous buildings which will be demolished as they cannot be saved.

“Roads and pathways around the site will be closed for a considerable time - a likely estimate is two months for some of them - to allow demolition, and more detailed information will be made available as soon as possible throughout the process.

“We have met with the owners of buildings affected by the fire and will maintain this dialogue over the period.”