Buchanan Galleries launches its Made in Glasgow 2025 initiative, encouraging the next generation to reimagine the future of retail

Buchanan Galleries has launched its enterprise challenge, Made in Glasgow, today with St Mungos Academy and Shawlands Academy.

Article Source: Buchanan Galleries
Last Updated: 30 January 2025 13:26

The ‘Made in Glasgow’ challenge is a cross-school competition which simulates / mirrors the design process and invites students to imagine an exciting community space for the people of Glasgow. Centred around the theme of ‘reimagining their local retail space’, the project challenges pupils to present their ideas and vision for retail in the future, while considering the broader impact retail space has on the local area.

Students from the two schools will take part in three workshops which replicate real life design processes covering: creative placemaking; community and customer insights; and environmental sustainability hosted by professionals at Buchanan Galleries, before developing their own ideas for a retail space to best serve their community in Glasgow.

The teams will then have an opportunity to present their ideas to an expert panel, showcasing the principles learned during the workshops. Pitches will address all aspects of creating a sustainable retail space, including establishing their concept, understanding their key audience, and sharing how they would design and market the space, including key considerations of the sustainability and environmental impact of their ideas.

‘Made in Glasgow’ aims to showcase the vital role that young people can play in transforming the retail landscape into a dynamic force for positive change within their communities. In recent years, physical retail has shifted towards creating experiences, with shopping centres evolving into social hubs that foster and strengthen community connections.

The school engagement project is delivered by Buchanan Galleries, its parent company Landsec, and Ahead Partnership, and is funded by the Landsec Futures Fund. The £20m social impact fund is dedicated to enhancing social value to the communities it serves.

The 2025 launch marks the second year of the challenge, providing an opportunity for 30 Glasgow-based students to benefit from the Landsec Futures Fund.

Kathy Murdoch, Centre Manager at Buchanan Galleries said: “’Made In Glasgow’ is a great initiative that encourages students to explore their creativity within the retail sector. Listening to the perspectives of the younger generation offers fresh inspiration for creating retail experiences that resonate with their needs and interests. We’re really looking forward to seeing the final presentations in March, and the innovative ideas the students develop.

“Working with Ahead Partnership, who have already supported over 10,000 young people through their continued partnership with Landsec, helps us ensure that the work we’re doing has a tangible impact within our local community. This is the second time the competition has run in Glasgow and helps individuals learn everything they need to know about taking an idea from its first draft to its design and pitch, whilst building self-confidence and skills to further develop their own career paths.”

Georgina Johnson, Programme Manager at Ahead Partnership said: “We’re delighted to bring the ‘Made In Glasgow’ challenge to a new cohort of students who are brimming with innovative ideas and unique insights into what they want the future of retail to look like. The feedback we received from last year’s participants demonstrates the importance of giving young people the opportunity to learn directly from employers and engage with businesses in their local area.

“We’re so grateful to the team at Buchanan Galleries for showcasing the many behind-the-scenes careers that support a local landmark, and for empowering young people to explore and present their ideas in a real-life business setting as practice before they enter the world of work.”

The winning team will be announced in March 2025, and will receive a trophy for their school. They will also go through to the national virtual semi-finals where they’ll compete against teams from other Made In Challenges happening across the UK. The three winning teams from the semi-final will then head to Landsec HQ in London for the national final in-person in June 2025.

For more information, please visit buchanangalleries.co.uk

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Glasgow Fort serves up a slice of Home Alone magic with year long cheese pizza competition

Glasgow Fort has teamed up with Leopardo Pizza to launch a Home Alone-inspired competition, giving shoppers the chance to win a year's supply of Kevin McCallister’s favourite cheese pizza.

Lidl launching free gift wrapping stations across the UK

Lidl has unveiled its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ - a celebration of some of the nation's favourite buys, brought to life as limited-edition Christmas wrapping paper

Glasgow Fort joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas

Glasgow Fort has teamed up with local charities to help raise awareness of the support they can provide to people of all ages experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation at Christmas.

The Tron Theatre announced new season for 2026

Tron Theatre is delighted to announce its brand-new season of work for Spring/Summer 2026.

This weekend Glasgow shoppers can win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift

This Sunday visitors to VEGA's Christmas Market have the chance to “unwrap the city” and win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift worth over £1,000!

Buchanan Galleries welcomes two new stores for the festive season

City centre shopping destination Buchanan Galleries has expanded its retail line-up this December with the arrival of two new stores, offering visitors even more choice in the run-up to Christmas.

Glasgow Film Festival supports 50 next generation filmmakers across three star studded talent labs

Lab mentors and partners include Oscar-winning and nominated directors, leading animation studios, and executives from Netflix, BFI, Aardman, and Curzon.

Caledonia Gladiators launches most exclusive seat in Scottish sport in aid of GCH Charity

Scotland's basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators has launched a unique new VIP experience – thought to be the most exclusive sporting seat in the country – in aid of charity.

Shipbuilding heritage, tall tales & Scottish cuisine make a tasty tune

Since launching in 2019, the Shipyard Bards, Tall Tales and Dinner events held at Glasgow's Mharsanta restaurant have repeatedly sold out.

Dr. Gillian Shirreffs Book Signing for Elephant at Waterstones Byres Road

Gillian Shirreffs has raised over £30,000 for charity through her writing, and she'll be signing copies of Elephant on Saturday 13th December at Waterstones Byres Road.

Silverburn unwraps a festive December of entertainment

Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has unveiled a packed diary full of events this December, as guests get ready for Christmas.

Celtic Connections brought surprise morning gigs to coffee shops across Glasgow at the weekend

Celtic Connections surprised Saturday morning coffee goers with live pop-up gigs across Glasgow, bringing emerging artists into unexpected spaces.

Panto Pays: festive theatre season delivers economic boost

As part of Glasgow 850's Get You In Panto Town celebration, new figures reveal the significant economic contribution of Glasgow's beloved pantomime season to the city's economy.

Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza

If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!

The oldest bar and restaurant in Glasgow unveils spectacular makeover

Sloans, has unveiled a spectacular festive transformation following a £300,000 investment that has reinvented the 228-year-old venue inside and out.

Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue

There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.

Is Glasgow Green Santa the coolest in the UK

Some visitors reckon that Santa's cousin who is currently in residence at Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green is the coolest of Santas.

Toys the season to be Jolly! Kids in Glasgow can win the entire DreamToys list this Christmas

Children in Glasgow are in for a festive treat this year, as a number of local retailers have announced they will be giving away all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.

Trust calls for the home of Scottish football to be saved from an own goal

National Trust for Scotland has added its voice to those seeking assurances about the preservation of the first ever Hampden Park in Glasgow.

Cocktails and Champagne at new Luss Distillery

The newly opened Luss Distillery has announced its first events ahead of the festive season.

Glasgow shoppers slow down for a calmer Black Friday at The Social Hub

Glasgow shoppers embraced “slow shopping” as The Social Hub hosted its Rethink Black Friday market, offering a calm alternative that spotlighted local makers.

Tis the season: Meet Home Alone inspired characters at Glasgow Fort

Christmas is in full swing at Glasgow Fort, with festive character visits, the Christmas market and family activities now underway to help get shoppers of all ages into the festive spirit.

Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025

Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.

First Scottish KENJI store now open at Silverburn

East Asian-inspired lifestyle brand KENJI has opened the doors to its first Scottish store as it joins the impressive brand lineup at Silverburn.

Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.

Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life

Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas

Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.

Breakout Scots star urges young people to discover new artists IRL at Celtic Connections coffee pop ups

Katie Gregson-MacLeod is urging young Glaswegians to discover new music IRL as Celtic Connections brings free pop-up gigs to Patricia's x SLB, Through The House and Black Pine this Saturday.

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!