St Enoch Square facts for kids
St. Enoch Square is a well-known public space in Glasgow, Scotland. You can find it just south of where two of Glasgow's busiest shopping streets, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street, meet.
The Story of St. Enoch Square
How the Square Began
This area was once part of Glasgow Green, a large park next to the River Clyde. People say there was a chapel and a burial site here for St Thenew, who was the mother of St Kentigern (also known as St Mungo, Glasgow's patron saint). Over time, the land was sold to different owners, eventually becoming property of the Glasgow City Council. They started building St Enoch Church here in 1780. St. Enoch Square is one of six main squares in Glasgow's city centre.
Changes Over the Years
Between 1780 and 1820, beautiful buildings in the Regency style were built around the square. The main building was St Enoch's Church. The first church was designed in 1780, but a new one, designed by David Hamilton, replaced it in 1827. The middle of the square used to have grass and bushes, and even sheep grazed there! This grassy area stayed until about 1860.
Around that time, farmers who used to meet in Stockwell Street for market days were told to move. So, the grass was removed to make space for them. As more people moved away from the city centre and traffic grew, the church was taken down in 1926. This made room for a bus station and a car park.
The Arrival of the Railway
In the 1860s, many buildings like houses, shops, and theatres were demolished. This was to make way for the railway lines of the Glasgow & South Western Railway Company, which crossed the Clyde River. One important building that had to move was the Faculty and Surgeons Hall of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. They moved to a new location on St Vincent Street, where they still are today.
St. Enoch Station and Hotel
St. Enoch Station opened in 1876, and its grand St. Enoch Hotel opened in 1879. At the time, the hotel was the biggest in Glasgow, with over 200 bedrooms! Both the station and the hotel were among the first buildings in the city to use electricity for lighting. The hotel closed in 1974 and was used as a car park for a while.
The Modern St. Enoch Centre
Work began on the indoor St. Enoch Centre in 1985. This large shopping centre was designed by Arup Associates and built by Sir Robert McAlpine & Sons. A big renovation project costing £150 million started in 2005 and finished in May 2010. During this time, St Enoch Square also got a makeover. It was turned into a modern plaza with large screens for broadcasting events, making it a nicer place for people to walk and relax.
Upgrading the Subway
The St Enoch Underground station, which first opened in 1896, was also updated. Renovation work started in 2014 and finished in 2015. This £5.3 million project made the subway station more modern and efficient. It included new glass and steel entrances, new floors, walls, and ceilings, and general improvements to the facilities.
Buildings Around the Square
St. Enoch Centre Architecture
Right next to the square is the St Enoch Centre. It stands where the old station and hotel used to be. This shopping centre is known for being one of the largest glass-covered shopping areas in Europe. The buildings on the east side of the square, including the St Enoch Centre, still have much of their original design, except for the shop fronts at street level.
The Old Subway Building
The original two-storey building for the Subway ticket office was designed by James Miller in 1896 for the Glasgow Subway. It has a special style called Flemish Renaissance architecture. You can see this in the smooth stone walls and the four decorative towers at each corner. This historic building is now a coffee shop.
Other Important Buildings
On the west side of the square is the IET Glasgow: Teacher building. Today, it's used for meetings and offices, but it was originally the main office for a whisky company called William Teacher & Son Ltd. It was designed in 1875 by James Boucher. South of the square, towards Clyde Street, you'll find the A-listed Custom House of Glasgow. Designed in 1840 by John Taylor, this building was used to collect taxes and keep track of goods coming in from ships on the River Clyde. It sits on the site of the town's early glass-making factories.
Fun Events
Glasgow Christmas Market
Every year, usually between November and December, the Glasgow Christmas Market takes place in St Enoch Square. It's a popular event where you can find lots of different things. There are stalls selling food, drinks like mulled wine, and unique gifts. It's a festive place to visit during the holiday season!
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