Major Redevelopment For Glasgow Uni

A £135 million redevelopment of Glasgow Uni has been announced.

The main campus of the University of Glasgow at Gilmorehill is set to expand and take over the 14-acre site of the Western Infirmary from 2015.

Most of the area bounded by Dumbarton Road, Church Street and University Avenue has already been transferred from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to the university.

When the Western Infirmary closes in 2015 the university will acquire the remainder of the site for development to provide state-of-the-art facilities for students. This will come after extensive consultation within the university and the local community as well as key stakeholders such as Glasgow City Council, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise.

Professor Anton Muscatelli, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: ``This is as significant a development in the ongoing story of the University of Glasgow as the relocation to Gilmorehill from the city centre was in 1870.

``The acquisition of the Western Infirmary site will allow us a unique opportunity to provide modern, fit for purpose facilities that are in keeping with Glasgow's status as a world leading research-intensive university.

``As ever, the student experience is at the heart of all that we do, and the campus redevelopment will allow us to focus on what our students want and need, as well as providing an environment that is open and accessible to the wider community.''

The university transferred land to the former Hospital Authority for the construction of the Western Infirmary in 1878. This was on condition that if the site was no longer needed for healthcare, the university would be given the opportunity to re-acquire it.

Robert Calderwood, chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: ``The Western Infirmary is to close when the new South Glasgow Hospital opens in 2015 and we are delighted that a significant part of the site has already been sold back to the university for educational purposes and that we continue with talks that would see the second part of the site also transfer back to the university.''

Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: ``The acquisition of this site by the University of Glasgow would present an opportunity to develop state-of-the-art facilities that would consolidate and develop the city's status as a leader in education, renewables, research and technology.''

The University of Glasgow will also reassess other properties on the Gilmorehill campus to ensure they fit with the demands of future university education. The opportunity will also be taken to develop a sustainable estate including a reduction in carbon footprint.

Prof Muscatelli said: ``We are already committed to investing at least #80 million in new buildings and equipment and #55 million in refurbishing facilities over the next five years.

``Over the next 10 years, as we develop the Gilmorehill site, we anticipate investing more in our infrastructure than was spent in delivering the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and so create something very special for our university community and the city of Glasgow.''