New£1bnUnicampus will bring boost for city
A NEW £1billion pound expansion of Glasgow University will help bring new investment to the city and create new civic spaces, according to the Principal.
Sir Anton Muscatelli compared the development of the Western Infirmary site to the move from High Street to Gilmorehill in the 19th century.
He said it will create new facilities for teaching and world leading research and integrate the university campus into the west end and the city.
He said: “We have a historic opportunity here. We wanted to and need to expand.”
The new extension to the campus will create new facilities, including a Learning and Teaching hub to be opened next year on University Avenue, it will be followed by a Research and Innovation Hub in 2020, an Institute for Health and Wellbeing and a new Adam Smith Business School, both in 2021, An Arts facility in 2021 and a new Engineering building in 2023. Sir Anton added: “The university will not be a sealed unit in the West End, but integrated into the community with two new squares and avenues from Byres Road to Kelvingrove Park.
Professor Muscatelli outlined the plans at a Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Glasgow Talks event at the university.
Professor Neal Juster, senior vice principal, said the university, together with the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital, can act as a catalyst for investment for Glasgow.
The professor said the impact that the SEC and Hydro has had on the growth of Finnieston can be replicated a little further west.
He said: “We expect to pull that investment further along Dumbarton Road, with more civic spaces.
Business leaders were excited about the potential opportunities of the development.
Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is quite some vision for the city. It is ambitious. It is actually happening, it’s under way and you can see the building work right now.
“It’s got wider implications for the city with the Innovation Hub.”