New UWS site hits milestone
Topping-out ceremony goes well
The University of the West of Scotland’s new Lanarkshire campus reached the next stage in its development with the formal topping-out ceremony being completed last week.
Students are expected to move in to the new facility, just two miles from the existing Almada Street site in Hamilton, by 2018.
And university bosses say that a “stunning 21st century learning and research environment” will be waiting for them at Hamilton International Technology Park.
Professor Craig Mahoney, principal and vice-chancellor of UWS, said: “I am delighted that our new Lanarkshire campus, which marks a significant stage in the development of UWS and will be a major boost for Lanarkshire bringing exciting social and economic benefits, is in the final phase of its development.
“The new campus will create the go-to study destination for students from across Scotland, the UK and further afield.
“This is an important milestone in realising our dream of establishing a stunning 21st century learning and research environment for our students, staff, communities and partners.”
At the topping-out ceremony, Stephen Lewis from partner company HFD joined Professor Mahoney as he signed one of the roof beams, as is the custom to mark a building’s topping-out.
On the roof, a group of key colleagues and stakeholder partners joined in the celebrations.
The project, which is a partnership between the university, South Lanarkshire Council and developers HFD, will see UWS create a new 38-acre ultra-modern campus at Hamilton International Technology Park.
The council’s chief executive, Lindsay Freeland, said: “The council welcomes UWS’S commitment to the area. Our independent socioeconomic appraisal indicates that having the university here will be worth in the region of £500 million to the local economy over 25 years.
“It will also secure 250 high-value jobs and support up to 1800 other jobs indirectly.
“In addition, as part of a joint venture with UWS, the current Almada Street campus site will be regenerated, providing a further opportunity to stimulate economic growth in the area.”
The new campus will also be one of the UK’S ‘greenest’ educational environments, with carbon neutral buildings incorporating sustainability features such as 100 per cent renewable power, generated through the campus’ own windfarm and rainwater harvesting.