HUGE REVAMP FOR UWS SITE
Campus will be an urban village
Ambitious plans have been revealed to completely transform the site of the Hamilton campus of the University of the West of Scotland into an urban village.
The huge project would see the entire area being overhauled to include a hotel, offices, homes, a care home/retirement flats, shops, cafe and restaurant.
Office space would occupy the Caird Building at the university.
Currently owned by UWS and South Lanarkshire Council, it is set to be called Hamilton Green.
The planning masterplan was submitted to the council last week ahead of the university’s relocation to Hamilton International Technology Park next year.
The development, depending on market conditions, is expected to take place between 2018 and 2028.
Two community engagement events, where members of the public could drop in and inspect the proposals, have already taken place earlier this year.
The 7.5 hectare site sits between Almada Street, Beckford Street and Bothwell Road.
Politicians this week hailed Hamilton’s new urban village proposals as “exciting and innovative” but the public could face up to a decade of development.
A Major Planning Permission in Principle (PPP) application was put forward to South Lanarkshire Council last week for Hamilton Green: Hamilton Urban Village.
The 7.5 hectare site – which sits between Almada Street, Beckford Street and Bothwell Road – is set to feature up to 365 mixed residential homes, including townhouses and flats, some of which will be affordable housing.
And the area could also host an 80bed, five-storey hotel that will replace the current University of the West of Scotland student accommodation.
Office space would occupy the Caird Building at the university with a leisure/ retail space and a 70-bed care home.
Plans include a distinctive “northsouth linear greenspace” at the heart of the new development. The area is described in the proposals as being “inspired by the large parade grounds at the centre of the former barracks, and this open space gives structure to the new urban form connecting Almada Street with Caird Street.”
The report’s planning statement states: “The speed at which development progresses across the site will be dictated by market conditions but is currently expected to take place between 2018 and 2028.”
Hamilton’s SNP MSP Christina Mckelvie this week welcomed the plans, saying: “These plans are exciting, innovative and a direct result of continued investment into our communities from the Scottish Government. Not only did we keep the UWS in Hamilton, but we are now on the cusp of further regenerating our town with these plans – bringing jobs, growth and investment into Hamilton.
“These plans come after the Hamilton ‘Our Town, Your Voice’ report from Angela Crawley MP and I which made clear our recommendations for our town. I’m delighted those recommendations have been noted and the people of Hamilton continue to see the investment and growth they wished to see in their town.”
Richard Lyle, the SNP MSP for Uddingston and Bellshill also backed the plans. The site is in his constituency and he said: “This will bring muchneeded jobs to the area and should be welcomed.”
The development will be in the Hamilton North and East ward.
Conservative Councillor Martin Grant Hose said: “It was disappointing the university decided to move from its existing campus as it is ideally placed near the town centre and has excellent transport links. Now they have decided to move, it’s important the site doesn’t sit vacant and become run-down, but it’s crucial the options for development are carefully considered to ensure they meet our community’s needs.
“I want to see the site used in a way that encourages foot traffic, delivers customers to local businesses and allows the area to thrive.
“The council must listen to the views of residents and businesses to make sure any appropriate development includes the right infrastructure and that the future use of this site benefits the wider community.”
Two community engagement events, where members of the public could drop in and inspect the proposals, have already taken place earlier this year where various concerns were raised including the loss of the existing parking which could pose parking problems in the area unless a solution is provided.
Labour Councillor David Mclauchlan raised concerns over parking, and he said: “I welcome this new development as the UWS moves away and it is encouraging that already plans have been spoken about and lodged to replace the university. However I would have serious concerns if any car parking provision was removed from the site. I would continue to campaign that car parking remains.”
The designers behind the project said in their pre-application consultation report there has been continuous engagement with the SLC Planning and Roads departments. They say this engagement will continue as the site progresses and they will continue to address this issue as it is proposed the removal of car parking on Beckford Street will be delayed until a later phase.
Detailed plans will follow for the various parts of the site in due course.
A University of the West of Scotland spokesperson said: “The university is working in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council to explore various options for redevelopment of this location. We are in the early stages of development, having recently completed a number of joint public consultation events.”