Our successful campaign

The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) decided to keep the Hamilton campus in the town back in December last year following a campaign spearheaded by the Advertiser.

We launched our Keep UWS in Hamilton campaign in September after breaking the news that the university was considering moving to Maxim Park near Eurocentral in North Lanarkshire.

The campaign had the backing of politicians, businesses and students who all wanted to see the campus remain in its Almada Street location, following concerns centring on the isolation of the Maxim Park site and lack of transport links.

In a victory for the campaign, the University Court decided to re-develop the Almada Street site and create new facilities at Hamilton International Technology Park.

At the time Ian Welsh, chair of the UWS Court, said: “We held detailed discussions with the developers and other stakeholders, who presented a very compelling and convincing business and educational case for Hamilton International Technology Park, including an exciting and innovative legacy plan for the current campus location which will add even more value to the town centre.”

The new campus, which received planning permission in principle at a meeting of South Lanarkshire Council’s planning committee this week, is now subject to final approval being given by the UWS Court at a meeting at the end of June.