MyGlasgow News

Work will start on 16 May to refurbish the South Stair, the grand staircase that leads from the Gilbert Scott building ground-floor to the Bute Hall, Senate Room and Principal's Offices. It follows the extensive refurbishment of the Bute Hall that was carried through last year.

The intention is to decorate the entire area in a way that matches the ambitions of the 19th century architect and realises the aspirations of the University's Professors who oversaw the move from the High Street in the 1870s. As part of the work the imposing statue of Adam Smith, a key figure of the University in the 18^th century, is to be moved and raised in to a more prominent and commanding position.

Estates and Buildings, who have commissioned the decorative work, have been consulting with Glasgow City Council and Historic Scotland mindful that the Gilbert Scott building is of major historical and architectural importance.

Professor David Gaimster, Director of the Hunterian, said: "This is a way of celebrating the space and giving it the appropriate decorative scheme that is consistent with the heritage of the building. This was always intended to be an impressive public space which said something about the nature of the University and its historical heritage. We are hoping to complete an ambitious scheme that our University forebears never managed to finish."

During the work, which is expected to be completed by early July, access will be possible via the South Stair, but staff and students can expect some limited restrictions on access. Work is expected to continue out-of-hours to ensure the minimum of disruption. There'll be further reports, and photographs of the decorative scheme, in future editions of Campus eNews.  

  

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First published: 6 May 2014