Campus Vision

University seizes “once in many generations” opportunity

A major planning and consultation project is now underway following the University of Glasgow’s announcement of its acquisition of just over six hectares (15 acres) of land currently occupied by a major NHS hospital, the Western Infirmary.  

Work has started on an overall campus strategy including the creation of a development framework that will involve extensive consultation with University of Glasgow staff, students, local residents, businesses and other interest groups. There will also be widespread discussions with Glasgow’s City Council, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and other key stakeholders on the most appropriate way to develop what is a sizeable city district, dominated by the Gilbert Scott-designed University buildings at Gilmorehill.

Professor Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: “This is as significant a development in the story of the University of Glasgow as the original relocation to Gilmorehill from the city centre in 1870. The acquisition of the Western Infirmary site will allow us a unique opportunity to provide modern, fit for purpose facilities that are in keeping with Glasgow’s status as a world leading research-intensive university. As ever, the student experience is at the heart of all that we do, and the campus redevelopment will allow us to focus on what our students want and need, as well as providing an environment that is open and accessible to the wider community.”

Within days of the announcement in February, the University’s Estates and Buildings team were running staff, student and public “drop-in” sessions as the first stage of a framework consultation exercise. In addition to consulting widely on the future of the Western Infirmary site, the University of Glasgow also intends to review how best to use the other properties on the existing Gilmorehill campus to ensure they are aligned with the University’s strategic plan and the future needs of higher education. The existing campus covers about 10 hectares (25 acres). The redevelopment will also provide the University of Glasgow with an opportunity to develop a sustainable estate, including ambitious carbon footprint reduction targets.

Professor Muscatelli added: “We now have an opportunity to create a lasting legacy for future generations of students, academics, local people and for the city of Glasgow as whole. The investment in the campus is one of the key elements in the delivery of our strategy of Glasgow 2020, which is focused on providing excellence in research, an unrivalled student experience and in placing the University of Glasgow as a truly global player in higher education.

“We are already committed to investing at least £80m in new buildings and equipment and £55m in refurbishing facilities over the next five years. Over the next ten years - as we develop the Gilmorehill site - we anticipate investing more in our infrastructure than was spent in delivering the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and so create something very special for our University community and the City of Glasgow.”

News of the campus development project received widespread media coverage in Scotland. At the consultation sessions, visitors were able to browse displays explaining the background to the project and making clear some of the issues that will be considered as the campus development moves forward.

Information booklets had also been prepared complete with a detailed questionnaire.

Director of Estates and Buildings, Ann Allen, said: “Reaction from staff, students and people from the local community seemed almost entirely positive, in particular people have appreciated having a say at such an early stage in the process. I think we were able to make clear that this is a very large project which will take many years to plan and deliver.

“It is about the entire University campus and not just about the segment containing the Western Infirmary. It was important for us to stress that all the stakeholders involved in this have the chance to offer views on how the plan develops.”

The University is not expected to take ownership of the Western Infirmary hospital site until 2015 when the unit is closed and its services transferred. The eventual planning framework is likely to include consideration of the future for several famous Glasgow landmarks, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Kelvin Hall.

For more information about the Glasgow University campus development project please visit: www.gla.ac.uk/about/campusdevelopment/consultation