Estates Conservation Strategy - Consultation

The "City Plan 2" is Glasgow City Council's adopted strategic planning policy document.  The 'City Plan 2' identifies a requirement for the University to submit a Campus Development Plan identifying anticipated changes and development opportunities for the campus.

To assist in the preparation of the Campus Development Plan, which the University must submit to Glasgow City Council for approval, Estates and Buildings has over the last year produced an Estates Conservation Strategy to inform the Campus Development Plan.  In 2010, Simpson & Brown were appointed as specialist conservation advisors who have assisted with the preparation of the Estates Conservation Strategy.  Glasgow City Council and Historic Scotland, as key stakeholders, have provided expert advice throughout the process.

The output is a formal report which will be used for future decision making in terms of estate management, policy formulation, use, alteration, retention and disposal of the University's land and buildings.  Due to the historic nature, size and complexity of the University Campus the Estates Conservation Strategy aims to be used as a reference tool and key planning guidance for all Estates and Buildings work.

The University consulted on the Draft Estates Conservation Strategy from September - December 2011.   A Consultation Report, summarising the consultation process, can be viewed at:  Estates Conservation Strategy (Consultation Report)  

The Estate Conservation Strategy has been amended taking on board many of the comments received from stakeholders and interested parties.  The final Strategy will be uploaded soon.

Purpose and Use of Estate Conservation Strategy

This Estate Conservation Strategy will assist the University's Estates and Buildings team in their wider estates strategy to ensure:

• That the conservation requirements of the campus are considered and addressed as projects brought forward;
• Future works can be prioritised;
• That future campus developments are informed and assisted;
• A consistent approach to conservation;
• Strategic vision and implementation with support from key stakeholders, for example the City of Glasgow Council and Historic Scotland;
• That the relationship of the University campus with surrounding conservation areas, listed buildings etc is preserved and enhanced.

The document does not provide a comprehensive analysis of individual buildings, their interiors or architectural details.  Some buildings will require a more thorough detailed analysis in the form of a Conservation Plan before major alteration or development projects take place and have been identified in this strategy report.  These conservation plans will refer to this document as a 'parent' document, with appropriate reference made to ensure that the overall strategic report approach is consistent.

The Estates Conservation Strategy analyses the historical and architectural development of the University campus and demonstrates why the campus has developed over the years. An overall understanding of this history provides both evidence and precedents for future management and development and informs all other sections of the document.  It helps ensure that what is important about the campus is fully understood, appreciated and retained.

Historic Scotland Campus Survey - Additional Listings

In 2011 Historic Scotland carried out a comprehensive review of the Gilmorehill Campus and Western Infirmary Hospital.  The aim of the review was to survey all buildings to update existing Listed Building records and determine if further buildings fall within a listing category.  After extensive review and dialogue the following additions and amendments have been adopted by Historic Scotland:

• 34 updated listing building description reports
• New Category B Listings:
  • New Listing: Lord Kelvin's Sundial, South Front
• New Category C Listings:
• 25 - 29 Bute Gardens including entrance piers and boundary walls
• New Listing: Sir Alexander Stone Building, University Gardens