AN important milestone has been reached in the project to create Glasgow University’s new £40 million Research Hub which is expected to create hundreds of jobs in the west side of the city.
Award-winning architects HOK have submitted a planning application for the new Hub, the second part of the comprehensive re-development of the area which includes the former Western Infirmary site.
In February last year Glasgow City Council gave planning permission in principle to the university’s campus masterplan application to develop the former Western Infirmary site.
According to the university: “Housing approximately 600 academics, postdoctoral researchers and PhD students, the hub will create a free-thinking, collaborative environment to attract, stimulate and enable interdisciplinary and world-changing research. It will engage and connect the University with research partners, industry, the city of Glasgow and global communities. It is due to open in late 2020.”
The university added yesterday: “As well as creating world-class teaching, learning and research facilities for students and staff, the development will transform the West End of the city, bringing significant community, economic, environmental and cultural benefits as well as the creation of 2000 to 3000 new jobs.
“The planning application submitted most recently is the latest stage in that planning process in the implementation of the university’s approved masterplan.”
In its design statement, HOK said: “In response to the university’s brief of creating a vibrant, collaborative and interactive environment, the Research Hub has a colonnade on the east facade along the edge of the new University Square.
“The colonnade is formed from sculptural re-constituted stone structural columns with a polished finish and regular rhythm culminating in the entrance portico."
A spokesperson for the University of Glasgow said: “The hub will sit at the heart of the Western site, forming the western boundary of a new university square.
“The ground floor, with an internal pedestrian link between Elder Chapel Place and the new square, is designed as a place for a wide range of people – from the university and the local community – to come together and spend time.”
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