The University has unveiled plans to build a new £13.4 million sports and social facility.

The plans would see the demolition of the existing 1960s Glasgow University Union (GUU) extension on Gibson Street, which houses The Hive nightclub, and replace it with a new five-storey structure connecting the GUU to the Sports & Recreation’s  Stevenson Building on Oakfield Avenue.

An application for planning consent will be submitted to Glasgow City Council by the end of November and, if granted, demolition would be expected to commence in February. Construction of the building would begin in Spring 2013.

The plans will be showcased at a drop-in community engagement event in the GUU on Tuesday 20 November from 3pm-7:30pm where staff, students and local residents will have the opportunity to find out more about the proposal, timescale for construction and benefits of the project.

For anyone unable to make the drop-in event, the proposals will be displayed in the foyer of the GUU between 20-26 November and in the Stevenson Building from 27 November to 4 December.

Key features of the planned 4,191m2 building include:

  • New, modern facilities for The Hive, featuring a nightclub and four cafe/bars with wi-fi access
  • Four court multi-purpose activity hall with viewing gallery
  • Increased cardiovascular and stretching provision
  • Increased muscle conditioning provision
  • Increased exercise studio space including a martial arts dojo studio

The plans allow for greater public access than is currently available, so that local residents may enjoy the benefits of our new and improved facilities.

Professor Anton Muscatelli, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: “The student experience is central to what we offer at the University of Glasgow and this development will greatly enhance both our sporting and social facilities at the Stevenson Building and the Glasgow University Union.

“It is an ambitious project and one that is part of our ongoing strategy to improve and invest in an innovative and efficient way.

“What will emerge will be a truly dynamic, high-quality facility that will be used and appreciated by staff, students and the wider local community.”

The University approved the redevelopment plans at the end of the summer and a team led by ECD Architects and Page & Park created a design that forms the basis of the project.

Any questions and queries can also be emailed to estates-GUUstevenson@glasgow.ac.uk 

First published: 19 November 2012

<< Nov