This is the third in a series of updates from Ann Allen, the University's Director of Estates and Buildings, aimed at briefing you on the progress being made towards creating a World Changing Campus.

As we gear up for the start of the new academic year, work continues on all the projects that are being developed as part of the University’s £750m ten year capital plan. Below are updates for the most advanced projects:

Learning and Teaching Hub:

The design team for this project HLM Architects have been working closely with the Estates and Buildings project team to develop initial concepts. The team have been exploring the requirements for the learning and teaching facilities, discussing the right shape and size for the building and focusing on how connections with the Boyd Orr will work.

New methods of working

To support this work, there have been ongoing discussions on how the building will operate. Successful workshops were held with staff and student representatives.

Discussions focused on which service delivery models should be used in the building to ensure University Services can effectively support both staff and students using the Learning and Teaching Hub. This may mean trialling new methods of working to ensure the building reaches its full potential for the University community. This is the beginning of shaping the new building and more consultation opportunities will be available in the future.

There are many more exciting developments ahead with the Learning and Teaching Hub. The project is expected to be taken to Court for approval in February 2016.

Research Institute of Health and Wellbeing and College of Social Science co-location:

The development board for this project has also been very active, focusing in particular on how the co-location benefits can be maximised. Through co-location it is hoped to increase both research and impact to the University and the wider community.

A tender has been sent out for a design team for the project, appointed late autumn.

The Research Hub:

The strategic brief for this project is under close development and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. The brief will set out the full vision for the building.

Following a successful tender process, the University is in the process of appointing a design team for the Hub.

Adam Smith Business School:

The vision for the Adam Smith Business School is to make the most of one of our most iconic building – the Gilbert Scott Building – to provide modern fit for purpose accommodation to support the prestigious Business School.

Significant work took place over the summer to shape the proposals for the redevelopment and a detailed brief will be made available within the next six weeks.

More information on the many other projects due to take place across campus will detailed in the course of the year.

Joining it all together - place

The key piece of work that brings all the projects together is the master planning.  We have appointed Aecom as Master Planners and Arups Scotland as infrastructure consultants.

The master planners will take the principles we have established in the Campus Development Framework and develop a detailed plan for the campus.  They will consider roads the shape of the campus, permeability, access and egress and importantly how we maximise the space between buildings and the cohesion of the campus.

A design guide will be produced to ensure there is a coherency in the design of everything we build. Not all the buildings will be the same but there will be a theme and cohesion across campus.

Arups will ensure we have the correct power, water and services to the campus.  Will address ground conditions and all the risks associated with the site.

These aspects will hold the entire project together to ensure we create a world changing campus which will be fit for purpose for generations.

Have your say

At the end of September/ early October we will be asking the University community for early views on developing the western infirmary site.

Your input into the campus development is vital and we look forward to hearing your views.

Any questions? Email communications@glagow.ac.uk

Ann Allen, Director of Estates and Buildings

First published: 10 September 2015

<< September