University Court has approved plans to construct a new building to house the Adam Smith Business School and create a unique hub for Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students on the site of the former Western Infirmary.

The building had initially gained approval in early 2020, but the project was paused due to COVID-19. This decision effectively gives the go-ahead for the University to progress with the plans, with work due to start in Summer of this year.

The £86 million development is designed by architects, HASSELL. It includes modern and collaborative learning and teaching facilities for PGT students as well as space for the Adam Smith Business School to continue to grow and deliver world class learning, teaching and research, and an enhanced student experience.

The Postgraduate Teaching Hub and Adam Smith Business School building is the fourth major new development to be delivered through the University’s Campus Development Programme, following the James McCune Smith Learning Hub, the Advanced Research Centre and the Clarice Pears Building.

It will be located on the southern boundary of the site, adjacent to Dumbarton Road and opposite Kelvingrove Museum and Kelvin Hall. The surrounding area will be extensively landscaped to create a welcoming and accessible gateway onto the expanded campus.

Professor John Finch, Head of the Adam Smith Business School, said: “I am very pleased that the Postgraduate Teaching Hub and Adam Smith Business School building has been given the green light to start construction.

“This unique building will accommodate PGT growth over coming years and will mean we can place business skills at the very heart of our student experience, enhancing employability and adding value to a wide range of programmes across the University.

“It is also transformational for the Business School, building on Adam Smith’s legacy in economics, organisations and governance, and creating spaces for learning, teaching and research. It will increase scope for cross-disciplinary collaboration, creating inspiring spaces which facilitate innovation and support students in their learning and teaching within and beyond their degree programmes.”

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: “This is an exciting new development which will have significant benefits for the entire PGT community at the University, ensuring we continue to meet the changing needs and expectations of students.

“It will also be transformative for the Adam Smith Business School, supporting its ambition to become one of the world’s leading business schools.

“I’d like to thank all the work that has been done by so many people, in difficult circumstances, to get us to this point.”

First published: 26 February 2021

<< 1 March 2021


Adam Smith Business School

University's Campus Development Programme