Planning permission granted for £113 million University of Glasgow research hub

The University of Glasgow has received planning consent to begin construction on the first building on the site of the former Western Infirmary.

The consent, specifically described in planning terms as ‘Matters Specified in Conditions’, means work is now taking place on a £113 million research hub, with completion expected in 2021.

Planning permission granted for £113 million University of Glasgow research hub

The research hub will be the second part of what the University has described as an “inspirational and world-leading masterplan” for the West End campus.



Designed to be a vibrant, collaborative facility at the heart of the Western campus, the hub will host over 600 academics, postdoctoral researchers and PhD students working across five broad research themes. 

‌The ground floor will be publically accessible, offering spaces for public engagement events and exhibitions as well as a café.

Planning permission granted for £113 million University of Glasgow research hub

The building was designed by HOK architects and will be constructed by Multiplex.



WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff has secured the multi-disciplinary engineering contract and Ironside Farrar is the planning consultant.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, principal and vice-chancellor, University of Glasgow, said: “We are delighted to have received planning consent to begin construction on the Research Hub.

“This represents a landmark moment in our £1 billion Campus Development programme as the Research Hub will be the first building to be constructed on the site of the former Western Infirmary.



“Upon completion, this building will offer a unique facility to support the University’s world-class research, as well as providing a welcoming and accessible hub for knowledge exchange and public engagement.”


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