The Wolfson Centre is home to the Department of Biomedical Engineering, one of the oldest seats of biomedical education and research in the world and rated first in the UK for Medical Technology in four of the past five years by the Complete University Guide.

The building has undergone a complete refurbishment in its laboratory, teaching and office spaces with the transformation supported by £1.7m in donations from friends, supporters and alumni of Strathclyde.

Originally constructed in 1972, the five-storey Category-B listed Modernist building designed by Morris and Steedman has a unique façade featuring ribbed chevron-shaped reinforced-concrete cladding panels.

The exterior remains virtually unchanged, save for the cleaning of the distinctive cladding and the addition of an extension containing a stairwell and lift which will allow capacity of the building to be increased.

Inside, however, the project has created: new, high-quality research and teaching laboratories; modern, flexible learning spaces; increased office accommodation; and, new social spaces for students.

Low energy lighting with automated controls, new heating and ventilation systems and connection to the University’s District Energy network will provide energy efficient heating and hot water.

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal & vice-chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said: “The Wolfson Centre refurbishment is just one of the projects that is helping transform our campus into a working and learning environment for the 21st century as part of an overall £1bn investment.

The re-imagined building will greatly enhance the student experience and the new laboratories will be valuable assets to our world-leading researchers in the Department of Biomedical Engineering.

“By refurbishing the existing building we have been able to put sustainability at the heart of the project, minimising the use of new materials, incorporating recycled and carbon-neutral material and installing various energy efficiency measures.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our generous donors for £1.7m that was secured towards the project. Our staff and students are really looking forward to moving back in and making the most of the new facilities.”

Armour Construction Consultants acted as project manager and cost consultant on the project, which also saw five new entrants/graduates employed and 10 apprenticeships created as part of the Strathclyde Commitment.