Tuesday, 19 February 2013 UK Education News
Glasgow University will take over the Western Infirmary site (bottom left) in 2015
Glasgow University is to expand its campus in the west end of the city by taking over the Western Infirmary site.
Most of the area bounded by Dumbarton Road, Church Street and University Avenue has already been transferred.
The remainder of the 14-acre site will follow when the hospital closes in 2015.
The university handed over the land in 1878 on the condition that it could re-acquire the site if it was no longer needed for healthcare.
Glasgow University will develop the Western Infirmary site after "extensive consultation" with the local community and other public bodies including Glasgow City Council, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the Scottish government and Scottish Enterprise.
'Unique opportunity'Professor Anton Muscatelli, principal and vice-chancellor of the university, said: "This is as significant a development in the ongoing story of the University of Glasgow as the relocation to Gilmorehill from the city centre was in 1870.
"The acquisition of the Western Infirmary site will allow us a unique opportunity to provide modern, fit for purpose facilities that are in keeping with Glasgow's status as a world leading research-intensive university.
"As ever, the student experience is at the heart of all that we do, and the campus redevelopment will allow us to focus on what our students want and need, as well as providing an environment that is open and accessible to the wider community."
Prof Muscatelli said the university was "committed to investing at least £80m in new buildings and equipment and £55m in refurbishing facilities over the next five years".
Robert Calderwood, chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "The Western Infirmary is to close when the new South Glasgow Hospital opens in 2015.
"We are delighted that a significant part of the site has already been sold back to the university for educational purposes and that we continue with talks that would see the second part of the site also transfer back to the university."
The University of Glasgow will also reassess other properties on the Gilmorehill campus to ensure they fit with the demands of future university education. The opportunity will also be taken to develop a sustainable estate including a reduction in carbon footprint.
