Planning permission granted for university’s £113m research hub

Work has begun on Glasgow University’s £113 million research hub on the site of a former hospital.

The university has been granted planning permission for the building, the first on the site of the former Western Infirmary in the city’s west end.

The Research Hub is designed to be a “vibrant, collaborative facility” at the heart of the Western campus.

It will host more than 600 academics, postdoctoral researchers and PhD students working across five broad research themes.

The ground floor will be accessible to the public, offering spaces for public engagement events and exhibitions as well as a cafe.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, University of Glasgow principal and vice-chancellor, 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.”

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

It is expected to be completed in 2021.