Building a new ‘Heart of the Campus’ for the University of Strathclyde

Stantec has helped the University of Strathclyde secure detailed planning permission to transform the public space at the centre of the University to create a new ‘Heart of the Campus’.

Glasgow City Council has passed proposals to turn the site of the former Rottenrow Maternity Hospital and surrounding streets into a vibrant, climate-resilient, and accessible city centre space that will enhance the student and staff experience.

Stantec’s multi disciplinary team of planners, transport planners, ecology, structures, civil engineers and flood specialists worked together to develop and submit the application for planning permission on behalf of the University of Strathclyde. The work is part of a wider appointment by the University for Stantec to deliver a synchronised strategy to repurpose existing infrastructure and gardens as part of the campus transformation programme scheduled for completion in 2025.

“Stantec has worked with the University’s Estates Services Team and Raeburn Farquhar Bowen (RFB) landscape architects to create an exceptional design-led solution,” said Mark Johnston, Planning Director, Stantec. “Together we developed the central vision that will transform the underutilised land into the University’s centerpiece open space, enhancing valuable green-space in Glasgow city centre. The project is not without its challenges, including working in a complex site with challenging topography and traffic thoroughfares, but we will overcome these to create the inclusive space the client wanted.”

The ‘pedestrian-first’ campus will improve the student and staff experience and connect the University with the surrounding community. Environmental sustainability, resilience and biodiversity are prioritised in the design, alongside the inclusion of ‘smart features’ such as solar panels, electric bike charging points, Wi-Fi and smart seating with shelter from the weather.

The University will collaborate with the Council, City of Glasgow College, Sustrans and the local community to create cleaner, safer, pedestrian and cycle-friendly routes across campus. The ‘Heart of the Campus’ project will benefit and support the wider transport ambitions of Glasgow City Council, linking to the City’s Places for Everyone and Avenues Programmes, which Stantec’s transport team are also supporting.

“The project demonstrates the added value that Stantec’s planning service brings in developing transformational projects,” commented Mark. “We are helping the University maximise the social, environmental, and economic benefits of the project through our multi-disciplinary understanding of land-use opportunities and the development process.”

Stantec’s Project Manager and transport lead, Ralston Mackenzie, praised the sustainable vision of the University of Strathclyde. “It was clear from the outset that our client and design team shared a strong interest in sustainable matters and innovation and to have been involved in such a landmark project has been a privilege. The infrastructure will help to encourage behaviour change, which is part of a campus and city-wide programme of improvements.”

About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.

We care about the communities we serve—because they're our communities too. This allows us to assess what's needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what's never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success.

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Jody Prescott                                                             
Stantec Media Relations                               
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