'Beacon of hope': Unique Glasgow University building planned

Glasgow University is proposing a new building, which would also be a "beacon of hope" for net zero developments.

The Keystone would be a six-storey and over 26,000 sq m large structure at the eastern edge of St Mungo Square, making it the centrepiece of the entire  Gilmorehill campus.

Papers state the building would serve two main purposes. Firstly, it would fulfil an urgent requirement for high-quality learning, teaching and research space.

It would have the capacity to house 520 academic and post-graduate researchers in addition to around 3,900 undergraduate learning seats.

By doing this, Keystone would "attract and retain the world's most talented staff and students to study and work".

Secondly, it would be an "exemplar of sustainable development" and address the climate and bio-diversity emergency by being a "beacon of hope" that delivering net zero developments is possible.

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Proposal (Image: Sourced)

Plans for inside (Image: Sourced)

In the basement, the state-of-the-art facility would include research spaces and teaching labs designed to be visible from the atrium to put science on display. 

On the lower ground floor, two main entrances are planned from St Mungo Square, leading to a central amenity space, a research support facility, stores and a mobility hub for bicycle storage.

A cafe of approximately 135 sq m would also be set up here.

The upper ground floor would be largely dedicated to computing super labs and flexible staff workplaces.

Above, from the first to the third floor, teaching labs, active learning areas and more amenity spaces are proposed.

Roof plans include a large plant area and green room with facilities to allow maintenance.

The bid comes after planning permission on principle was granted for the project in 2017.

Glasgow City Council's planning committee is considering the application and a decision is expected by Thursday, October 31.