The University of Glasgow celebrated two key milestones in the delivery of its Campus Development Programme this week with the start of construction on the Adam Smith Business School and Postgraduate Taught Hub (ASBS/PGT Hub) and the topping out of the Clarice Pears Building, the new home for the Institute of Health and Wellbeing.

The University’s Campus Development is redeveloping the site of the former Western Infirmary in Glasgow’s West End, delivering new teaching, research and social facilities, along with safe and accessible new public spaces.

The Clarice Pears is due to be completed in Summer 2022. It will become the third major development to be delivered through the University of Glasgow Campus Development Programme, following the James McCune Smith Learning Hub, which opened in April and the ARC (Advanced Research Centre), which will also complete in Summer 2022.

The construction of both new developments is being managed by the University’s construction partner, Multiplex.

Prof Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow said: “I’m delighted to be able to mark these key milestones in the delivery of two major projects on our Campus Development Programme.

“The Clarice Pears Building will ensure our Institute of Health and Wellbeing continues to deliver teaching and research that shapes the world around us, preventing ill-health, reducing health inequalities and developing effective interventions which influence the health sector and health policy.

“The fantastic new facility we are constructing as a base on campus for our taught postgraduate students and to house our Adam Smith Business School will enable us to continue to meet the changing needs and expectations of our postgraduate community, while supporting our ambition to become one of the world’s leading business schools.”

Darren Pike, Multiplex Project Director, said: “Multiplex is delighted to celebrate these two major milestones in the University of Glasgow’s Campus Development Programme.

“Topping out the Clarice Pears building is a major achievement for the team, especially during a global pandemic, and the Adam Smith Business School and PGT Hub will be an excellent facility, continuing the implementation of the University’s vision for the Western campus. We look forward to continuing the strong partnership Multiplex and the University have formed to date.

“These two new University buildings will be great assets to Glasgow’s West End and will continue to generate social value for the local community in the form of jobs, apprenticeships, work placements and training opportunities.”

Clarice Pears Building

The Clarice Pears Building will be a landmark new development housing the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing.

It will be a powerful driver for enhancing the impact of the work the Institute undertakes on policy and practice, delivering real-world change and enhancing the reputation of the University of Glasgow around the world.

The new building will enable collaboration and networking, focusing research within the Institute. It will become a ‘go-to’ place for individuals and organisations interested in improving health and reducing health inequalities.

Clarice Pears Building

Adam Smith Business School and Postgraduate Taught Hub 

The £85 million development, designed by HASSELL, will include modern and collaborative learning and teaching facilities for PGT students. It will also allow the Adam Smith Business School to continue to grow and deliver world class learning, teaching and research, and an enhanced student experience.

This is the fourth major new building to be delivered through the University’s £1 billion Campus Development Programme, which is redeveloping the site of the former Western Infirmary in Glasgow’s West End. Construction will begin in July and is expected to complete in 2022.

The new building will be located on the site's southern boundary, on Dumbarton Road and adjacent to Kelvingrove Museum and Kelvin Hall. The surrounding area will be extensively landscaped to create a welcoming and accessible gateway onto the expanded campus.


More information

About Multiplex

Multiplex is a leading international contractor with a focus on sustainable growth and a presence in Europe, Canada, the Middle East, Australia and India. They have been bringing large-scale, complex structures to life for over 50 years. Established in the United Kingdom in 1999, Multiplex has a proven track record of delivering high quality, iconic projects. They have built a reputation in the marketplace for their collaborative, flexible approach – starting with the end in mind, working in partnership with their clients, and maintaining a shared focus on the final goal. Their current workbook across a diverse range of sectors reflects their strong reputation, which has resulted in a high proportion of repeat business. Multiplex is backed by the financial stability and global relationships of their parent company, Brookfield, which supports their continued growth. multiplex.global

First published: 7 June 2021