April 12 2023

The University of Strathclyde has shared plans for a green oasis comprising an improved public realm and planting on a site bounded by North Portland Street, Rottenrow and Richmond Street.

The Heart of the Campus project has been made possible by the transfer of Rottenrow Gardens by Glasgow City Council at no cost, clearing the way for the university to build a covered walkway alongside a performance space and gardens.

Councillor Franny Scally said: "The transfer of this site - lying at the heart of the University of Strathclyde’s campus - will allow public realm, greenspace and active travel works to take place there. This will bring significant environmental and social benefits to everyone using the University campus and this part of the city centre."

As well as improving campus connections the landscape plan by Raeburn Farquhar Bowen will include a graduation wall, establishing the area opposite a new learning and teaching hub as a central social space.

4 Comments

#1 Posted by Nairn's Bairn on 13 Apr 2023 at 11:04 AM

What a great idea to improve on this space. I have on a few occasions found myself here if early for (or between) appointments, and while I see from the Streetview image that there is currently some external seating, this was not always the case. A more inviting, accessible public space as shown would be very welcome for such a key location. I'm sure it would see a lot of use.

#2 Posted by Fat Bloke on Tour on 13 Apr 2023 at 11:45 AM

Only 10 years too late.
Sorry make that 20 ...

The current space is just so low rent / cheap.

Strath is a college that just doesn't want to grow up.

Hopefully they kick on to make the most of the site and try to link into the city around them. Their engagement with George Street is particularly poor.

#3 Posted by Strath4lifer on 15 Apr 2023 at 00:00 AM

FBOT, even for you that last comment was idiotic, Strathclyde is the only university in the UK to have been awarded times education university of the year, but hey why not throw out a spurious insult on a website to show your intellectual prowess. As an ex-strathclyder living in Sydney I am amazed at the esteem the university is held in globally, suppose you would have the same appreciation sitting on yer sofa in westerhails…..?

#4 Posted by Fat Bloke on Tour on 15 Apr 2023 at 14:40 PM

The issue with Strath is not the teaching it is its place in the city / its engagement with the city -- CGC announces itself to the world while Strath mumbles away in the background.

Hopefully this new open space will provide the fully developed focus that is sadly lacking at the moment -- some picnic benches and some grass suggests that the suits were easily pleased back in the day.

Plus George Street with its concrete monstrosity / Livi Tower / BT cast offs / surface car park highlights the complete lack of positive presence the campus has within the city.

Strath needs to lose its shyness and sell itself to the world -- the view from Aus needs updating / Level 8 is gone.

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