Multiplex is set to start building a £300m learning and research building at the University of Glasgow this month.
The 27,000 sq m Keystone building in the university’s Gilmorehill campus will feature general learning and teaching areas, dry and wet lab spaces, and high-spec computing labs.
It will also provide a maker’s workshop and general teaching facilities for the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering.
Multiplex has been lead contractor on the university’s £1.3bn campus development programme since 2017, after beating Lendlease to the job.
The programme was planned as a 10-year effort that would see the creation of a new campus on the 5.7 ha site, formerly the site of the Western Infirmary.
A statement from the university said the Keystone building would be its most sustainable facility to date and is aiming to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification.
Gary Clark, regional principal of science and technology at architect HOK, said: “The Keystone represents the future of interdisciplinary science and teaching with advanced research labs, teaching ‘super labs’ and the latest in sustainable design.
“Once open, it will be one of the largest net-zero-carbon university buildings in the UK, and one of the most welcoming, with neuro-inclusive workspaces embedded throughout.”
Construction of the building, which will be the university’s second largest, is due to be completed before the start of the 2028/29 academic year.
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: ““This is a hugely significant investment for our community, providing state of the art learning and teaching facilities for over 3,600 students, which will allow us to continue to attract the brightest and best students and staff to Glasgow.
“In addition, it will deliver a range of specialist equipment and spaces to support our world-leading education in Engineering and Biomedical sciences.”
