A topping out ceremony has been held to mark a key stage in the construction of the £113 million Research Hub at the University of Glasgow.
The five-story concrete frame has now been completed. The facility has been tipped to provide ‘inspiring spaces’ where ‘world-changing research’ can thrive.
The Research Hub will be the second building delivered through the University of Glasgow’s £1 billion Campus Development Programme. It will be home to academics working across five themes: Creative Economies & Cultural Transformation, Digital Chemistry, International Development, Quantum and Nanotechnology, and Technologies Touching Life.
The ground floor of the building will be accessible to the public, with café and exhibition spaces.
The topping out ceremony was led by Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli (vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Glasgow), Andrew Ridley-Barker (Multiplex operations director for Europe), Randy Kray (senior principal and director for science and technology), and Alan Addison (project lead and principal from architects HOK).
Sir Anton said, “The University of Glasgow has fostered world-changing research for centuries and our major new investment in the Research Hub will ensure we continue to shape the world around us for years to come. This exciting development will provide a world-class research facility at the heart of our new Western campus. It will bring together academics from many different disciplines to create a unique and inspiring community, working to address some of the biggest challenges facing society.”
Darren Pike, Multiplex project director added, “Multiplex are delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Glasgow to deliver the Research Hub. We are proud to have reached this landmark milestone on programme and look forward to delivering this world class research facility within the heart of the new Western Campus.”
Gary Clark, regional leader for science and technology from HOK’s London Studio commented, “I am delighted that the University of Glasgow’s Research Hub has reached this important milestone of topping out. This building has already built up a global following due to its uniqueness and all eyes are on it as it’s set to be a ground-breaking, innovative facility for interdisciplinary research. I am especially proud that this is in my home city of Glasgow and hope this will be the beginning of a sustained presence for HOK in Scotland.”
