THE University of Glasgow has received planning consent from Glasgow City Council to begin construction on the first building on the site of the former Western Infirmary.

Work is now starting on the £113 million Research Hub, with completion expected in 2021.

The building is designed to be a “vibrant, collaborative facility” at the heart of the Western campus.

It will host more than 600 academics, post-doctoral researchers and PhD students working across five broad research themes.

‌The ground floor will be publicly accessible, offering spaces for engagement events and exhibitions as well as a café.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, principal and vice-chancellor, University of Glasgow, said: “We are delighted to have received planning consent to begin construction on the Research Hub.

“This represents a landmark moment in our £1 billion campus development programme as the Research Hub will be the first building to be constructed on the site of the former Western Infirmary.

“Upon completion, this building will offer a unique facility to support the University’s world-class research, as well as providing a welcoming and accessible hub for knowledge exchange and public engagement.”