Glasgow Caledonian University has unveiled its proposals for a new £30m redevelopment of its city centre campus.

A planning application was submitted earlier this week for the Heart of the Campus project.

Heart of the Campus is part of the University's Campus Futures scheme, which aims to enhance the experience of everyone working and studying at GCU, and will provide state-of-the-art academic teaching, learning spaces and social areas.

Glasgow-based architects, Page\Park are behind the design of the project.

Major construction work includes a new glass reception and atrium, the creation of a 500-seat teaching and conference facility and an eating mall.

Two of the current buildings, the George Moore and Hamish Wood, will be significantly renovated under the ambitious plans and be better connected to the campus centrepiece, the Saltire Centre.

The ground level of the George Moore building will be home to a new restaurant with a galleria façade overlooking one of three courtyard gardens, while a dedicated area for student support services will be located on the first floor of the property, with Skype suite and a virtual hangout for students to study and socialise.

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For the Hamish Wood facility, an official university entrance point and reception will be established to the front, with a showcase glass structure comprising of exhibition space, an information zone and a café. The pavilion will be highly visible from the western approach to the campus and is an opportunity to showcase the University’s identity and work. It will lead to a new ground floor learning, teaching and conference and events facility and will also act as the entrance to the Glasgow School for Business and Society.

The Hamish Wood building will be developed in stages and the first phase represents a £5.5m investment, part of the wider £30m budget. Internal refurbishment works will be phased over a number of years, which will require a further £20m investment.

Speaking about the plans, University Secretary and Vice-Principal Governance, Jan Hulme, said: "Heart of the Campus is a transformative stage in the journey of Glasgow Caledonian University.

"We believe in providing an innovative and inspiring environment in which to study and work and the Heart of the Campus will deliver that, and much more. Not only will it revitalise the look of the campus with its exciting, contemporary design but it will also create dynamic spaces for learning and teaching and enhance the feeling of community on campus."

Work is due to start on site in June 2014 and is expected to be completed by January 2016.

(JP/MH)