Construction work on a new University of the West of Scotland (UWS) campus in South Lanarkshire is to begin in November.

The formal contract signing stage has now been completed between the University and South Lanarkshire Council, which result in a new 38-acre modern campus built at Hamilton International Technology Park (HITP). The first students are expected to move in by 2018.

Features of the EcoCampus project includes innovative teaching and learning facilities, specialist labs, social spaces, high quality residential accommodation, top-end sports facilities and a students' union. In addition, the development will be one of the UK's 'greenest' educational environments, featuring carbon neutral buildings incorporating sustainability features such as 100% renewable power.

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Once the project has been completed, the current Almada Street campus will undergo a large-scale regeneration project to stimulate economic growth in the area.

It is estimated the development will be worth at least £443 million to the local economy over the next 25 years, according to an independent report prepared for South Lanarkshire Council by EKOS.

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: "Our new campus marks a significant stage in the development of UWS and will be a major boost for Lanarkshire bringing exciting social and economic benefits, as well as creating the go-to study destination for students from across Scotland, the UK and further afield.

"We have plans to deliver some of the most innovative learning spaces in the UK and look forward to working with our partners to make this highly ambitious development a reality."

Council Leader Eddie McAvoy added: "This is a very important day for Hamilton and for South Lanarkshire. Having UWS commit to the town is a major achievement, and now that we have the details of their plans to create one of the UK’s greenest eco-campuses, the benefits of keeping the University here are clearer than ever."

(LM/CD)