Exciting times for University campus

The University's ambitious building programme is continuing apace in a bold bid to transform the campus into the "most vibrant and dynamic" city centre campus in Scotland.

With more than £200 million earmarked for construction projects over a five year period this phase of the University's development has been described as an "exceptional and exciting time" by David Yule, Director of Campus Services.

Projects recently completed include the £20m plus Centre For Interdisciplinary Research (CIR) building -home to some of the world's top scientists - and the striking Page and Park-designed Queen Mother building which houses the University's Department of Applied Computing.

Work is also now underway to renovate the three historic buildings at The Old Technical Institute, the Old Medical School and the Carnelley building on College Green to accommodate the Life Sciences Teaching Unit and the new offices for the Faculty of Education and Social Work.

Two more historic buildings are also undergoing a make-over. The Carnegie Building is being renovated to accommodate the Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy while the Peters building - home to the UK's first UNESCO Centre of Excellence (see story page seven) - is also being upgraded. Both buildings form part of the Geddes quadrangle - the historic heart of the campus.

According to Capital Projects and Development Manager Colin McNally the integration of existing buildings with new developments is an important part of the regeneration of the campus.

"We want to maintain the historic integrity of the campus at the same time as providing top quality facilities fit for the 21st century. To do that we need to make the most of the many fine historic buildings we already have and integrate them with our new-build projects."

Part of the upgrade of University facilities is the £6m improvement of the IT infrastructure which is also underway. The Netcomms project is designed to make the University's computer systems faster and more reliable.

A new car park with approximately 80 spaces for University permit holders has opened next to the Vision building behind Perth Road.

Caird House car park, which is accessed by road via Westmarketgait, should prove popular with staff working on the south side of the campus as it is linked to Perth Road by steps to the side of Caird House, just opposite the Tower Building.

New build work planned for early in the new year includes the new £15m teaching block for the Faculty of Education and Social Work which will also provide state of the art teaching spaces for the University as a whole.

By spring next year work should also be on site at the corner of old Hawkhill where an extension to the sports centre, designed by award winning architects firm Nicol Russell Studios is planned. As well as providing new squash courts and a new fitness suite the work is aimed at making the sports centre more accessible to all users.

Work on the £5.5m library extension is also due on site next spring. Designed by London firm Austin-Smith: Lord the extension will give the library the capability to open 24 hours a day and promote elearning with the provision of extra space for computer facilities.

Still at the planning stages is the Campus Green project described by David Yule as "one of the most exciting projects to date."

Aimed at providing a focal point for the campus as a whole and creating a more collegiate feel, the ambitious project includes plans for more flexible leisure space, multi-purpose terraced lawns and themed areas where different aspects of university life can be brought together.

"The aim is to create the best city centre campus in Scotland," said David. "To do that will inevitably mean a certain level of disruption but we hope that staff, students and visitors will bear with us. We certainly believe it will be worth it."

Other work also planned includes a £15m purpose-built facility at Smalls Wynd to create a central hub for student services, a £3.5m sports pavilion complete with social areas and changing facilities at Riverside Drive. Meanwhile work is already underway at the £8.8m clinical research centre at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School.